Virtual offices are certainly permitted under the ABA’s Rules of Professional Conduct! The rules permit virtual offices to operate under specific guidelines especially those pertaining to meetings and receiving mail.
First, under Rule 7.1, “[a] lawyer shall not make a false or misleading communication about the lawyer or the lawyer's services. A communication is false or misleading if it contains a material misrepresentation of fact or law, or omits a fact necessary to make the statement considered as a whole not materially misleading.” In short, a lawyer shouldn’t lie about their practice, which includes the practice’s nature and office address.
Next, Rule 7.2(d) states: “[a]ny communication made under this Rule must include the name and contact information of at least one lawyer or law firm responsible for its content.” To satisfy this requirement, the ABA allows for remote lawyers to use the following as an office address:
- “lawyer's home of physical office,
- the address of a shared office space,
- or a registered post office box.”
Being that we deal with virtual firms and remote attorneys, attorneys must clearly state that they work out of a virtual office. The communications should also include whether attorneys meet in person and/or via technology. Furthermore, if attorneys require meetings “by appointment only,” they must make that known as well.
Virtual firms need also be aware of their confidentiality policies and practices. It is vital to the attorney-client relationship that attorneys always maintain confidentiality with their clients. View our post on Rule 1.6 for information and tips on confidentiality matters.
We can help you with providing accurate information about your legal services!
Recognized Legal Address
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Mail Receipt and Local Pick up
Our staff is legally able to serve as agents for service of process when an attorney of your firm isn’t present. As part of our protocol, we identify priority deliveries and notify the relevant attorneys immediately.
Mail Forwarding
Have your business mail forwarded by mail or receive it instantly digitally on the cloud, the choice is yours. With FirmVO’s assistance, your firm is only charged postage and a small handling fee.
Private Offices and Hot Desks
Your virtual office is so much more than a mailing address! Reserve an office or hot desk instantly online from 30 minutes to a month.
Lucky for you, adhering to 7.1 and 7.2 is easy to do!
