Amata Law Offices

Attorneys starting off with their own practice need an essential support system to grow and prosper.  

Sure, you have the ability to take care of your filing, administrative tasks, and answering inquiries. 

But do you have the time? 

When you devote less time to mundane yet essential tasks, you have more time to work on settling a case in your favor. 

Let us show you what a full-service virtual office can do for your practice. 

 

Various Plans to Fit Your Needs

Amata offers four different levels of service, all at affordable prices that come in much lower than hiring full-time staff. 

1. Business Address starting at $75. We handle the mail, scan the mail, notify you by email when it arrives, and forward mail to your chosen address. We also offer discounted FedEx services along with specialized messenger services.
2. Live Receptionist & Phone starting at $49. A live person answers your phone from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Transcription for incoming calls and messages that we forward to your phone or document system. Listen to your incoming messages through your cellphone.
3. Live Receptionist & Phone with Business address starting at $175 a month. You get everything from the first two plans plus access to one of seven physical locations for you to perform legal work.
4. Virtual Office Plus starting at $275 a month. You get everything from the first three tiers plus keycard access to a physical office space 24/7 as well as 24  conference room credits/month to use whenever you wish.

The average cost to rent office space in Chicago currently sits at $37.56 per square foot.  

If you pay $275 a month to rent space at that rate, your office would be a closet with no windows! 

We offer physical space to work, meet clients and meet other attorneys, as well as staff, for much less than it costs to rent an office and hire full-time staff. 

Using our virtual office services for your law firm lets you save money while you grow your firm. Even better, it gives clients and prospective clients a professional first impression of your legal services. 

 

We Hire Knowledgeable Staff

Every Amata staff member who works for you goes through a four-person interview process at first. You have peace of mind that everyone who answers the phone understands legal terms, knows how to speak to other attorneys who may call the office, and can perform initial screenings of potential clients based on your requirements.  

Better yet, when you need expert assistance for your firm, our team of paralegals, legal administrators, law clerks and receptionists act as an extension of your business. 

 

We Know the Industry

Our team has been helping the legal community in the Chicago area since 2002, and we have nearly 75 years of combined experience helping law firms with administrative tasks. We have experienced property managers who help you with conference rooms, ordering discounted supplies and setting up your workspace.  

Over the past two decades of providing full-service legal office support, we’ve helped over 750 attorneys in 27 practice areas generate thousands of lead shares. 

 

We Own All of Our Assets

What sets Amata apart from other full-service virtual offices for lawyers is that we own all of our assets. When you need to set up a time to work in an office space or meet with clients in a conference room, you don’t have a middle manager to go through.  

Our company owns what you utilize. When you talk to us, you talk to the owners of the space, the supervisors of the employees, and the ones who provide your services.  

 

Take Advantage of This Opportunity

Are you a growing legal practice? We give you room to grow with our scalable yet customizable services.  

Our top service starts at $275 a month. Let’s say you double that for $550 a month.  

That’s still a fairly cheap overhead. The rest of your expenses can go towards billable time with clients rather than hard costs. In less than a couple hours worth of billable time, you pay for a month’s worth of office expenses.  

Even better, virtual offices may be more normalized as we emerge from the pandemic that gripped the world for two years. 

 

It’s All About Your Clients

The American Bar Association notes that some law firms returned to their offices faster than other corporate service entities following the COVID-19 pandemic. Some law practices utilized a hybrid model with some in-office staff and some virtual.  

The ABA says that it depends on the clients of attorneys as to how you should approach your office space. You are probably figuring out how to solve the in-office or work-from home paradigm of doing business. Hybrid models are emerging as the prevailing way to return to normal. 

Amata gives you a chance to wow your clients with a dynamic office space and conference room in downtown Chicago. We still have some pretty spectacular views to make a lasting first impression and creating a wow factor for your big-name clients. 

We also allow you the freedom to work from a park, your favorite lunch spot, or at home with your kids. Secure cloud-based services let you work from anywhere, whether you’re organizing files in Clio or billing a client in LawPay. Some clients can appreciate hearing the squeal of your kids playing in the yard while you work on their case because they value a work-life balance too. 

 

And It’s All About You

You worked hard in law school. You busted all-nighters researching cases and studying for the bar. You deserve to run your law firm as you choose to, not what tradition says to do as you try to pursue clients to grow your practice. 

A virtual office space gives you the freedom for more work-life balance because most or all of your administrative tasks are taken care of. You don’t have to worry about your image since we take care of those details for you as a law-focused support company that understands the legal world in America’s third-largest city. 

 

Amata, An Entire Company as Your Support Staff

Let’s get started. Call or contact us for a tour of our locations if you’re serious about growing your law firm while keeping overhead low. 

Discover our virtual offices in Chicago.

Virtual law firms have seen a rise in popularity over the last several years. But, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a bigger boost in the demand for virtual legal professionals.

Will virtual firms become the “new normal” for the legal industry? Perhaps. Multiple firms across the country are seeing the benefits, as they’re able to hire and work with top attorneys with different areas of expertise. Clients can benefit, too. If a client needs an attorney specializing in a particular type of law, a quick search within a virtual law form can connect them with the expert legal advice they need.

But, as with any other type of virtual service, there are some potential drawbacks to virtual legal help. One of the biggest challenges is communication. Law firms need to adapt to improve client satisfaction remotely, and that’s often easier said than done.

But, it’s not impossible.

Whether you’re part of a larger firm or run your own, understanding how to improve communication with your clients will make a big difference in your success and trustworthiness. Let’s look at a few strategies that put communication at the forefront of your client-attorney relationship, even if you never meet each other in person.

Digitize Your Documentation

One of the best things you can do to improve your client communication is to stay organized. In addition to working with clients virtually, many attorneys are shifting their documents to cloud-based services. It’s a great way to “go green” and keep important files in one convenient location.

But, like any other filing system, it’s crucial to have some kind of organizational operation in place. Keeping things organized will make it easier to find information on your clients for meetings, or when they call or e-mail to ask a question. It will also make it easier to present information to your clients digitally, in an easy-to-understand format that will make communication stronger for both of you. Plus, staying organized will help you to avoid information silos and miscommunication within your firm.

Consider digitizing your documents through PDFs and creating a virtual library for all client documentation. You can store digital files by case numbers, last names, or however you see fit. In a matter of seconds, you’ll be able to search for files and pull them up, rather than scrambling for information at the last minute before your next virtual meeting.

If you create a cloud-based library, you can also choose to have it password protected. This allows you to directly share all files and information about a client’s case with them, so they can see changes and additions in real-time. It’s a small gesture, but when your client feels well-informed and updated, they’re more likely to trust the process.

Additionally, multi-factor authentication (MFA) or, at the very least, two-factor authentication (2FA) is advised. If your password is considered one form of authenticating or verifying your identity, then another form might be a text message or an email with an additional log-in code, or even the last four digits of your SSN. By protecting your clients’ documents with more than one form of authentication, you’re doing more than the bare minimum — consider MFA for all your clients’ files and data to keep them truly secure.

Set Up Multiple Communication Avenues

No matter how many clients you have, it’s important to make each one feel comfortable and heard. Not everyone will want to talk on the phone, so consider offering several virtual communication options, including:

• One-on-one video chats
• Email
• Instant messaging
• Conference calls

You can even host live streams within your office when you have to meet with more than one person. Live streaming is a great way to communicate a lot of information at once, especially when you’re working with multiple attorneys or your client wants other individuals involved. If you decide to go that route (or do any video conferencing, for that matter), it’s crucial to have the right setup. Choose your live streaming space carefully in a low-traffic area, especially if you’re working from home. Your background should be clean and free from distractions, but it’s never a bad idea to have your degrees hanging behind you.

It’s also okay to add a touch of personality to every avenue you offer. Whether you’re chatting on the phone or hosting a video conference call, be yourself. Have a few personal items in the background of your video, or connect with your client by finding a few interests you have in common. While remaining professional should be your top priority, your client will feel more comfortable and willing to open up if they see the actual person behind the attorney title.

Invest in the Right Software

With many firms across the country going virtual, keeping up with communication efforts will ensure you stay competitive. Consider developing your own online portal for clients. This has become increasingly popular in the healthcare industry for doctors and patients, but it can work just as well for attorneys. A digital portal will give your clients full access to the information they need, and they can set up meetings with you directly.

If you don’t want to build your own online portal, there are plenty of existing companies that have developed communication software. Practice management software like Clio, Practice Panther, and Smokeball can assist with things like:

• Document management
• Billing assistance
• Scheduling
• Case management

The more secure your clients feel when utilizing your virtual services, the better. Strong communication will help with that, so don’t be afraid to invest your time, money, and resources into improving your communication efforts. Virtual law firms are here to stay, and yours can continue to grow if you focus on building professional relationships with your clients, even if you’re in completely different time zones.

Discover our virtual offices in Chicago.

In 2021 working from home has become the new normal. For some, this may still feel like a big transition, but it’s essential to stay up-to-date with changing expectations in the professional world. This goes for all business owners, and is especially true for law offices hoping to stay relevant in a competitive legal climate.

So how can you “future-proof” your legal practice? Think of “future-proofing” as anticipating trends and adapting your law practice to embrace the newest technology. With tech updates, flexible law offices, and cloud-based solutions, your legal practice will be ready to take-on the future.

 

What is a Flexible Law Office?

A flexible law office offers attorneys the opportunity to customize their schedule. This means that attorneys select their work hours and may conduct work from any location. Although a flexible office format might seem too unstructured at first, many attorneys are eager to work in an environment that values their personal preferences and offers an adaptable schedule.

According to an article in Reuters, “a recent survey from legal recruiter Major, Lindsey & Africa found the vast majority of the incoming generation of lawyers prefer to work remotely at least some of the time.” Fostering an environment that values a healthy work / life balance and encourages flexibility is key to maintaining a thriving law practice.

 

What Tools Do You Need to Get Started?

While flexible law offices are the way of the future, it’s unrealistic to expect to transform your law practice overnight. Before you offer lawyers the flexible schedule they crave, you need to implement tools and resources to make the transition possible.

 

Update Your Video Conference Capabilities – Working remotely means relying on technology to get the job done. For lawyers working today, it’s essential to have video conferencing tools that are easy to use and provide reliable connectivity. Since client interviews and meetings need to be done remotely, it’s imperative that you use secure video conferencing platforms to keep meeting content confidential. An article in Bloomberg Law discusses the emergence of “telepresence rooms” to create a more authentic experience during video calls: “advanced audio-visual systems and large, mirror-like screens are used to make it appear that a client or colleague is in the same physical conference room, even if the person is at the other end of the globe.”

 

Use Cloud-Based Platforms

Since remote workers don’t have a centralized hub for information, Bloomberg Law asserts that “law firms are also shoring up their IT infrastructures now that a lawyer can’t simply count on their colleague down the hall to answer a question, or the filing cabinet with a particular document being nearby.”

In order to create accessible IT infrastructures, more law firms are embracing cloud-based document sharing tools. Cloud-based platforms allow documents to be securely uploaded, organized, and stored on an accessible online database. This way, lawyers have access to important files and information no matter where they are.

Flexible law firms are also implementing virtual mailbox services. Virtual mailbox services provide clients with instantaneous access to mail via a secure online platform. Mail is sent to a secure physical address and then promptly uploaded onto the database by a licensed handler. These services are an excellent option for law practices who don’t have a permanent location.

Cloud-based software also allows your legal team to optimize daily tasks. With easy-to-use communication platforms and simple scheduling and bookkeeping software, switching your systems to online services will save you time and money.

 

What are the Benefits of a Flexible Attorney Office?

Flexible attorney offices provide benefits for lawyers and clients alike.

Connect with a Wider Audience – Since lawyers who work in a flexible law office can conduct their work from anywhere, flexible law offices are able to serve a wider population and extend the reach of their business. This helps diversify caseloads, and increases client numbers.

Save Money – Attorneys who work in a flexible environment don’t need to be locked into a 12 months lease to practice the law. With money saved on rent, power, office supplies, and managerial staff, most law practices who switch to a remote model end up saving money in the long term.

Improve Retention – Remote work isn’t just a request anymore, it’s an expectation. Switching to a flexible schedule demonstrates your dedication to fostering a work environment that aligns with current demands.

 

Find Your Office Space at Amata Law Office Suites

Amata Law Office Suites provides lawyers and legal practitioners both in-person and virtual law office accommodations. With flexible pricing and unbeatable legal support services, Amata Law Office Suites has served the Chicago area by providing dedicated conference spaces, offices, and much more.

Now is the time to embrace the future of your legal practice. At Amata Law Office Suites, we’re here to help. 

Discover our offices for lawyers in Chicago.

If you’re a lawyer in 2021, then you probably know how important it is to stay connected. With access to so many resources online, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with clients, manage paperwork, and schedule meetings.

But what about those documents you need to receive in the mail? As a lawyer, you know that some documents need to be handled in a physical format. A virtual mailbox service enables you to view, manage, and share physical mail no matter where you are in the world. With this convenient and secure service, you won’t need to worry about missing an important piece of mail again. 

What is a Virtual Mailbox?

A virtual mailbox is a digital service that allows you to manage your mail from a secure online platform. When you sign up for a virtual mailbox, you receive a secure physical mailing address where your business will receive mail. Once the mail has arrived at the secure address, a registered agent will scan and upload your mail to a digital platform where you can view it in a matter of seconds.

Here are the top five reasons why virtual mailboxes will benefit your professional life.

#1 Stay Organized

Lawyers have to handle an enormous amount of paperwork. Each client has their own set of documents that need to be meticulously processed and may require time-sensitive attention. Plus, since some forms need to be filled out online, you may be dealing with a confusing mixture of physical and digital documents. 

A virtual mailbox helps simplify the scramble by storing digital copies of the physical documents you receive in the mail in an accessible place. Gone are the days of searching stacks of paper for a specific envelope. With a virtual mailbox, all the important information is at your fingertips, allowing you to stay productive and net more billable hours.

#2 Access Your Documents from Anywhere, at Any Time 

Since all your mail is available through a secure online platform, you can view your documents from any location across the globe. On a business trip in Europe but need to access your mail? All you need to do is log in. With remote work becoming a more common phenomenon, it’s crucial to have the flexibility to work from anywhere. 

#3 Maintain a Professional Impression

Many lawyers choose to save money by not establishing a brick-and-mortar law practice. While this is a great way to cut expenses, it deprives your business of a permanent mailing address. Although some professionals remedy this dilemma by using a personal address or PO box for business correspondence, this solution might seem unprofessional to potential clients.

Virtual mailboxes give you the freedom to work remotely while still maintaining a permanent business address. Your virtual mailbox address is a real physical address, usually located in an office building suite. Having a permanent business address lends legitimacy to your law practice, while also ensuring you maintain your personal privacy. 

#4 Uphold Security

As a lawyer, you’re often dealing with sensitive material. In some cases it would be disastrous for you and your client if documents were lost or fell into the wrong hands. Instead of feeling paranoid about receiving important mail at a PO box or on your front porch, you can rest easy by using a virtual mailbox. 

Virtual mailboxes operate out of secure, legal, locations. All mail is stored is a safe physical space and is only handled by registered agents who have gone through a thorough training process. From there, mail can only be accessed via your secure online account. If necessary, you can schedule a mail pickup to gather documents in person.

#5 Handle Mail More Efficiently

Virtual mailboxes don’t just offer the ability to view digital copies of mail. They also provide services that deal with mail once you’ve finished processing it. 

Need to shred an important document? Virtual mailboxes often offer complimentary shredding services so you can dispose of sensitive information or get rid of junk mail without the hassle of shredding it yourself. 

Need to forward mail to a client? With your virtual mailbox, you can also forward any physical mail to another address. This saves time and money by eliminating the need to visit the post office, and expediting the shipping process. 

Establish Your Virtual Office with Amata Law Office Suites

At Amata Law Office Suites, we’re proud to provide the Chicago area (and beyond) with competitively priced virtual law offices. From virtual mailbox services to phone answering and client intake services, our streamlined virtual process makes it easy to establish your online business in a professional environment. 

Plus, when you go virtual, you can set up your business from anywhere in the world. We cater to clients all over the country looking to set up their law practice in a community-based environment that focuses on connecting lawyers to the resources they need.

Discover our virtual offices in Chicago.