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Month: November 2023

Will Office Space Become Obsolete?

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With remote work on the rise, will office space become obsolete?

According to a study done by Boston Consulting Group, ‘1.5 billion square feet of office space could become obsolete’, with low utilization, high vacancy levels, and financial viability slipping away for many.

Here at Amata we provide office spaces for law firms and professional services companies in Chicago, so this is a trend that could deeply affect us. But the reason why we’re not worried (and actually feel hopeful for the future), is because we have lived this already through the pandemic and found that Office Space will not become obsolete, it just needs to twist to effectively serve the new demands of the market.

Enter The New Era of Office Space

During the pandemic one of our natural worries was, “Will people stop needing an office?”. And contrary to our fears, Amata grew and today we serve more than 800 clients all over Chicago.

There are a few reasons for this:

  • While companies had to go fully remote for some years, many have realized that this is not a sustainable work arrangement for them. Their associates desire human connection, a dedicated space where they can be productive, and the prestige that comes from an office in downtown Chicago.
  • This means that most solo and small law firms today are either working on-site or with hybrid arrangements.
  • Hybrid companies are giving their team members the option to choose between remote work or on-site work. 


The 2022 Practice Forward Report by The American Bar Association found that 44% of lawyers practicing 10 years or less were more likely to leave their current job for one that offers a greater ability to work remotely. At the other end of the age spectrum, only 13% of those practicing over 40 years would leave their place of employment for the greater ability to work remotely.

This means that there is a clear generational divide, where more established lawyers desire to work at the office while younger generations work more flexible options. This is why hybrid companies choose to retain talent by giving their employees options.

But how can they keep an office space without spending excessively or being locked by a 5-year lease?

At Amata, we help them with our flexible plans which allow them to add or drop office space during the term of the contract, without penalty, so they can scale up and down as their company grows. This means that they can add new team members or create a leaner team without being worried about unutilized office space or relocating.

We also provide Hybrid companies solutions that match their desired flexibility, such as conference rooms for the day, support staff on-demand (only pay what you need), mail handling, and networking events.

  • Even fully remote companies can benefit from some physicality. For example, listing your home as your official business address can hurt credibility in the eyes of clients, and also not be the best idea for safety reasons.

    That is why at Amata we provide remote companies a virtual business address, so that clients associate your organization with Class A, prominent office buildings in the Chicago area. A virtual business address also entitles you to receive correspondence at the location and enjoy mail processing and forwarding from the on-site staff.

What we have found is that office space will not become obsolete, it just needs to be reimagined. Lawyers and professionals want a healthier work/life balance, and they want office spaces that provide it.

That is why our unique model at Amata offers:

  • Flexibility – Programs that allow you to cancel offices during a contract term.
  • Hourly paralegals that work as if they are on your staff.
  • Administrative assistants that work with you virtually and in person, depending on your needs and circumstances.
  • Quarterly office socials to make new acquaintances and build relationships with others working in the center.
  • Monthly attorney socials with over 800 attorneys involved to expand your network and business opportunities.
  • Paralegal assistants that go to city hall, the Recorders Office and deliver courtesy copies to judges for you.
  • Live receptionists that can screen your calls, handle new client in-take and greet your guests.
  • Easy access to decision-makers and owners of Amata.
  • Notary/witness service program at all locations; plus a remote notary/witness service program that includes video recording.
  • Conference room usage is not rounded up to the nearest hour. You only pay for time you use in 15-minute increments

All so you can:

        • Maintain profitability: When your revenue goes down, as a business owner you need to reduce expenses to maintain profit. Amata provides flexibility in order to achieve this in your office space costs (which are a large chunk of expenses).
        • Access office space on your own terms: Amata provides 12-month lease terms with a 30-day notice to adjust office space. This provides a key ability to reduce costs and maintain profitability when needed.
        • Be fully supported as you grow: Whether you’re doing a virtual or physical office, Amata provides on-demand (hourly) support services in the form of admin assistants, paralegals, receptionists, and business phone / phone app services that you get tasks off your to-do lists and back to growing your business.

So if you are a small law firm considering not renewing your office lease, try Amata. Our model is designed with you in mind: To give you modern offices that boost your team’s productivity and your firm’s prestige, while protecting your bottom line and giving you a support team that grows as your firm grows.

Contact us today to see how our virtual and on-site, flexible office plans can help you scale.

Discover our offices for lawyers in Chicago.

How Hybrid Law Firms Are Changing The Industry

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Five company directors in meeting with CEO in conference room.

More than three years after the COVID-19 pandemic started, the way lawyers work is changing forever.

While many law firms continue to work remotely, many of them saw the need for physical interaction with clients and teammates and decided to go back to the office. But the generational divide is clear:

The 2022 Practice Forward Report by The American Bar Association found that 44% of lawyers practicing 10 years or less were more likely to leave their current job for one that offers a greater ability to work remotely. At the other end of the age spectrum, only 13% of those practicing over 40 years would leave their place of employment for the greater ability to work remotely.

What this means is that there is not one generalized consensus about how remote work affects lawyers’ productivity and satisfaction. While some studies find that working from home increases productivity, other studies find that having no boundaries between work and life actually reduces productivity. While some studies find that workers feel more motivated working from home, other studies find that people’s mental health suffers when they stop those daily and spontaneous interactions with teammates and clients.

So what’s the truth? And what can law firms do to maximize their productivity and team retention, while saving costs on office space?

Enter the Hybrid Work Model

Instead of making people choose between remote work or on-site work, The 2022 Practice Forward Survey found that lawyers want the flexibility to decide for themselves when they work in the office and when they work at home. There is a strong desire to create flexible schedules and hybrid work arrangements, that will allow each person to control their day and tailor it to the way they know they can maximize productivity.

In other words, lawyers value optionality more than anything.

The Hybrid Work Model combines both in-person and remote work, offering lawyers and staff greater flexibility while maintaining the core functions of a traditional law firm.

This model allows firms to attract and retain top talent by offering a more attractive work-life balance, reduces overhead costs associated with maintaining large office spaces, and fosters agility and resilience in our age of disruptions.

However, there are 7 important factors to consider in order to implement the hybrid model effectively:

  1. Clear Policies and Guidelines: Clear policies and guidelines should outline the rules that will govern the hybrid work arrangement. Include expectations regarding work hours, communication, data security, client interactions, and performance metrics. Ensure that all employees understand and adhere to these guidelines.
  2. Technology Infrastructure: Invest in robust technology infrastructure to support remote work. This includes secure remote access to case management systems, cloud-based document storage, video conferencing tools, and cybersecurity measures. Ensure that employees have the necessary hardware and software to work effectively from various locations.
  3. Communication Tools: New communication tools and practices are required to maintain seamless collaboration among team members. Utilize video conferencing, instant messaging, project management software, and virtual meeting platforms to facilitate communication and document sharing.
  4. Performance Metrics: Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess employee performance and productivity in a hybrid work environment. These metrics can include billable hours, case progress, client satisfaction, and project completion rates. Review and adjust these metrics regularly as needed.
  5. Training and Support: Offer training and support for employees so all of them can navigate the hybrid work model successfully. Provide guidance on using remote work tools, maintaining data security, and managing time effectively. Encourage ongoing skill development to adapt to evolving work practices.
  6. Client Interaction Strategy: Develop a strategy for maintaining strong client relationships in a hybrid work environment. Consider offering both in-person and virtual client meetings, ensuring that clients can access legal services conveniently. Communicate the firm’s commitment to maintaining high-quality client service.
  7. Employee Well-being: Prioritize employee well-being and mental health. Recognize the challenges that come with remote work and provide resources to support physical and emotional health. Encourage regular breaks, flexibility in work schedules, and initiatives that promote work-life balance.

The hybrid work model can represent a significant shift in how lawyers practice, so most team members will require support. By setting clear expectations and controls, but also trusting people will continue doing their jobs, law firms can successfully transition to this new model while maintaining high standards of service.

How Hybrid Law Firms Can Access Office Spaces — On Their Own Terms

At Amata, we saw long before the pandemic how the legal industry was shifting. Technological disruptions and changing attitudes towards work meant that people craved more freedom and meaning, while still prioritizing law firm profitability and growth.

This is why our office-as-a-service model is the perfect complement to hybrid law firms. It allows lawyers to work remotely and protect their bottom line, while still enjoying the benefits of a traditional office space.

Our shared office spaces allow lawyers and professional service companies to have a prestigious business address in Chicago, access a private office or a conference room for the day, and get support from paralegals and virtual receptionists only when they need it. This flexible office space plus support staff on-demand model is why more than 800 law firms choose us.

And there’s more. With Amata, you can access:

  • Scalable office plans where you can add or drop office spaces during the term of the contract, without penalty, so that you can stay agile without the hassle of relocating.
  • Flexible legal support staff (both in-person and virtual) that act as an extension of your work, without the costs and risks of hiring full-time employees.
  • On-demand paralegals, administrative assistants, and virtual receptionists. All pre-vetted for you.
  • A business address in a prestigious area in Chicago, so you can impress clients and keep their trust.
  • Mail handling, scanning, and forwarding.
  • Conference rooms & private offices for the day.
  • Professional live receptionists to meet and greet your clients.
  • Networking events, so you can keep building relationships and growing your business even if you are fully remote.
  • And much, much more!

If you’d like to adopt a hybrid work model for your law firm, but do not want to lose the support services and productive environment a traditional office provides, Amata is for you. Our flexible plans and scalable solutions ensure you protect your profitability, while having access to modern offices that meet your exact needs.

Contact us today to schedule a tour of our locations. Discover how can we support your growth, whether you choose to work remotely, on-site, or opt for a hybrid model.

Discover our virtual offices in Chicago.

How Remote Law Firms Can Expand Their Reach In Chicago, Without Needing a High-Priced Office

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Having a remote law firm has many benefits, but it also has its costs. On the bright side, lawyers can reduce commute times, achieve a healthier work-life balance, and sometimes even increase their productivity, while lowering their real estate costs and workplace liabilities.

But almost with the same degree of possibility, lawyers can end up working all day, feel isolated and burnt out, and see a massive drop in productivity. In fact, the 2022 Practice Forward Report by The American Bar Association found that only 13% of lawyers practicing 10 years or more would leave their place of employment for the greater ability to work remotely.

The reality is that established lawyers thrive on relationships and human connection, and remote work can make this significantly harder. That is why a new option is rising today, which is hybrid work.

The Benefits of Hybrid Work

There are 9 things that law firms risk losing when going fully remote, and that can be mitigated by choosing a hybrid work environment:

  1. Limited Access to Resources: Lawyers often rely on law libraries, legal databases, and physical documents. Remote work may limit access to these essential resources, making legal research more challenging.
  2. Client Confidentiality: Remote work environments may not always provide the same level of security as a traditional office, increasing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
  3. Collaboration Challenges: Remote work can hinder spontaneous interactions and face-to-face collaboration, potentially affecting teamwork and communication.
  4. Client Meetings: Building rapport with clients can be more challenging through remote interactions, as it lacks the personal touch and trust-building opportunities that come with in-person meetings.
  5. Technical Issues: Remote work relies heavily on technology. Technical glitches, internet outages, or software problems can disrupt work, delay deadlines, and lead to frustrations.
  6. Isolation and Burnout: Lawyers working remotely may experience feelings of isolation due to the absence of regular social interactions with colleagues. This isolation can contribute to burnout and negatively impact mental health.
  7. Ergonomic Challenges: Lawyers often spend long hours reviewing documents or writing briefs, which can lead to chronic pains and postural issues when working from home without a proper office setup.
  8. Lack of Supervision: Junior lawyers or interns may miss out on valuable mentorship and supervision when working remotely, which can affect their professional development.
  9. Client Perception: Many top-tier clients prefer their lawyers to work from a traditional office setting, viewing it as a sign of professionalism and commitment.

So could there be a way to work how you want, from where you want, without missing out on the benefits of having a well-equipped, professional office?

How Flexible Office Arrangements Work

Amata pioneered an innovative ‘office-as-a-service’ model in Chicago, which allows lawyers to work remotely while enjoying the benefits of a traditional office space. Law firms can take care of business from virtually anywhere, and still access:

  • A Business Address in a Prestigious Chicago Area

Your clients need to trust who they’re working with. Amata provides the hospitality and the professional and personal touch your clients deserve. Amata provides a virtual business address, so clients associate your organization with Class A, prominent office buildings in the Chicago area.

  • Mail Handling, Scanning and Forwarding

A virtual business address also entitles you to receive correspondence at the location and enjoy mail processing and forwarding from the on-site staff.

  • Conference Rooms & Private Offices for the Day

With Amata, you can keep protecting your firm’s bottom line by having a physical office available as needed. Our flexible options allow you to access luxurious conference rooms and fully-staffed offices on demand, and your clients will never know that you aren’t renting the entire space because we customize everything for you.

Our shared office spaces also allow you to pay for only the space that you need. No need to pay for a lavish 200-meter library that you won’t use. And as your firm grows, our scalable plans provide the perfect solution for expansion. These plans allow you to add or drop office spaces during the term of the contract, without penalty, so that you can stay agile without the hassle of relocating.

  • Flexible Legal Support Staff, Including Paralegals and Administrative Assistants

With Amata, you can access corporate-level law firms without the costs of hiring full-time employees. We provide a wide variety of support services to attorneys including paralegals, legal assistants, administrative assistants, and receptionists (both in-person or virtual).

This allows you to focus on billable hours and growing your firm with a healthier work/life balance, while all the important but tedious tasks are taken care of professionally for you.

Our paralegals research cases on your behalf and draft documents while a virtual legal assistant manages your calendar, returns client phone calls, and plans events. They are all vetted and managed by Amata, ensuring you only pay for the services you require without the increased costs of full-time employees.

  • Live Receptionists to Meet and Greet Your Clients

Not all firms are created equal, and your office space should reflect that. Our Live receptionists will project an image of reliability and stability to your clients, meeting them as they arrive at your office and handling any urgent task on your behalf.

Live receptionists protect your time and handle important office-related tasks like phone answering, call forwarding, message taking, appointment scheduling, calendar management, CRM updating, and much, much more.

  • Networking Events

Having served more than 800 law firms for over 21 years, we have noticed that successful lawyers are in the business of building relationships. Amata’s unique model allows you to continue working remotely, but to attend networking events with like-minded professionals you can connect with to expand your partnerships, referrals, and connections.

A Better Way to Practice Law

The concept of a traditional, fixed brick-and-mortar office is evolving. Law firms are increasingly opting for hybrid office spaces that provide flexible solutions to meet their specific needs.

With Amata, remote law firms can continue working how they want and from where they want, while having professional offices and support services on-demand. This provides the perfect arrangement to expand your reach in Chicago while protecting your profitability and the work/life balance you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Contact us today and learn how our virtual office solutions allow you to increase profits while practicing law on your terms.

Discover our offices for lawyers in Chicago.

The Oldest, Most Effective Form of Business Development

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Growing a business is hard work. Tech, automations, SEO, and so much more. But there is one timeless and often forgotten way to drive new business and attract better clients: Networking.

You probably have networked your way to success for years, but did you know that most attorneys get 60-80% of their work from other professionals?

This means that meeting other professional service providers and creating mutually beneficial relationships with them can account for a big part of your growth. That is why in today’s article we’re going to talk about 3 tips for maximizing your networking efforts, and how you can do it effectively starting today.

Networking That Actually Works Tip #1: Start With Clarity

If you have done a lot of networking in the past and it hasn’t led to fruitful relationships, this may be the reason why. Whenever you are speaking with another professional the number one question (after breaking the ice with some small talk) will usually be:

“So, tell me about yourself. What do you do?”

The way you answer this question matters way more than you may currently realize. A vague answer will not be memorable and get lost among the dozens of conversations the other person will have that day. That is why the key is being clear about who you serve and how you serve them.

For example, stating that you serve corporate clients with their legal needs is very ample and easy to forget. But if you say “We are a small boutique firm specializing in compliance for pharmaceutical companies”, the specificity will help the other person remember what you do. This lasting impression significantly increases the chances of that other person referring you to the exact clients you aim to attract.

And while you may want to serve a diverse client base, framing what you do depending on the context may be a great idea. If you are meeting professionals with connections in the financial world, and that is one of the industries that you serve, you may want to emphasize your expertise in this area when talking with them by saying:

“We serve clients in a wide variety of sectors, but one of our specialties is helping financial services companies stay compliant and manage their legal needs.”

In this way, you are keeping your options open while presenting yourself as an expert.

Networking That Actually Works Tip #2: Give First

The best relationships don’t come out of a mindset of extraction, but of service. If you try to help others first, the natural human tendency will be to retribute back. So if you want referrals, refer first; if you want some counsel, provide your expertise first.

A generous attitude can solidify your reputation as a valuable and reliable professional. It also attracts more genuine connections with long-term partners who can significantly impact your business.

Just think about how have you met your best clients. Probably they came from a referral by a person who had a strong relationship with you, or by helping them first with a particular problem which then expanded into a wider working relationship. Networking goes beyond the exchange of business cards: it is about cultivating authenticity, mutually beneficial relationships with other professionals.

Business Coach Dan Sullivan talks about the concept of “Referability Habits”. These are a set of often invisible behaviors that make all the difference when meeting another person. Some of them include showing up on time, doing what you say, finishing what you start, and saying please & thank you. By paying more attention to these basic courtesies, you can become more ‘referrable’ and build your reputation. 

Networking That Actually Works Tip #3: Don’t See Others as Competition

While it is undeniable that some businesses might be in direct competition with you, the reality is that you can create mutually beneficial relationships with most professionals.

The reason is that, even if you both serve the exact same industry, your dream client might be their nightmare client, and vice-versa. Ask yourself, who is your dream referral? and who is your nightmare client? By answering those questions, you can network with other professionals and attract the actual clientele that you want.

The Business That You Want Is Only One Relationship Away

Consider this scenario: You operate a small law firm with 6 employees. At a cocktail party, you meet the CEO of an accounting firm that serves 50 clients. If you cultivated a solid relationship with this person, and successfully created a referral partnership, what would be the chances that your firm thrives?

They would be immense. Whether you are looking for more or better clients, amazing team members, or even raising capital to expand, you are one single relationship away from the business that you want.

This does not mean to treat every relationship as a business opportunity. In fact, many of our most fruitful partnerships have come from spontaneous conversations around the coffee station. It is in those unplanned moments when we can connect with others and come up with our brightest ideas.

Cultivate the Relationships that Will Build Your Business at Amata

While networking can take your business to the next level, the reality is that most of us are busy. That is why at Amata we create an environment where collaboration naturally happens, so you can build your business just by going into the office.

Our workstations are strategically placed to foster collaboration with peers. Our offices are centrally located, with cozy cafés around for meetings. Our signature cognac room allows you to relax and end the day by sharing stories with other attorneys.

At Amata, you’ll also get to meet professionals from other industries, from accountants to financial advisors, marketing professionals, and HR firms. This can lead to new clients, referrals, joint ventures, and even friendships. We also organize monthly meetings with over 600 attorneys, where you can expand your network and business opportunities.

Contact our team here to see how Amata’s networking opportunities can help take your business and relationships to the next level!

Discover our networking events for Chicago lawyers.

The New Office Model for Attorneys

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The “office-as-a-service” model, often referred to as OaaS, is a flexible approach to providing office space and related services to professionals, including attorneys. This model saves costs and provides law firms with all the support they need to thrive, with the flexibility to stay competitive in today’s changing marketplace.

In this article we’ll explain eight benefits of the office-as-a-service model (OaaS) for attorneys, and why it is perfect for solo and small law firms.

Benefit 1: Flexible Workspace

Most lawyers start their own law firms seeking freedom – the freedom to have more control over how they work and to generate higher revenue from the book of business they’ve built.

Freedom and profitability. The problem is that large offices with long-term contracts give you none.

With Amata, attorneys can rent office space on a flexible basis, whether they need it for a few hours, days, or months. This flexibility allows you to adapt your office space to your specific needs, such as client meetings, research, or collaborative work with colleagues.

For example, our conference rooms can be used in 15-minute increments, and you only pay for the time you use (they are not rounded up to the nearest hour).

Most lawyers do not need to come into the office on a regular basis. You can free key resources by having a flexible workspace that adapts to your exact needs. 

Benefit 2: Cost Savings

Instead of committing to a long-term lease and incurring the associated costs of maintaining a traditional office, attorneys can save money by paying only for the space and services they use.

In today’s economic environment, the ability to adapt by adding or removing office spaces without penalties is crucial. That’s why our plans offer 12-month lease terms with a 30-day notice period for adjusting office space, allowing you to reduce costs and maintain profitability when needed.

Benefit 3: Access to Prime Locations

You probably don’t need a 240-square-foot office with a lavish library. What you need is a space that conveys professionalism and is strategically located near courthouses, government offices, and transportation routes for your team.

Our offices are located in professional and prestigious addresses in Chicago. All locations are within walking distance from major public transportation, and some are even steps away from the courthouse.

This enhances your law firm’s professional image and accessibility to clients. We have 3 locations to choose from and meet your exact needs.

Benefit 4: Fully Equipped Offices

You don’t need to be an AM250 firm yet to access top-tier support. Amata’s offices come fully equipped with essential office amenities, including furniture, high-speed internet, phone lines, printing and scanning facilities, and conference rooms. This minimizes your need to invest in office infrastructure.

Benefit 5: Support Services

One of the downsides when transitioning from a big corporation to running your own solo or small law firm is giving up the numerous support mechanisms that make life easier.

That is why Amata provides on-demand (hourly) support services in the form of admin assistants, paralegals, receptionists, and business phone/phone app services that free your time to focus on billable hours and enjoy your life.

Imagine having:

  1. Hourly paralegals that work as if they are on your staff.
  2. Administrative assistants that work with you virtually and in person, depending on your needs and circumstances.
  3. Paralegal assistants that go to city hall, the Recorders Office and deliver courtesy copies to judges for you.
  4. Live receptionists who can screen your calls, handle new clients in-take, and greet your guests.
  5. Notary/witness service program at all locations; plus a remote notary/witness service program that includes video recording.

These are all examples of what our law firms get with our Attorney Support Services.

Benefit 6: Networking Opportunities

Growing a solo firm can be, as the name implies, pretty lonely. But with Amata’s model it doesn’t have to be this way.

You’ll get to meet professionals from other industries, which can lead to new clients, referrals, or joint ventures. We also organize monthly meetings with over 600 other attorneys, where you can expand your network and business opportunities.

Benefit 7: Scalability

When your revenue goes down, as a business owner you need to reduce expenses to maintain profit. Amata allows you to drop or add offices during the term of the contract without penalty, resulting in true office flexibility.

Whether your law firm grows or downsizes, you can easily adjust your office space needs without the complications of breaking leases or finding new locations. This scalability in your office space costs (which typically represent a significant portion of expenses) can be invaluable during fluctuations in client demand.

Benefit 8: Virtual Office Services

Working from home can be phenomenal, but there’s one problem: you can’t use your home address for client services!

That is why we provide a virtual business address, so clients associate your organization with Class A, prominent office buildings in the Chicago area. A virtual business address also entitles you to receive correspondence at the location, receive phone calls, and enjoy mail processing and forwarding from the on-site staff.

The New Office Model, Perfect for Solo and Small Law Firms.

The Office-as-a-Service (OaaS) model was born to provide attorneys and law firms with flexible office terms and help them reduce costs while improving operational efficiency.

This enables legal professionals to focus on billable hours, serve their clientele, and enjoy life on their terms. You can access fully equipped offices in prime locations, along with a suite of AM250-level support services, all tailored to your unique needs.

For more than 21 years we have helped attorneys like you to serve more clients without sacrificing their health, family life, or profitability in the process. Give us a call today if you’d like to explore our flexible and scalable office solutions.

Discover our offices for lawyers in Chicago.

How to Access Top Legal Support Services Without Being an AM250 Yet

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According to the American Bar Association (ABA), the average American lawyer works 50 hours per week. But what if we told you only 35% of that represents billable work?

That is what the 2022 Legal Trends Report by Clio found: only 3.5 hours of most attorneys’ long work days are billable. The rest of the time is spent booking calls, mailing clients, running meetings, and doing admin work.

This runs contrary to the reason why most small firm founders started their practice. Attorneys can easily fall into high-stress, low-pay months, daydreaming about the support services AM250 firms enjoy.

But what if you could have the support system of a coveted AM250 firm, but with the flexibility and affordability you require now?

 

Enter Amata’s Lawyer Support Services

For over two decades, our mission has been clear: Support law firms in serving more clients while enjoying a healthier work/life balance.

Let’s say you started your solo practice after leaving an AM250 law firm. You went from billing $450/hour to $325/hour, but it was okay because that convinced some of your clients to come with you. You expected less overhead, higher profitability, and more control over your time.

The problem is that without assistants, senior paralegals, and accountants, you had to work longer, non-billable hours just to keep up. A 10% drop in billable hours can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars less in potential business that could be developed. That is the opportunity cost of trying to do everything by yourself.

But what if you decide to hire support and focus on billable hours? The list of support services can be long, but very worth it depending on your case:

  1. Copy & Mail Handling: A virtual assistant can manage your office mail and make copies of essential documents when needed.
  2. Deliveries: Office staff can assist with physical document deliveries and handling paper checks for legal fees.
  3. Research Assistance: A virtual assistant can handle legal research and document requests through Lexis-Nexis.
  4. Paralegal Support: A paralegal can manage caseloads, client intake, deadlines, court paperwork, and client inquiries.
  5. Administrative Help: Office and virtual assistants can provide support with tasks like mail retrieval, email management, project management, marketing, social media, proofreading, and document scanning.

The question is, how can you afford these services without being an AM250 law firm yet?

Flexible Support Services Without the Overhead

The demand for legal services has been volatile over the last 3 years. Firms need to manage staffing and resourcing effectively to remain flexible and serve clients without the stress.

Here’s how Amata legal support services in Chicago help you do that:

1. On-Demand Paralegals

No longer do you need to worry about keeping a paralegal busy for a full eight-hour day. We vet paralegals who can act as an extension of your team and bill only the hours you require.

Our senior paralegals have 20 or more years of experience and specialized knowledge. We also can connect you with junior paralegals ready to handle:

  1. Editing appellate briefs and other briefs per your notes
  2. Handle the back-and-forth aspects of discovery, which can last for months
  3. Draft simple complaints and motions
  4. Assess and prioritize cases
  5. Close on real estate transaction

All so you can ease your caseload while paying only for what you require.

2. Legal admin support

With the right support, lawyers are able to boost their productivity, grow their practice, and do what they do best — practice law.

Amata’s legal support services include receptionists and administrators who can help scan documents, track packages, and review court filings. We also understand you don’t have time to train, and that is okay. All our staff is experienced and vetted to understand your unique needs.

3. Virtual assistants

The traditional formula for growing a law firm is billing more hours or increasing rates, but there comes a point where that approach goes against the client’s best interest.

With virtual assistants, there is a third option. Eliminate all under-utilized time and expenses, delegate administrative work, and focus on billable hours. This increases your profitability and allows you to scale, while serving your client’s best interests.

Some of the tasks virtual assistants can handle for you are:

  1. Document review, organization and summarization
  2. Data entry
  3. Calendar management
  4. Meeting scheduling and coordination
  5. Technological support
  6. Invoice preparation and payment
  7. Social media assistance
  8. Non-legal correspondence, transmittal letters, and email
  9. Case management system update
  10. Internet and public database research

4. Live receptionist

Busy lawyers require professional receptionists. And with Amata, there is a better alternative to hiring, training, and retaining full-time, in-house receptionists yourself.

Our legal virtual receptionists ensure that you never miss a caller. They can screen calls, schedule appointments, reply to messages and return phone calls for you. All the information is updated in your database, so you can follow up at your own pace while clients are taken care of.

Hiring the exact receptionist support you need for only the time you need is possible. This significantly reduces the risk when hiring staff to support your operations.

5. Office options

Amata’s revolutionary concept is that office space should be consumed and paid for the same way we use and pay for software. You wouldn’t purchase 5 licenses of your practice management software when you only need 2, so why do we sign long-term leases for space with 5 offices when we only need 2?

Modern law firms require office plans that can be scaled up and down without penalty.

Imagine a place where you can enjoy the comradery of other attorneys, meet with clients in an impressive law office setting, and enjoy coming to the office. If an associate leaves or joins your firm, you can give up or add offices as needed. It’s all about only paying for what you need, not wasting money on office space you are not using in anticipation of growing into the space.

Access AM250-Quality Legal Support On Your Terms

Amata’s paralegals, paralegal assistants, law clerks, and virtual assistants act as an extension of your law firm. Here is a list of some of the services we can give you access to:

  1. Notary/Witness Service (Amata Location or Remote, includes video recording)
  2. Court Runs (Including the assembly, print, and preparation of courtesy copies.)
  3. Mail opening/scanning
  4. Assistance with certified mailings
  5. Scanning/copying documents
  6. Faxing documents
  7. Preparation of FedEx
  8. Set up assistance and coordination of services (phone, copier codes, messenger)
  9. Bank deposit
  10. Catering support/ordering
  11. Faxing support
  12. Special orders/3rd party ordering
  13. Video conferencing set-up
  14. Hand Deliveries/Pick-Ups
  15. E-Filing
  16. Preparation of Notice of Filing, Notice of Motion, Certificate of Service, and forms.</span
  17. Review of local rules, court’s standing orders, & any temporary procedural orders in place.
  18. Spindle or piggyback motion hearing dates, and any communications with the court clerk.
  19. Confirm acceptance of filing by the court clerk.
  20. Document Translation
  21. Interpreter – Remote or On-Site
  22. Preparation of Table of Authorities
  23. Formatting appellate briefs
  24. Skip Tracing
  25. Asset Search (bank accounts)
  26. E-Recording

Inquire today to learn how our on-demand, flexible legal support services can help your law firm increase profitability without the stress.

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.