The Virtual Law Office from the perspective of the Office Manager, Desiree Birch:
“I have been with Long Family Law Group (LFLG) since December of 2006 in the role of Office Manager.
Our system is very simple … whenever possible, make an electronic copy. We extensively use encrypted email as a method of communication, not only between lawyer and client, but also between lawyer and other counsel. Family Law is definitely NOT a “9 to 5” profession. It’s one thing to have electronic documents accessible when you are IN the office … but having secure access to the firm’s systems and databases from outside the office is what has allowed past and present lawyers and staff flexibility that is sometimes needed in this hectic life.
When I started at LFLG, we had a student-at-law doing her articles, who had a young family at home. I saw her trying to balance her studies, her family, and trying to start her career at the firm. Without the flexibility of having the secure remote access to her computer, she wouldn’t have been able to work/study AND be at home with her child. Once she was admitted to the bar and started her practice with us, this flexibility continued to allow her to manage her caseload around the needs of her family. She could, and DID, work until early hours of the morning, but was still able to be at home.
In 2008, Linda ventured into a mentoring relationship with a young lawyer from Grande Prairie, Marc Delacruz. The virtual model that we had created worked very well for him as well. He was able to utilize the system that we had created, and model it at his own firm. We were able to give him access to our precedents – not only just court document precedents, but also everyday administration precedents that he would need to run his firm. Documents like client retainer agreements and questionnaires, to disbursement entry sheets, billing templates, and closed file spreadsheets. We had already “invented the wheel” so he didn’t have to.
I also had the opportunity to help mentor Marc on the administration side of running his law firm. I spent some in time person with him when he came to our office going through the ESILaw program, but the majority of the training that we did was over the phone or by email. I was able to teach him how to utilize the ESILaw program for his financial transactions – posting payments, creating and posting bills, etc., as well as teach him what systems he needed to put in place regarding his business to ensure he was meeting the guidelines of the Law Society of Alberta.
Linda has also been able to manage a very busy law practice, a relationship with her husband in Lethbridge, 3 kids, numerous “adopted” kids, vacations, … well, read her blog and she’ll tell you. While my position doesn’t allow as much flexibility for remote work, I have even been able to utilize the secure remote system several times to check emails and such, while being at home with a sick child.
It’s a wonderful system … the days of being chained to your desk are over.”
Stayed tuned for Part 7: VLO From the Perspective of the Junior Associate
