Virtual Lawyering: Expanding Your Practice Priya Prakash Royal, Esq., LL.M. ROYAL LAW FIRM PLLC January 14, 2016 Process, Resources and, Implementation Royal Law Firm PLLC royalesq.com

Introduction Priya Prakash Royal Royal Law Firm PLLC – Roots and relevance Experience: advanced degrees – LL.M. and MBA (pending), medium and large NJ law firms, litigation and transactional, former IRS attorney (NJ/DC), non- profit executive board, valuation analyst training, journalism background. Focus areas: Tax, Business, Trusts & Estates Jurisdictions: PA, NJ, NY, DC, MD

From one to many: the process Solo and Small Firm Attorneys: Expanding to a multijurisdictional practice Market research Customers, cost, capability Barriers and Ethical Issues Rules against the unauthorized practice of Law: Example: Rule 49(a) D.C. Ct. of Appeals and ABA Model Rule 8.5(a): ”A lawyer admitted to practice in this jurisdiction is subject to the disciplinary authority of this jurisdiction, regardless of where the lawyer’s conduct occurs.”

Across Jurisdictions, Cont'd Business Plan Professional liability insurance coverage for multijurisdictional practitioners Staying abreast on legal updates: Resources, network and niches. E-Signature and Client communication Electronic office resources Examples: MyCase, RightSignature, Virtual receptionist/paralegal, Gotomeeting, virtual offices and opensource software

A virtual but traditional office Law traditionally a local practice but changing – creates opportunities for skilled attorneys with time and resource limitations Face-to-face meetings across timezones: Videoconferencing and the virtual office for global clients Also use for marketing globally - Examples Use value added services to incorporate benefits of traditional brick and mortar office into a flexible remote office model Virtual Office Staffing, Document Management Systems, Electronic Signature Tools, Modified Phone Systems, etc. Examples

Developing an expanded niche practice Find the best areas of practice – individual considerations ABA Model Rules 7.1, 7.2 and 7.4: The rules against “expertise” and advertising a niche practice Establish of counsel and co-counsel relationships. Ethical issues. Of Counsel rules: ABA Formal Op. 330 (1972) and ABA Formal Op (1990). Engagement letters and compensation agreements

Managing the expanded niche Use relationships and resources in law and beyond to serve the client’s needs. Publishing, seminars, events, and business cards Process and Project Management in Legal Practice Example: using charts (Microsoft Project) to set timelines for a client seeking legal services in global expansion. Efficiency and accuracy focused. Majority of the time in the firm is on building not billing

Marketing and Advertising Use social media effectively to advertise an expanded niche practice Blogging – on and off website Publishing – electronic resources Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn Market in multiple jurisdictions without engaging in the unauthorized practice of law Develop client and non-legal professional relationships to expand presence Passions, hobbies and non-profit partnerships

Increasing ROR in a Virtual practice Collaborate with experienced attorneys and legal professionals Retain staff on a project basis and provide virtual tools for work. Use staff and technology for routine tasks. Develop law practice management goals based on serving clients without time or location barriers instead of reducing overhead. Incorporate technological resources to provide direct and personal communication with clients routinely Keywords and networks

Thank you! Priya Prakash Royal, Esq., LL.M. Royal Law Firm PLLC 1725 I St. NW, Ste 300 Washington DC Phone: (800)