By Guest Blogger, Melanie Fischer
Every solo attorney needs a designated space to complete work and meet with clients. But there is nothing that says a solo attorney can’t work from home, a shared office, a room in a public library, or any location that serves the needs of the law office. While one solo attorney might not want to have a work space anywhere other than inside of a traditional office building, another solo attorney might be able to successfully conduct business from a comfy chair in a coffee shop. The choice on where to complete work and meet with clients is ultimately up to the attorney.
Office Space Flexibility
One of the most desirable aspects of being a solo attorney is that there is quite a bit of freedom to run your law firm the way you desire. As long as all legal requirements are satisfied, it’s possible to situate your law office anywhere you see fit. While it’s important to take into consideration the impression set by the location of your office, if you work in an area of law that requires very little face-to-face interaction with clients, it may be possible to complete a majority of your work from the comfort of your own home. In today’s day and age, it’s quite common for small businesses of all types to be managed from someone’s living room!
If you do not wish to run your solo law practice from home, here are ideas on where many other solo attorneys choose to complete their daily work and meet with clients:
STRATUM at the CBA Offices – A members-only co-working space for lawyers at the CBA (1900 Grant St. 9th Floor, Denver). STRATUM gives members a strong sense of community and collegiality, while providing you with the business amenities you need. Members have access to power for your devices, meeting space (Email stratum@cobar.org to reserve), high speed wifi, printing, scanning, copying, and faxing (limited number of copies), complimentary coffee and soft drinks, networking events, and guest passes for non-members. Click here for more information.
Shared Office Space – If you do not want to commit to a long-term lease on an office, consider sharing an office space with another solo attorney. Many solo attorneys who choose this option maintain an office calendar that states which attorney has access to the office on designated days and times. This set-up can work very well for solo attorneys who are trustworthy, responsible, and respect each other’s work schedule.
Executive Suite – An executive suite is often referred to as a virtual office. For a monthly fee, a virtual office provides a receptionist who answers your phone calls and takes messages or transfers calls to you, a physical mailing address, and conference rooms that can be utilized for in-person client meetings. A virtual office is an excellent option for a solo attorney who does not want to commit to a long-term lease or endure the financial responsibility associated with maintaining a private office.
Small Private Office – If you are interested in a private office space, many solo attorneys start with something small – rather than an office with ample room to add other attorneys, a legal secretary and a paralegal. Depending on the area in which you live, it may be possible to find a small office that is affordable and perfect for storing your professional files and meeting with clients.
Public Library – Many cities have public libraries that offer small private rooms or conference rooms that can be booked for meetings with clients. The downside of relying on a public library is that rooms are not always available, and a library may not be open every day of the week. However, utilizing a library is economical and can provide a private and quiet space for work-related meetings.
No matter where you choose to set up your solo law office, make sure to keep your current and potential clients in mind. If you decide to operate your law firm out of your home, remember that using your home address for your business might not be optimal. Additionally, a home office can be riddled with distractions that might not be conducive to a favorable work environment. If you are a new solo attorney and you are still trying to determine the best possible location for your office, rest assured that you can make adjustments to your set-up at any time. If you start by conducting business out of your living room, and eventually decide that you want to utilize a virtual office, you can move your work space at any time.
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