Amata Law Offices – Page 8

Can’t Afford to Hire a Team? With Fractional Services, You Probably Can

June 18, 2025April 22, 2024 by Amata Law Offices

One of the hardest things as a growing law firm is the catch-22 situation of needing to hire talent in order to grow, but not having the funds in order to do it. Many times, the founder is fully booked, knows he needs support in order to scale, but isn’t sure if his finances allow for a new hire.

We understand. Hiring full-time staff can be quite expensive, especially considering all the benefits that they are entitled to.

But what if there was a way to hire top talent for your law firm at precisely the rates that you can afford right now?

A New, More Flexible Way to Hire

The job market has been undergoing a change for the last few years. Hiring a full-time employee is no longer the most common or even preferred way to hire. In fact, according to World Bank indicators, nearly 46.6% of the global workforce (1.57 billion people) are “self-employed.” This means that almost half of the workforce are freelancers working with flexible arrangements that suit the demands of both the freelancer and the companies.

For example, let’s say you are spending way too much time researching cases, drafting documents, checking facts, interviewing witnesses, and communicating with clients. A well-prepared paralegal can take all these things off your plate, but hiring a full-time paralegal with 3+ years of experience costs between $60,370 and $97,100 in the state of Illinois.

When looking at that rate, you might be thinking:

a) “I do not have the funds to hire this person right now.”
b) “I could hire them, but my profitability would go through the root.”
c) “I could hire them and my profit margins could sustain it, I just don’t know if I have enough work available for them.”

In either of these situations, you will feel overwhelmed by the decision and probably put it away “until you’re ready for it.”

The problem is that your number of to-dos keeps growing, and you are constantly being pulled into activities that are not the highest and most productive use of your time (like preparing affidavits.) This is the catch-22 situation we referred to in the beginning, and can leave a law firm owner stuck for years working too much time for not enough profits.

Hire Top Talent for Your Law Firm Without Hurting Profitability

That’s when Amata’s Fractional Services come in. With them, you can hire paralegals, executive virtual assistants, and in-person administrative assistants for just the hours that you need. We have five different packages to fit the amount of available work you can delegate right now, and the budget that you can devote for this new hire.

Imagine having a paralegal with 20 years of experience working only 10 hours a month on your cases. You could delegate the most important parts of your cases, such as interviewing witnesses and managing clients, while you focus on networking with your higher-tier clientele, the overall strategy on cases, and spending more time doing what you love.

You could also have 30 hours a month of support between an Executive Virtual Assistant and an in-person Administrative Assistant. Your virtual assistant works 80% of those hours, helping manage your calendar, return client calls, schedule appointments, plan events, make travel arrangements, and more. In the meantime, your in-person assistant takes over the daily runs to courts, Clerk’s & Sheriff’s offices, obtains certified copies, files applications, delivers courtesy copies to judges, and any other task that requires your physical presence.

These are just two of the five pay-as-you-need-it packages Amata offers as Fractional Services. If you would like to see a detailed explanation of these five packages, including what they include and their discounted hourly rates, click here to learn more.

The fastest way to grow your law firm is to delegate all the things that are not contributing directly to your bottom line, so you and your attorneys can focus on billable hours, while everything else is taken care of. In this way, you can do your highest value and most energizing work, reduce your hours, and still be able to protect and grow your profitability.

If you would like to learn more about how our new Fractional Services help you do this, contact our team today and we’ll take care of you.

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

Get the Exact Support Your Law Firm Needs to Grow

June 18, 2025April 15, 2024 by Amata Law Offices

Have you ever held yourself back from hiring a team member because you do not know if you will have enough work to keep them busy?

Many solo practitioners and small law firms are choosing to do the work themselves instead of delegating it for this very reason. They dream of the day when their cash flow and workload will be enough in order to start delegating, scaling, and getting their time back, but they tell themselves “this is a luxury that I don’t yet have.”

For this very reason, Amata has released a powerful program that opens a new possibility: Hiring legal support staff now, for only the hours that you need it, and at reasonable rates that your budget can support.

This article will explain our new Fractional Support Services Program and how it allows you to stop waiting and start building the law firm and life that you want today.

How To Operate Like A Big Firm, Without Being One Yet

Most solo practitioners and small law firm owners come from a corporate background. They have experienced what is like having a paralegal drafting documents for them, conducting research on critical cases, and coordinating court hearings and mediations. They know the time relief that having an administrative assistant or a VA to handle all their client communications and administrative procedures creates. That is how AM250 firms get the most profit out of every team member: The lawyers focus on billable hours, while the support staff covers all the other tasks for them.

After all, “it takes a village” to see a lawyer succeed. Imagine if you could delegate all the menial tasks that are taking up your time, and then focus on only your highest impact activities, like billable hours, strategic networking, and enjoying time off. How much more productive, profitable, and energized would you be?

“Amata makes the transition from large law firm to solo practitioner virtually effortless. Secretarial and paralegal services are available at competitive rates on an ‘as needed, pay-as-you-go’ basis which is ideal for the solo practitioner or small law firm.”
Paula Kaplan Berger, BERGER LAW, LLC

Fractional Legal Support Services

Our new program allows you to hire legal support on a “pay as you need it” basis. Many solo practitioners and small law firms are holding themselves back from hiring (because they do not need it full-time), and this program fixes this forever.

There are five pre-made programs, and the option to also pay-as-you-need-it. Pick the one that suits you best!

Hybrid 30

30 hours/month of:

Executive Virtual Assistant Service, and
On-site Admin Support

This is an 80%/20% program, where up to 20% or 6 hours of time each month may be allotted to an in-person administrator for court runs, courtesy copies to judges, trips to the clerk’s office, and the vital records office. It may also be used for copy work or any other task an administrator can perform.

Investment: $900/month (a 39% discount from hourly rates.)

Virtual 15

15 hours/month of:

Executive Virtual Assistant Service

This program is 100% Virtual Executive Assistant service, including email management, appointment setting, social media management, and event scheduling, and any other task a Virtual Executive Assistant may perform.

Investment: $506/month (a 25% discount from hourly rates.)

On-Site 15

15 hours/month of:

On-site Admin Support

This program includes court runs, trips to the Clerk’s Office or Vital Records, copying, scanning, mail preparation, and all other admin support services available at Amata.

Investment: $731/month (for a 25% discount from hourly rates.)

Paralegal 10

10 hours/month of:

Paralegal support

This service may include document drafting, document review projects, case management, and any other task a paralegal may perform.

Investment: $1050/month (for a 12.5% discount from hourly rates.)

Paralegal 18

18 hours/month of:

Paralegal support

This service may include document drafting, document review projects, case management, and any other task a paralegal may perform.

Investment: $1620/month (for a 25% discount from hourly rates.)

These programs will auto-renew each month until canceled and must be purchased and paid for prior to work being performed. Any unused hours expire at the end of the month and do not roll over into the next month. All monthly overages will be invoiced at the pay-as-you-need-it rates:

- Paralegal  $120/hour
- On-site Admin  $65/hour
- Virtual Executive Assistant $45/hour

Learn more about our Fractional Support Services Program here.

The Fastest Way to Grow Your Firm and Escape The Time For Money Trap

Most law firm owners want to generate more revenue and serve more clients, but are capped by their personal time. They simply do not have more hours in the day to build their team, streamline their operations, and create those strategic relationships that will take their law firm to the next level.

With our Fractional Support Packages, they can finally bring an experienced team on board, at rates that suit their budget. No longer do you have to choose between a full-time or nothing: You can now bring experienced paralegals, virtual assistants, and administrative staff at just the hours that you need.

In other words, you can start operating like a bigger, more profitable law firm, and clean your calendar from all those tasks that do not add directly to your bottom line or happiness.

Our Fractional Services can be paused at any moment and scaled up and down to match the exact demand and budget that you have at any time. If you would like to experience a new way to grow your firm without having to do all the work yourself, contact our team to get started today.

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

Achieving Sustainable Growth as a Law Firm Owner

June 18, 2025April 3, 2024 by Amata Law Offices

Can you grow your business revenue without working longer hours?

That is arguably the biggest question law firm owners wake up with. The rush, the all-nighters, and the relentless pace that got them through law school and built their successful career is no longer serving their desire to scale sustainably.

As the author Margaret Bonnano said, “Being rich is having money; being wealthy is having time.” Most business owners desire not only financial success but also freedom over their calendar, location, and the type of clients they work with.

The question is, how can do this practically? If working longer hours is not the solution, how can law firm owners grow their practices while achieving a healthier work/life balance?

This is where the Utilization Rate Formula comes in.

The Utilization Rate Formula

At a law firm, the traditional thinking is that to generate greater profits you either bill more hours or increase your hourly billable rate, an approach that can go against the best interest of the client.

Instead, here are Amata we use the Utilization Rate Formula to calculate what needs to happen to drive down expenses, produce more work, and increase your profitability.

This formula allows us to achieve leveraged and scalable growth without hurting profitability or the client experience. The key is utilization – only paying for time that is billable to your clients, eliminating all under-utilized time and expenses.

Using the Utilization Rate Formula, you would divide the number of billable hours by the total number of available hours (x100). So, if a paralegal on your staff billed for 32 hours from a 40-hour week, they would have a utilization rate of 80%. This means you need to pay for the under-utilized time, in this example 8 hours, from your profits.

By employing the on-demand paralegal team at Amata, you are only paying for the time they do billable work for you. So, in the example above, you would only pay for 32 hours that you are able to pass along to your client, saving 8 hours that you won’t have to pay for. By delegating and using leverage in this way, you are able to scale your business and profits without placing constraints on your time.

The New Growth Model for Law Firm Owners

After working with more than 600 law firms and professional services companies, we created a unique model that helps you build a thriving company that supports your life — instead of taking away from it.

We do this by protecting your bottom line first. The fast-changing markets of today require service businesses to stay lean and flexible so they can respond to the fluctuating demand of clients. In months when this client demand is high, Amata can expand your offices and provide flexible staffing to meet your growth. In months of contraction, we can reduce your office space without penalizing you for it (like most office and staffing companies do).

And when it comes to office space, you continue to enjoy the full benefits of a traditional office, with the added benefit of being able to add or remove office space as you need it. Considering that office space and staffing are the two greatest expenses for most law firms and professional firms poised for growth, this means a huge pressure is taken off your back.

You can grow at your own pace, save hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, and stay at the forefront of innovation.

Another reason our model is so powerful is that top talent today requires more than a lavish office. They expect reasonable hours, easy-to-access offices, and the freedom to thrive in their personal lives just as much as they do in their careers. We help law firms and professional service firms create an environment that attracts these top performers while staying lean in their operations.

Our role is to help you practice your profession on your own terms. So whether you are working remotely, on-site, or a combination of both, we have solutions for you.

For example, our flexible staffing options allow firms to work with the same staff every day but only pay for the time they actually use. This may mean 5 hours/month for a senior paralegal, 56 minutes/month for a receptionist, and 10 hours/month for an assistant.

By eliminating unnecessary spending (e.g., an 800-square-foot library in the middle of the office), we allow clients to invest in tech, team, and client relationships that will take their business to the next level.

From 7-Day Work Weeks to Exploring America

Amata was born out of a deeply personal pain. Ron Bockstahler, our founder, was a declared workaholic. For decades, he didn’t take two days off in a row until he realized that you should treat your personal life the same way you treat your career. This means having clear and inspiring personal goals and committing to achieve them.

Looking for exploration and to break the patterns of tradition, Ron went on an 8-year RV adventure with his wife across all 50 States in America and 9 Canadian provinces. Surprisingly, his business continued to soar, and he was earning more while living life to the fullest.

Today, Ron competes in Ironman races and is a father of 6 children:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkiKO9bqqq4

Amata began by managing the backend operations for lawyers, including tasks like litigation copy work and small print jobs. From the beginning, our primary focus has been putting our clients first, doing whatever it takes to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally.

We believe that growing a business without enjoying life is not worth it. That is why we offer innovative solutions that allow you to keep expanding your firm while protecting your profitability, client experience, and work/life balance.

Contact our team and explore how our unique model can help you achieve sustainable growth.

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

The Fastest Way to Access Qualifying Witnesses for Your Notary Procedures

June 11, 2025March 27, 2024 by Amata Law Offices

Can you grow a law firm remotely? This is exactly what one of our clients did. He continued growing his practice in Atlanta, virtually from Chicago:

“[Amata’s on-staff notary] is a huge, huge convenience for me,” says Michael Milliman, a Michigan attorney who has a satellite office in Chicago through Amata.

When clients call, they don’t necessarily know that Michael is located in Chicago or frequently traveling, which he attributes to the professionalism of Amata’s receptionists. This is one example of how our legal support and live reception services can help you practice law on your own terms.

We Run The Office, You Run Your Practice

Notary services are a must for lawyers. The problem is that authenticating documents, certifying copies, and maintaining records are all time-consuming activities that do not add directly to your bottom line or energize most lawyers. So, following Amata’s philosophy of delegating as a way to grow your practice while enjoying life, we believe in most cases notary-related tasks should be delegated.

One example of this is finding qualifying witnesses. As you probably know, the law requires that you have two witnesses when signing legal documents, and they cannot be connected to the business. Their presence adds an extra layer of credibility to the procedure, confirming that signatories are acting willingly and without coercion.

However finding, scheduling, and coordinating these witnesses can be a time-consuming activity, especially with growing law firms that deal with a large number of contracts, affidavits, wills, and power of attorney. That is why Amata provides you with these witnesses, and can also act as the notary.

With Amata, you get on-demand notary services and qualifying witnesses. With Amata’s notary services, lawyers can quickly access a qualified professional to verify signatures, administer oaths, and certify document copies—all right in their office space. This allows them to focus on the most important parts of the case, like getting the parties to agree.

We are the only office space provider in Chicago who equips their locations with legal admins, certified paralegals, notary services, and more. Our expert legal staff charges by the minute, not the hour, so you only pay for help as needed. By having witnesses readily available within the office environment, lawyers can eliminate the need to coordinate external witnesses and avoid the risk of delays.

These witnesses are not only qualified but also familiar with the specific requirements and protocols involved in witnessing legal documents. This familiarity ensures that the witnessing process adheres to all legal standards and regulations, providing an added layer of confidence in the authenticity of the signatures.

Beyond the time-saving benefits, Amata’s comprehensive notary and witness services contribute to a more secure and controlled legal environment. In-house services reduce the reliance on external parties, minimizing the potential for errors or complications that may arise when dealing with unfamiliar notaries and witnesses. This enhances the overall reliability of legal documentation and reduces the likelihood of disputes or challenges.

Paula Kaplan Berger. BERGER LAW, LLC

The Fastest Way to Access Qualifying Witnesses for Your Notary Procedures

Having readily available witnesses and notary services is a game-changer for legal professionals. Every moment saved in admin procedures can be redirected towards billable hours, business-building tasks, and life-enjoyment activities. Lawyers get to focus on their core responsibilities, meet tight deadlines, and serve their clients more efficiently — while ensuring their notarization and witnessing processes are seamless, secure, and compliant with legal standards.

Reap the benefit of having on-demand support from legal staff you know and trust. Our law office spaces include readily available qualifying witnesses, centralized notary services, and much more. Contact our team to learn more.

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

3 Good Reasons Why People Come to the Office

June 18, 2025March 20, 2024 by Amata Law Offices

The law industry, like many others, has seen a shift. Over 44% of law firms allowed some form of remote working in 2021, and the trend has increased. However, most law firms haven’t transitioned into full remote work, and for a good reason.

Recent studies have found solid reasons why people continue to go to the office. These reasons are timeless, which suggests that there will always be a need for a physical workplace environment where employees can interact and align their collective efforts.

Why do people come to the office?

A study made by Kadence, a technology company in the UK, found that even when companies implemented a “come as you want” policy, employees decided to go to the office. Most people wanted to skip Fridays and some Mondays, but most people would willingly go on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Chart from Kandence.co

So why do employees continue going to the office, even when it’s not required by their bosses? There are 3 good (and timeless) reasons we have found.

Reason #1: Camaraderie

A recent article in Harvard Business Review stated “To Get People Back in the Office, Make It Social.” After the pandemic forced many law firms to shut down their offices, people required a compelling reason to go back to the office beyond company expectations. So, when employees were asked what would motivate them to come into the office, almost everyone agreed: To socialize.

Socializing is much more than having coffee (which we love, by the way). Humans are social creatures that require connection and interaction to feel engaged, motivated, and do our best work. The workplace is a breeding ground for new friendships and meaningful relationships, which becomes a support system that empowers workers to tackle new challenges.

At Amata, we organize frequent networking events where you 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 friendships. We also organize monthly meetings where you can expand your network and business opportunities.

Camaraderie also goes beyond colleagues and employees. In the legal profession, there is also an important link that is created between lawyers and clients. This connection is harder to develop without face-to-face interactions, where we can pick up thousands of unconscious patterns in one another and conclude whether someone is trustworthy or not.

Work is not only something people do, it is a place where they go. And the reason why they go to this place is not just the facilities, it is unplanned and meaningful interactions with other people.

This was confirmed by Harvard’s Business Review article, which found the following stats:

85% of employees would be motivated to go into the office to rebuild team bonds.
84% of employees would be motivated to go into the office if they could socialize with coworkers.
74% of employees would go to the office more frequently if they knew their “work friends” were there.
73% of employees would go to the office more frequently if they knew their direct team members would be there.

In sum, people care about people, and social interactions go beyond “entertaining” employees: It is a crucial factor for energizing, fulfilling, and motivating them to do their best work. It creates a sense of belonging that is hard to replicate online.

Reason #2: Focus

Humans have always built dedicated spaces for their activities. We have a place to exercise, a place to eat, and a place to work. Thus, it doesn’t come as a surprise that employees continue going to the office because they want a dedicated space where they can focus and get their work done efficiently.

In a research done by Gensler, 2,000 U.S. office employees said the top reason they come to the office is “to focus on my work.” Many employees are not equipped to work efficiently at home, and they prefer to commute somewhere without distractions.

At Amata offices, workstations are strategically placed to make sure you have easy access to your team, while having your own quiet and confidential environment. Walking down the aisle you will find cabinets with easy-to-retrieve documents. Sanitation stations and bathrooms are also found throughout the facilities.

In sum, we create an environment where you can both deepen your relationships and do your best work. Click here to learn how we do it.

Reason #3: Innovation

The American author Jane Jacobs describes in her book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” how people require proximity to thrive. The workplace is a hub for connection, collaboration, and innovation. It is a place where the best ideas can flourish, and teamwork can make them real.

There is a reason why the world’s biggest tech companies have grown out of Silicon Valley, or that Florence was a hub of art in the Renaissance. When people with similar interests and complementary skills get together, accelerated growth occurs. And since innovation has been a key component of Amata’s success, we have optimized our offices to foster that innovation.

With Amata growing a business doesn’t have to be lonely. Our physical offices are designed to promote your very best work, where collaboration and innovation can flourish. With a combination of private offices, strategically placed workstations and networking events, law firms and professional service firms can focus on client service while everything is taken care of for them.

By becoming a member of Amata’s professional community, you gain access to a thriving network of over 800 diverse professionals, opening doors to new partnerships, innovation, and business opportunities.

You’ll also unlock all-around support services that grow as you do, including flexible workspace solutions, on-site support staff, and professional conference rooms.

Join Amata today and access “all-in-one” offices that promote camaraderie, focused work, and innovation. You’ll unlock the thriving network, professional offices, and on-demand staff to propel your business to the next level.

Discover our offices for lawyers in Chicago.

The New Hybrid Office Model for Law Firms Is Here to Stay

June 18, 2025March 13, 2024 by Amata Law Offices

“In January 2018, Hanson Bridgett’s law firm San Francisco headquarters occupied three floors at 425 Market Street. The lease on that space cost the firm $1.6 million per floor per year.”

This story from the Harvard Business Review represents a big hurdle law firms face. In the last few years, rents have gone significantly up, making law firm owners wonder if it would make more sense financially to free up the budget and go fully remote.

But that was not the solution either, as many law firms found. For example, big law firms in the UK started reverting to full-time office attendance, reporting a significant drop in productivity, client rapport, networking, and even employees’ mental health with remote work. One of these firms, Winn Solicitors, also reported, “Not everyone liked the decision to head back into the office, so we lost a few senior lawyers as the majority of other law firms in the North East do offer hybrid working.”

There is also a clear generational divide. 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.

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

The Hybrid Model Is Here to Stay

Collier’s North America Law Firm Advisory Group Spotlight Report found that, in 2023, only one out of every five attorneys will return to the office full-time. The other 80% will embrace the hybrid model. Some lawyers will share offices with others, rotating office time with work-from-home time. Others will work mainly from home, attending the office only when they need it.

Not everyone is fully equipped to work from home. Some get distracted by their kids, are not so versed in digital technologies, and struggle with back pain, trying to work at the end of their beds.

Lawyers, unlike other staff, often have face-to-face client interactions and court appearances that require their physical presence in the office. Some functions like litigation support, document filing, and client meetings are also better fit for on-site collaboration. There is also the factor of perception: According to data from AM Law 25 firm McDermott Will & Emery, lawyers who come into the office more frequently tend to be viewed as “high performers” who take advantage of career development opportunities, soaking up opportunities to engage and connect with senior partners.

How the Hybrid Model Works in Practice

Here are some examples of law firms that have embraced the hybrid model, and what they are doing to make the transition smoothly:

Law firm Knights and Signature Litigation encourage their staff to attend the office five days per week, but allow employees to determine how much is needed. The rules are more flexible for people who need to commute long hours. “We trust our people to be where they need to be and do not prescribe rules about set times,” said CEO David Beech.
Law firm Vinson & Elkins announced a four-day in-office schedule, allowing their staff to work remotely on either Monday or Friday. Other law firms have found that their sweet spot is three days.
According to research conducted by Legal IT Insider in association with Philips, the most popular hybrid model is working more than half the week in the office (52% of respondents), with working less than half the week in the office (23%), and giving staff the option to choose their hours of working from home (23%).
Some law firms are more strict with office attendance with junior lawyers, so they can better learn from their peers. The same goes for new hires, regardless of their level of experience, so they can quickly integrate into the culture of the company.

Every law firm is unique and each team needs to experiment and see what works better for them.

Five Tips for Transitioning Into A Hybrid Work Arrangement

Here are five tips that can help any law firm transitioning into hybrid work to make it a success:

- - 1. 1. Maintain Robust Security Protocols. According to LawYaw, around 29% of law firms experienced security breaches during the shift to virtual work. Recommendations include using firm-provided IT equipment, implementing VPNs, password vaults, and offering training on recognizing phishing scams.
      2. Get the Team In Sync. With hybrid models, the entire team needs to communicate more closely. Consider regular check-ins with each employee, making time for work-life balance discussions during briefings, and providing virtual invitations for all meetings and events. Encouraging in-person attendees to engage virtually also prevents isolation of remote team members.
      3. Engagement Strategies. Combatting loneliness among remote workers is crucial for maintaining team mental health and morale. Virtual events, personal updates during team meetings, and dedicated instant message channels for office chit-chat are recommended. Fostering a culture that discourages an ‘us and them’ mentality between virtual and in-person staff is essential.
      4. Document Management. Firms are advised to utilize new tools to reassess their document management systems, especially if disruptions occurred during the pandemic. Ensuring remote accessibility to crucial legal documents is essential for a seamless workflow.
      5. Focus on Impact, Not Just Productivity. Working remotely, it is important to prioritize the quality of meetings over quantity. Focus on the outcomes of interactions to create a more productive environment.

Working at an office and working from home have unique advantages, so it is important to design policies that suit your firm’s and your employee’s specific needs. And while new challenges will arise from this new setting, staying flexible and adaptable will also create new opportunities for a more productive, cost-effective, and engaging environment for lawyers.

Amata has a unique “office-as-a-service” model that allows law firms to seamlessly transition into a hybrid model, without losing the support services and productive environment a traditional office provides 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 we can support your growth, whether you choose to work remotely, on-site, or opt for a hybrid model.

Discover our virtual offices in Chicago.

The Strategic Advantages of Downtown Chicago

June 18, 2025March 6, 2024 by Amata Law Offices

Chicago’s office building occupancy now sits at 55 percent, up from 13 percent at the height of the pandemic. This new data collected by Crain’s Chicago Business confirms a post-pandemic high in office building occupancy rates.

This is a nationwide trend. In Manhattan, the office occupancy rate “finally cracked 50% in recovery milestone”, this article from Crain explains. In fact, law firms signed more leases this year than ever before. The American Lawyer reported that law firm leasing activity through Q3 2023 nearly outpaced all of 2022 and, according to a recent report from brokerage firm Savills, a larger percentage of U.S. law firms expanded their office square footage in 2023 compared to last year.

“While other types of tenants are cutting space, the expansions this year show that law firms are saying that “office space continues to be very important,” said Tom Fulcher, chair of Savills’ legal tenant practice group;” this article on Reuters.com explained.

The legal industry continues to favor in-person work after the pandemic, and there is a growing sense of stability among law firm leaders that provides the confidence to invest in office space. This article will go deeper into one of the reasons why Amata clients continue to invest in office space – especially in downtown Chicago.

The Strategic Advantages of Downtown Chicago Office Spaces

Making strategic decisions about your office space can massively impact cash flow, talent attraction, and growth opportunities. Here are some of the reasons why Downtown Chicago emerges as an attractive choice with tangible value:

1. Economic Impact

Downtown Chicago serves as a major hub in the city’s economic landscape. According to a recent study, the central business district generates over $600 million annually in direct spending, and this economic activity can translate into increased opportunities for your firm, exposing you to more business and high-profile clientele.

2. Proximity to Legal Resources

Downtown Chicago is home to legal institutions like Courts, the City Clerk, and the Sheriff’s Offices. 60% of the city’s legal offices are also concentrated in this area. This creates a rich legal ecosystem, making it easier for small law firms to find talent and access court facilities and government offices.

3. Networking Opportunities

A study by the Chicago Chamber of Commerce found that over 80% of professional networking events in the city are hosted in the downtown area. For small law firm owners, an office in downtown is a centralized location to connect and do business, which facilitates valuable encounters with other legal professionals, potential clients, and business partners.

4. Cultural Amenities

The impact of cultural amenities on talent attraction is quantifiable. According to a survey by the National Association for Law Placement (NALP), 75% of legal professionals consider cultural amenities an essential factor when evaluating potential employers. Downtown Chicago’s vibrant cultural scene, with industry events and seasonal festivals like the Christkindlmarket (which attracts more than 1 million visitors each year), become another reason for small law firms to choose this location for office space.

5. Client Impressions

A recent survey conducted by Forbes Insights found that 75% of business executives believe a prestigious office location positively influences their perception of a company. An address in downtown Chicago not only impresses clients but also instills confidence and can potentially influence their hiring decisions.

6. Access to Top Talent

Chicago’s legal talent pool is vast and diverse. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), the city hosts over 45,000 active attorneys. Positioning your law firm in downtown Chicago attracts ambitious and highly driven professionals, with statistics showing that 65% of legal professionals prefer working in central locations for career opportunities and professional growth.

7. Convenient Transportation

Over 70% of the city’s transit lines converge in the central business district, making downtown Chicago a transportation hub. This means it will be easier for employees, clients, and partners to reach your office via public transportation (and spend less time in traffic!).

8. Brand Visibility

A study by the International Downtown Association found that businesses located in central districts experienced a 20% increase in foot traffic and a 15% boost in brand recognition. For small law firms seeking greater brand visibility, the impact of choosing a downtown location is quantifiable.

From economic impact to networking opportunities and talent attraction, choosing a downtown office can provide solo practitioners and small firm owners tangible benefits that impact their bottom line. And if you seek a more prestigious position in the competitive legal landscape of Chicago, this should be one of your top choices.

The question is, how can you access an office in downtown Chicago without being a big law firm yet? That is where our flexible and scalable office plans come in. Contact our team and we will tell you all about them.

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Why Lawyers Need Sabbaticals

June 18, 2025February 28, 2024 by Amata Law Offices

Abu Fofanah, a 7 figure business owner, announced on his website:

📍On sabbatical

📌 I can’t promise anything, ask somebody else to do it

👨🏾‍💻 After years of working to pour into others— I’m walking away from millions in order to save myself.

While this may sound extreme, the reality is that burnout is a real problem that is increasingly affecting lawyers and remote professional service providers. According to the American Bar Association, 32% of lawyers experience symptoms of depression, and 23% struggle with anxiety. Also, a study by the recruitment agency Realm Recruit found that two-thirds of legal professionals have experienced burnout at least once throughout their careers.

“It’s a dangerous combination where people with ambitious personalities are working in an environment where clients demand so much and everything is urgent,” said Jan Dernestam, Co-Chair of the IBA Law Firm Management Committee.

As a leading voice on the importance of work-life balance, Amata is creating this article to help lawyers avoid burnout and stay fresh for their most rewarding work.

Why Lawyers Need Sabbaticals

There are certain things that just come with the territory. Lawyers often face heavy workloads and tight deadlines, leading to long working hours and high-pressure situations. The demands of handling numerous cases, managing client expectations, and meeting court deadlines contribute to chronic stress.

Dealing with legal cases can also take a significant emotional toll. Complex cases require critical decisions that can have profound consequences for clients. The weight of these responsibilities, combined with the potential for moral and ethical dilemmas, can all contribute to emotional exhaustion and burnout.

Lawyers may also find themselves in situations where they have limited control over their work environment, such as tight court schedules, unexpected case developments, or unpredictable client demands. The pressure to bill a certain number of hours can lead to overworking, sacrificing personal time, and neglecting self-care.

On top of that, the legal profession can be highly competitive, and lawyers may face uncertainty in their career paths. Clients often have high expectations and lawyers may feel compelled to meet unrealistic standards. This combination of unique factors can make lawyers more susceptible to burnout.

So when we say that lawyers need sabbaticals, we recognize taking 6 months off is likely not realistic for most lawyers. But there are three alternatives to stay fresh and enjoy a better work-life balance:

Strategy 1: Schedule Time Off (“Mini Sabbaticals”)

Mini sabbaticals are brief periods of time off, distinct from traditional vacations, that allow you to step away from the daily legal grind. These breaks, whether a long weekend or a few extra days sprinkled throughout the month, serve as a strategic investment in well-being, with positive impacts on both personal and professional life.

The key is to not wait for your schedule to be empty (something that will likely never happen), but to schedule your time off in advance. Even a few hours of rest can renew your focus and creativity, prevent burnout, and allow your best ideas to flourish.

And if you are worried about missing a call during your time off, that’s what our virtual assistants are here for.

Strategy 2: Delegate

Most professionals underestimate the time it takes them to check email, handle appointments, and return calls. These essential but time-consuming tasks can be delegated to a virtual legal assistant, which frees up your time to get new clients, win more cases, and run a profitable law firm.

With Amata’s “office-as-a-service” model, you can access 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 enjoying your life.

Strategy 3: Set Limits and Boundaries

Scheduling time off and delegating will get you a long way. But in the legal profession, where demands are incessant and the stakes are high, setting clear limits and boundaries is a must.

What is important to understand is that these boundaries not only safeguards your mental and physical well-being, but will they serve your clients and team in the long run. Having downtime is not selfish or a sign of weakness, but a key component of sustained high-performance.

This becomes even more important when working remotely. With constant connectivity, it’s crucial to set limits on after-hours emails and calls. Designate specific periods for uninterrupted focus or relaxation, and delineate reasonable working hours unless something truly urgent comes up.

Regular breaks are non-negotiable. Lawyers should make time for lunch, short walks, or moments of relaxation during the workday. These brief respites contribute to mental rejuvenation and prevent the cumulative stress that leads to burnout.

Working remotely is great but, without boundaries, it can also become unsustainable. By scheduling time off, delegating time-consuming activities that do not energize you (or directly add to your bottomline), and learning how to say no, you’ll create a healthier work/life balance and a more profitable law firm.

Contact us today and our team will guide you on how our flexible office plans and on-demand support staff can create a profitable law firm you never want to escape from.

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

Proven Delegation Framework for Lawyers

June 18, 2025February 21, 2024 by Amata Law Offices

Growing a law firm has several stages. In the beginning, you are hungry for clients and looking to make a name for yourself. You work on promotion, your track record, and never miss a networking event. But there comes a time when your problem is actually having too much work. If you are in that stage, this article is for you.

People who move to the third stage (where your law firm is running without you and you can focus on your most energizing work and growing the business) have learned how to delegate effectively. Mastering the skill of delegation will allow you to free up your time and uncap the ceiling of your income and impact potential.

The problem is that most law schools do not teach fundamental business schools, so many lawyers who end up running a law firm lack a proven framework for delegating — Which is what we will explain in this article.

The 10-80-10 Principle

Entrepreneur and coach John Maxwell developed a simple principle for delegation after working with thousands of leaders for over 40 years: The 10-80-10 Principle.

It works like this:

You get involved in the first 10% of a project. This is the ideation and planning phase, where your team will require your involvement to really know what is the expected outcome, the standards and the deliverables.
You delegate the 80%, which is the implementation phase. You have steered the wheel towards the direction you want, it’s now time for your team to take over. You remain available for them and keep them accountable while they bring the vision laid out during the first 10% to life.
You jump back into the last 10% of the project. This is the completion phase where you do “quality control,” fill any loopholes, and make sure everything is up to your standards. You also ask deep questions so your team can grow from this experience.

“I call those two parts the bookends of success. I could also compare the process to piloting a plane. The crucial parts of the flight are the takeoff and landing. They’re the most dangerous, and the most complicated. By involving myself in the team’s project during those crucial times, I’m able to help them make a successful trip.” John Maxwell

The 10-80-10 Principles has many benefits for lawyers:

You delegate implementation but maintain control of outcomes. The legal world requires precise execution, confidentiality, and maintaining strict deadlines. Client matters may be too sensitive to delegate them completely, which is why you are getting involved in the first and last 10%, and making sure everything gets done promptly through the middle 80%.
You delegate the most time-consuming part of the process. Your genius becomes creating the strategy and maintaining client relationships, while your team takes over the most time-consuming activities. In this way, you are still contributing with your years of experience to win cases, while being more efficient with your time.
You can grow new leaders from every project. One of the things that Maxwell recommends is to use the last 10% of any project to identify people who took the lead in the project. When you are constantly on the outlook for rising leaders and invest in your people, you can develop new leaders to take over your role so you can ascend to an even higher position in your law firm.

If you are looking to get more done while making sure quality is maintained in your client delivery, the 10-80-10 principle is the place to get started.

More Than 21 Years Helping Lawyers Delegate More Easily

We know that delegating is not an easy task. You worry about not having enough funds, about the quality of the delivery, and about the time it will take to find, train, and retain people. That is why here at Amata we have made delegation a breeze with our on-demand support services.

-If you need a virtual assistant to manage your calendar, new client form intake, and inbound calls

-If you require diligent paralegals who will research on your behalf and write document drafts

-If you require staff to do errands and daily runs to courthouses for you, while also managing your mailing and greeting any clients who come to your office

Then Amata’s support services are for you. We help you save time and money with pre-vetted professionals who act as an extension of your law firm, and who are paid on a per-hour basis. You only pay for the work you are receiving, and do not need to devote days to train every new hire because they are all experienced in the legal industry.

Paula Kaplan Berger
BERGER LAW, LLC

By blending Amata’s support professionals with the 10-80-10 principle, you can expand your clientele while maintaining profitability, delegate time-consuming tasks, and create a thriving law that can run and grow without you.

Contact our team today to inquire about our on-demand support services.

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

Law Firm Billing: How to Collect Payments in a Timely Manner

June 11, 2025February 14, 2024 by Amata Law Offices

Billing can be a huge pain point for lawyers. In the 2023 Trends Report by Clio, it was found that 14% of billable hours never get invoiced and, from those that get invoiced, 11% never get paid by clients. This means a significant portion of most law firms’ profits never reach their bank account.

How can you, as a solo practitioner or law firm owner change this? Read on to discover one actionable tip to get paid in full, on time.

Timing Is Essential

In his book How to Start & Build a Law Practice, author Jay G. Foonberg talks about an essential concept that impacts billing: The Gratitude Curve.

Essentially, in most people approach lawyers when they are in a desperate situation. If there is a fit and they become clients, their immediate sentiment is relief. They’re glad to have a lawyer by their side.

As time passes, the client’s perception of the value reaches its peak. They couldn’t be more grateful for having their lawyer. And then, depending on the nature of the case and the duration of the trial, the “gratitude curve” starts to fall down.

Image credits: Clio Legal Trends Report

The longer the case moves away from a significant milestone, the more a client will feel like they no longer need their lawyer. It is the same with doctors, accountants, advertising agencies, and most professional service providers. If there is not a frequent demonstration of value, clients start to feel like ‘this is just another bill to pay’ and that they can solve the problem on their own (or with cheaper assistance).

So is there a solution? Here 3 strategic moves to make the most out of Foonberg’s Gratitude Curve.

Strategy #1: Bill up front and at the points of maximum perceived value

Needless to say, a client is more likely to pay their bill and see it as an investment when their perception of value is high. This means that bills should be sent up front, as soon as an important milestone is reached, or just before the clients need their lawyer to make the next strategic move.

While this may be common sense, Clio’s study found that 15% of clients never received a bill from their lawyer, and 28% of bills are sent weeks or even months after the work is done, reducing their chances of getting paid.

The solution is to bill clients right when their perceived value is at its highest, and always invoice all billable hours.

Strategy #2: Constantly Overdeliver

There is a concept in customer experience called the “wow” moment. This is when you enter a hotel and see that they left free water or a welcome letter in your room. By integrating these “micro experiences” into your engagements, the perception of value not only increases but can be preserved much longer.

Strategy #3: Simple Payments

Most clients want to pay their lawyer. However, a large portion of law firms are still sending bills by mail, only accepting checks, and not setting clear deadlines.

A bill should be easy to pay. And it pays to do so. In Clio’s 2023 Trends Report, it was found that firms using online payments on average collect 50% of their bills within 7 days of issuing them, while those not using online payments get paid in 15 days or more. This is twice the time it takes for a law firm to receive new funds and be able to reinvest for growth or pay the owner.

At the end of the day, work doesn’t finish until the invoice is fully paid and received. By billing up in a timely manner, keeping the perception of value high, and making it easy for clients to pay their bills, law firms can avoid cash flow problems and get compensated for all their hard work.

If you are having trouble keeping up with invoices and billing clients in a timely manner, a virtual assistant can help. Amata’s administrative assistants are trained in the legal industry and can support in any of these areas:

Email Management
Payroll, Billing, and Accounting
Database Management
Document Conversion and Management
Appointment Reminders and Scheduling
Legal Correspondence and Transcription
Legal Research
Live Virtual Receptionist

Our flexible plans allow you to pay for only the hours that you need, so that keeping your firm’s operations running smoothly doesn’t come with unnecessary overhead costs.

Click here to discover how our Virtual Assistants can assist with billing (and a whole lot more!)

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