Dec 26, 2011
Virtual Law Offices May Be Answer to Reduced Postal Services
NEW YORK–Virtual law offices are gaining momentum, and may be part of the solution to the impending changes with the United States Postal delivery system.
Let’s review the problem: The United States Postal Service, or USPS, figures it can save $2.1 billion by laying off 28,000 workers, closing hundreds of mail processing plants and ending first class mail delivery. Indeed, by May the USPS may put an end to next-day mail delivery service in a move to keep its doors open. There has also been talk of shutting down Saturday delivery, and some post office locations are closing altogether.
Legal Web Experts, a Web design firm that specializes in developing Web sites for attorneys, is predicting many law firms that rely heavily on prompt mail delivery could find their practices in trouble without a reliably fast mail service. Think about it: Without next-day mail delivery, the delay of important court papers, documents, evidence and other materials could cause problems and even cost an attorney their case.
Enter the virtual law office. By deploying virtual law office software, much of the problem is solved.
“Sending and uploading documents via the internet is beginning to affect every industry, including legal,” says Ryan Nelson, Director of Operations for Legal Web Experts. “All firms must seriously consider having a digital document sending solution—or, at the very least, have a solution that can be implemented quickly should they need it.”
Virtual law office systems let attorneys set up a client login portal on their Web site. Clients can log in over a secure connection to download and upload documents, send completed forms, securely message their attorney and even make payments online. It’s faster and efficient than even overnight mail.
But the benefits of the virtual law offices extend beyond mail service. The virtual law office also gives lawyers increased flexibility at their office and the ability to work from anywhere. For clients, completing, sending and reviewing forms and documents online—no law office visits—is also convenient.
And here’s the good news: Web designers can integrate a virtual law office platform into almost any Web site in less than two weeks, or even days. So if your law firm has been considered a virtual law office solution, now may be the time to step up your investigation of the possibilities and prepare for the potential USPS changes.
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