Going Solo - Virtually
Rachel Rodgers started her legal career by clerking for a family law judge and working at a small business transactions firm. When she was laid off, she decided to start her own virtual solo law practice. She was admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey but her husband got a job in California. Using a virtual law platform allows her to practice on both coasts and expand her market. Her general services include legal strategy sessions, document analysis, and social media services. She uses social media like Twitter to cultivate professional relationships and find clients. Her advice for other virtual solos is to align their practice with their interests, be creative, find their niche, impress clients over other lawyers, and operate as leanly as
Going Solo - Virtually
- 1. A Conversation with Virtual Solo Lawyer Rachel RodgersGoing solo - virtually
- 2. ModeratorDonna Seyle, FounderLawPracticeStrategy.comPresenterRachel Rodgers, Esq.RachelRodgersLaw.compresenters
- 3. During Law SchoolBecome a litigatorRepresent society’s vulnerable populationsAfter Law SchoolEarn an income doing something I didn’t hateBecame more practical when I had to start paying back law school loansProfessional Goals
- 4. Clerking for Family Law JudgeJudge, lawyers, litigants & court clerks relied on me for directionLearned a lot about practicing law and myselfSmall Business Transactions FirmLaid off after only a few monthsWHAT TO DO?First experiences
- 5. Knew of several job openings that were not appealing to meGo SoloHad a couple of possible clients in the wingsKnew I could create what I wanted, not someone else’s dreamWhat are your options?
- 6. Whygovirtual?I was admitted to practice in NY & NJ. Husband got job in CaliforniaResearched virtual law platforms extensivelyVLO allows me to practice on both coasts – expands marketStreamlines workflowManages communicationEnables creativity
- 7. General ServicesLegal Strategy SessionLegal Document AnalysisSocial Media ServicesSocial Media Strategy SessionSocial Media Legal AnalysisIn-House Counsel PackagesSavvy Entrepreneur Annual PlansSavvy Entrepreneur Start-up PlansCustomized PackagesLegal services delivery models
- 8. Already personally using social networkingJust turned my networking practices toward cultivating professional relationshipsCreated professional communities, particularly on TwitterGives me opportunities to interact with other lawyers, business owners, potential clients and friendsHas led to many other opportunities, such as guest blogging and interviewsUsing social media marketing
- 9. Align your practice with your own interests and goalsDon’t fear creativityCreate your own nicheCreate your own delivery models and systems to attract your target clientsGo beyond your client’s expectationsImpress your clients, not other lawyersBest practices for virtual solos
- 10. Don’t overspend – personally or professionallyLower your living expensesFind and use technology to help you operate as lean as possibleSave a portion of your incomeHave a credit card available for emergenciesmistakes to avoid