May 12, 2011
Clearspire Takes Virtual Law Office to Next Level
What a headline from the America Bar Association Journal: “Legal Entrepreneur Forms DC Law Firm that Shuns Office Face Time and Lawyer.”
In this case, the headline really does say it all—and it speaks loud and clear to the virtual law office trend that’s slowly making its way across the country.
Debra Cassens Weiss penned the ABA Journal article that discusses a non-lawyer entrepreneur that launched and later sold a contract legal staffing firm—and has now set out to revolutionize law practice with a law firm that allows lawyers to work at home and doesn’t emphasize attorney rainmaking.
I decided to check out the firm, named Clearspire, for myself. The Web site boldly declares that the 100-year-old law firm model has been reengineered:
“For corporate and outside counsel alike, the traditional law firm model is broken. In response to a universal demand for change, Clearspire has introduced an entirely new model for the practice of law. For clients, we offer a complete, value-driven solution for outsourcing complex legal matters. For attorneys, we present an opportunity to practice in a supportive and invigorating environment, free from the demoralizing demands of major firms. The result is a radically new and efficient law firm for the 21st century. Where the most advanced business practices and most powerful technologies promote excellence, accountability and value. Where every system brings clients and attorneys into closer collaboration around shared interests. Where the universal desire for a better law firm has led, finally and fully, to a true alternative.”
While Clearspire promises an entirely new model, the attorneys come mostly from AmLaw 200 ranks. Bryce Arrowood is the co-founder, president and CEO of the company. Arrowood’s innovations in the legal service arena include a proprietary relational database for LawCorps that managed every facet of the business from sales and marketing contact information to employee management and financial and accounting management.
This is one of the most innovative models I’ve seen, and should pave the way for even greater competition among virtual law firms—and greater adoption of the model.
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