Member Login
Get Started

Virtual mailbox

Practicing Law in Multiple States? These Lawyers Share How They Meet Clients Where They Are

by

For estate planning attorney Michael Milliman, this is a busy time of the month. He takes a four-hour train ride, leaving his Michigan-based law firm (DeLoof, Dever, Eby, Wright, Milliman, Bourque & Issa, PLLC) for a few days, to serve his clients in Chicago. It’s only a short walk from the train before he arrives at his satellite office in the heart of the downtown area.

His days in the Loop are filled with client meetings, a total of 15 over the next 72 hours. When he finishes the first day of meetings, he’ll take another short walk and retire to a nearby hotel. The next day, he’ll do it all over again.

“It keeps me efficient,” he said about his schedule. “I love the fast pace of being in the Loop.”

Milliman has spent his nearly 20-year career in Michigan, but he has always considered Chicago a great second home. Several years ago, he became licensed to practice law in Illinois and began establishing a client base. While most of his work can be done virtually, he prefers a physical office, especially for maintaining client relationships. In 2019, he opened a satellite office with Amata Law Office Suites, Chicago’s first legal community of more than 700 attorneys and six Class-A downtown offices.

“I want my clients to always have a local connection to their attorney,” he said.

Fellow Amata-based lawyer, Ken Fiedler of Ken Fiedler Injury Law, echoed Milliman’s thoughts. Fiedler began his career in Chicago before moving and practicing in Colorado. He developed many connections during his time in the Windy City and always planned to resume a physical presence.

“Chicago is a great place to practice law,” he said, noting the large yet close-knit legal community. “I’ll always consider it home.”

Yet opening a satellite office in a new city can be difficult. According to Law.com, firms typically allocate around 300 square feet of office space per employee. That comes to a minimum of $14,000 for one attorney in downtown Chicago, as the average cost of Class-A office space is $48 per square foot.

To circumvent these issues and better focus on their practices, Milliman and Fiedler chose Amata. In addition to physical and virtual offices, Amata offers live reception services and an experienced legal support team.

“It’s a really economical choice for any firm that wants a presence in a large city, where it has historically been expensive to open a brick-and-mortar office,” Milliman said.

He praises Amata’s “fantastic” paralegal team, which boasts 110 years of combined work experience. He says they copy and scan documents among other tasks that he simply doesn’t have time to manage himself. Specifically, the on-staff notary is one of his favorite Amata offerings.

“It’s a huge, huge convenience for me,” Milliman said. “I never have to worry about scheduling on my notary’s availability and it’s cost-effective. When you bring a mobile notary to your office, they charge for travel.”

Fiedler appreciates Amata’s professional environment and the proximity of his office to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Once COVID-19 restrictions are further lifted, he looks forward to traveling to Chicago and meeting his clients at least one week per month.

Fiedler and Milliman aren’t the only ones taking advantage of Amata’s flexible office options. Amata also caters to Chicago-based attorneys who do business in other states.

Personal injury lawyer Sean Park of The Park Law Firm came to Amata after practicing in Georgia, where he still holds a license. He continues to virtually serve clients in Atlanta. He utilizes Amata’s live reception services and says Atlanta callers don’t necessarily know that he’s located in Chicago or frequently traveling. He attributes that to the professionalism of Amata’s receptionists, who keep him feeling grounded even when he’s working from different states.

“I hope Amata expands into other areas,” he said. “If they opened in Atlanta at some point, they would have my continued business.”

Expand your practice smoothly. Chicago is home to burgeoning startups and leading companies in various industries, making it a prime location for advising clients. With Amata’s investment in technology and support services, attorneys can feel supported anywhere.

Whether you’re based on the East Coast, West Coast or Third Coast in Chicago, call us or visit our website and take an online or in-person tour of one of our six Class-A law firm office spaces to learn how our legal support and live reception services can help you establish a presence in any city in which you desire to work.

Discover our virtual offices in Chicago.

4 Ways Private Practice Law Firms Benefit from Virtual Law Office Space

by
handsome lawyer in eyeglasses using laptop at workplace

Virtual law office spaces are becoming the ideal choice for many legal practitioners in the 21st century. A virtual office enables attorneys across a variety of practice areas to gain access to crucial support services and essential technology letting them work from anywhere while providing office necessities like manned reception, legal admin staff, a business address, and more.

These spaces are affordable and provide flexible lease terms to suit your unique legal needs. The best part? When you go virtual, commuting to the office is no longer mandatory.

With a multitude of benefits, virtual office space is ideal for solo and partner practice law firms. In this blog post, we’ll focus on the top four benefits that every law firm can realize from virtual law office space.

What is a virtual law office?

Unlike a standard office, a virtual office only requires that you pay for the services you use, versus services and space. Virtual office space resources and benefits vary depending on the subscription package a lawyer takes, but will normally provide ready access to it’s the office address, meeting space and day office space to receive clients and work, live receptionists, and a range of administrative services.

In some states, lawyers can practice law only when they give a corporate address of their business. A virtual office fulfills this recommendation without adding the same overhead of standard space. Virtual law offices can give lawyers a corporate address where their mail will be sent, handled, scanned, and even forwarded on to a home address. The team will collect it and pass it on to you as requested. Day-offices and meeting rooms can be rented out as needed, and you are free to work from any common space.

The law office of the past depended on dedicated spaces to provide an air of legacy and stability, at an astounding cost to legal firms. Moving towards the future, clients care more about flexibility and results than image. For solo practice law firms and partner practice law firms, the costs of renting out this space has proven an enormous hurdle – virtual office space erases these unnecessary expenditures.

The advantages of moving to virtual office space

Office Space Without the Commitment

Virtual office spaces can benefit any type of law firm or attorney, particularly those whose time rarely involves staying in one place.

For instance, a family law attorney usually spends the lion’s share of their time in meetings out of the office or in court. Yet having access to an office space in a central area offers a place to reconvene and work from. With the help of a virtual law office provider, it’s possible to rent space as needed, while side-stepping the commitment and expense of a conventional office lease.

Big Firm Benefits for Private & Boutique Legal Practices

Virtual law offices offer more than simply a place to work. At Amata, we offer a suite of services designed specifically around legal practices, such as on-site paralegals and notaries. Our legal live receptionists vet incoming calls even after normal business hours, optimizing your client intake.

As a law office designed specifically for attorneys, you will have access to our attorney referral network and legal industry events and partnerships. Conference rooms and both furnished and unfurnished office spaces are available for convenience, and can be utilized as-needed.

Easy Expansion

Virtual office space enables law firms to expand operations by opening new office spaces outside of their normal base of operations. Many leading law firms follow this strategy by having no central office space, while employing hundreds of lawyers across the country. Law firms that expand with the help of virtual office space can boost their revenue because there’s no fixed rental fee that they have to shell out monthly.

Work Flexibility

Lawyers who sign up for virtual office space can work anytime, anywhere without being confined between the four walls of a conventional office. They may decide on working from home for any number of days without having the pressure to use the office space for matching up the payment. In an increasingly digital work environment spurred by COVID-19, this can prove an immense boon.

Unlike traditional office space, virtual workspace is based on a pay-as-you-go model. That means attorneys pay a small fee to subscribe to virtual space and manage their day without the pressure of going to an office. Even better, lawyers can move their practice to any location without having to worry about lease contracts that come with traditional offices. Securing a new virtual office in a new location will also be less stressful as it’s easily available.

Virtual Law Offices at Amata Law Office Suites

Being the only shared office space provider catering to law firms and legal practitioners in Chicago, Amata Law Office Suites offers virtual law office programs. Our private office space comes with services and amenities required for supporting attorneys.

We give attorneys in Chicago seven premium spaces to choose from across the entire downtown loop. Additionally, we offer furnished and unfurnished offices; scalable lease terms; office necessities such as water, coffee, and printer; and on-site admins, notaries, and paralegals.

With our shared office space, you’ll easily establish your Chicago practice and keep it running smoothly without worrying about dedicated office space’s maintenance. Schedule a tour of your next virtual law office with us and become part of a growing community of over 700 attorneys. Visit our website today for more details.

Discover our virtual offices in Chicago.

Expanding Your Team Nationwide? This Law Firm Shares How It Hung a Satellite Shingle in Chicago

by

alaw-office-space-virtual

As a leader in multiple industries, from health care and technology to food manufacturing and transportation, Chicago is known for its diverse economy. It also offers a robust yet “close-knit” legal community. All of these factors make the third largest U.S. city a top choice for law firms of all sizes to open a satellite office and build prospective clients. In fact, four of the world’s 10 largest law firms have Chicago branches.

But starting a firm in a new city is no easy task. According to commercial real estate company SquareFoot, the average cost for office space in downtown Chicago is $48 per square foot, while Law.com says firms typically allocate 300-400 square feet per employee. That means space for one attorney in a satellite office would cost no less than $14,000. There are plenty of other costs to consider as well, such as additional computers and insurance.

Earlier this year, Veteran Legal Group, a California-based firm representing armed service members and their families, wanted to expand. The firm needed an attorney to take on an influx of veteran disability claims and recruited Chicago-based attorney Edward Farmer, who has specialized in veteran disability law for the past 10 years.

“Chicago is a big-size market,” Farmer said about the Windy City’s appeal to Veteran Legal Group, adding that the city lacks stiff competition in veteran disability law. “There aren’t many attorneys who do what I do.”

Farmer has built his Chicago presence through Amata Law Office Suites, the city’s first legal community of more than 700 attorneys and seven Class-A offices in downtown Chicago. When Veteran Legal Group began searching for Chicago office space, Farmer steered the team toward Amata, where he operated a solo practice from 2017-2020.

“What you get for the price is much better than setting up an office from scratch,” he said. “You have the support of the staff … If I was here by myself, my workload would be five times as much.”

In less than two weeks, Farmer had his office arranged and started practicing with his new firm. In addition to a furnished office, he has access to Amata’s experienced paralegal team, live receptionists, copy machines and WiFi, all of which are necessary for communicating with his out-of-state team.

Amata also provides a built-in community of 700-plus legal colleagues, a support system that can be lacking for attorneys working out of satellite offices. Farmer is currently the only Veteran Legal Group lawyer in Chicago and therefore has little in-person interaction with coworkers. But he credits Amata for his relationship with Jim Thompson, a now-retired personal injury attorney, who informally mentored him while Farmer was starting his previous practice. They are still friends today.

As Veteran Legal Group continues to grow, Farmer expects another attorney to join him at the Chicago branch. When the time comes, he said the firm will simply need to lease another office. Amata will take care of the rest and allow them to focus on hiring the right attorney.

“It’s a great place for lawyers to work,” Farmer said. “I really believe that, especially if you’re in a private practice.”

Marc J. Bern & Partners LLP, a New York-based firm specializing in personal injury law, medical malpractice and more, also has a Chicago satellite office through Amata.

Call us or visit our website and take an online or in-person tour of one of our seven Class-A spaces to learn how our legal support services can help quickly set up your satellite office and establish your Chicago presence.

Discover our virtual offices in Chicago.

The Modern Office is Changing to Accommodate Small Businesses

by

Modern Office is Changing to Accommodate Small Businesses

Small businesses are having a great couple of years, and they are continuing to be optimistic towards the future. If you’re one of the many experiencing growth in your business, and evaluating office space, don’t go straight to the realtor’s office. Instead embrace the varied options available thanks to continued demand for flexible, cost-efficient space for small businesses.

Overhead for Permanent Offices is Shrinking in Shared Office Facilities

Looking for a brick-and-mortar location to house your business or team? There’s a better way than leasing large amounts of space at exorbitant costs and taking on all the property management responsibilities that come with it.

Now, you can enjoy private office space for your company at a much lower cost by sharing the community areas like reception, cafes and lounges. You’ll save on monthly expenses in not only your physical space but also in your staffing requirements as you’re able to take advantage of professional front-end staff members of the facility your company is located within.

Day Office Rentals Allow More Freedom

Many business owners simply need a place to meet, on occasion, with their clients. Either they work primarily from home, have a job that requires extensive travelling, or spend all day running around the city from meeting to meeting. If this describes you, day office rentals are a great option to keep costs down, while giving you a spot to work when you do need it.

Shared office providers offer everything from full private offices to rentable desks for the day. Whether you prefer the confidentiality of a classic office, or work best in a bubbling open coworking space, there is an option out there for you. And if your needs change you will find shared office providers allow an easy transition from this on-the-go virtual working into a more permanent space.

Business Addresses: When the Only Office You Need is at Home

Your business is just starting, you may even be working a different part-time job right now, and you have no need for meeting space or even a receptionist to answer your calls – not yet at least. What you need is a business address. An address that, when looked up by prospective clients or partners, does not return as a residential location.

Having a professional business address for your business is the ultimate way to say “I’m successful” without taking on the overhead costs of real office space. Not only will you enjoy the privacy of not giving out your home address, but you can take advantage of mail handling services – such as scanning and forwarding — that make it a breeze to still receive all your incoming correspondence in a timely manner. Like the options listed above, you can find business addresses and mail services at your local shared office space provider.

Interested in working virtually? 5 things you should know first.

Discover our offices for lawyers in Chicago.

The Need for a Virtual Office

by
We Are A Full-Service Support Solution For Professionals

Chicago_Virtual_Office_Defined

With today’s rapidly evolving technology, it is increasingly common for businesses to embrace the virtual or work life. Virtual office users range from early stage start-ups looking to grow their presence without overextending their budgets, to established businesses that are gradually expanding. No matter your type of company, a virtual office can provide you with the amenities of a complete office and set you up for a success.

Benefits Of A Virtual Office

Leasing and maintaining an independent office for your business can become costly, depending on the stage of your business and its growth plan. Why strain yourself or your budget when a virtual office reduces overhead cost, increases flexibility for meeting and staffing needs, and provides access to class-A building services when needed. Here are a few benefits a virtual office can provide:

  • Virtual Phone Answering Service: A personalized call answering program promotes work productivity. This cost-effective program allows you to prioritize workflow while never missing an important business or client call. Amata provides a personalized call answering service for your business with an after-hours auto attendant and a designated number for call forwarding.
  • Phone Automation: Automation is an interactive voice response system that interacts with callers. It allows businesses to respond to customers promptly and in an organized manner. Once the appropriate information is given to the customer, a member from your team may reach out in a more personal response. This is a great service for small businesses when competing against larger businesses to create a personalized customer experience.
  • Virtual Access: Virtual access gives your business the opportunity to grow with access to a shared office space, coworking rooms, common areas, cafés, and conference rooms during standard office hours. Amata offers a virtual access package, which is perfect for people who work remotely, such as frequent business travelers andthose with a home-based office who require the professional appearance of a formal office.
  • Prestigious Business Address: A prestigious business address projects a professional image to your clients while you work from home. This is a great option for those whose business is not yet ready to rent an actual office space. Amata gives you the option to choose from one of six prestigious business addresses to impress your clients on paper. As an added bonus, mailing addresses also allow you access to common areas, cafés, and coworking rooms.
  • Conference Rooms: A virtual office gives you discounted access to conference rooms where you can conduct meetings or conference calls. Give your business a professional appearance and some of downtown Chicago’s best views when you have meetings with potential business partners or clients. Amata provides multiple conference rooms in every center. Book your room here.

Work Smarter Not Harder

As large corporations transition employees to remote work positions, the playing field is leveled a bit more for small market businesses and entrepreneurs. Now, both employees of large and small companies can enjoy greater work-life balance through the convenience of a virtual office. Reduce time and money wasted on daily commute. If your business is looking to conserve budget or gain an additional location without entering into a lease, a virtual office space is right for you.

See if a virtual office is right for your business. Contact Amata for information about the virtual office plan.

As your business weighs the importance of the image it projects through its office presentation and location, make sure you take charge of its online reputation. Continue read this helpful article for more insight: Take Control Of Your Online Reputation.

Discover our virtual offices in Chicago.

Chicago’s Innovative Office Space is aSuiteOffice

by

Client Spotlight: EquiTrade Group Inc.

At Amata Office Centers, we understand that no matter how large or small the industry type, establishing a new office location can be time consuming, costly, and frustrating. At Amata our aSuiteOffice provides the much needed flexibility to react to ever-changing market influences requiring a business to expand, contract, or relocate. This kind of flexibility cannot be achieved through traditional long-term office leasing. Our aSuiteOffice agreements are simple and straight forward. The result is the quick establishment of your office, allowing you to take advantage of your new space immediately.

Read more

How To Know When You’ve Outgrown Your Home Office

by

How To Know When You’ve Outgrown Your Home Office

Does your kitchen table double as your desk? If you’re having a hard time separating your personal life from your professional life, it could be time to find a new space for your home-based business. While home offices are often a good fit for startups, allowing entrepreneurs to save on rent and other expenses, they present challenges once a company starts to bring on employees and land its first clients, according to this recent article from Mashable.

With everything from barking dogs to crying babies, home offices can be full of distractions, making it difficult for small, start-up businesses to maintain a professional image. A living room isn’t the same as a conference room, and a bedroom isn’t the same as a private office. Home offices also lack the professional exposure of a commercial office with street traffic and, due to their isolated nature, don’t facilitate collaboration with other entrepreneurs. Additionally, heavy foot traffic from employees can be a red flag to homeowners associations and possibly affect your homeowners or renters insurance, creating unnecessary headaches at a time when you’re trying to grow your company, according to the article.

If you aren’t ready to commit to traditional office space, shared office providers like Amata Office Centers are a great, affordable alternative. In addition to offering you private, professional office space, our facilities feature a variety of common areas like state-of-the-art conference rooms and on-site cafés that are ideal for face-to-face meetings with clients, who may be uncomfortable talking about business deals in your family’s dining room. Another less visible perk of shared office suites is the built-in professional network that comes with each center, making it easy for entrepreneurs to work together to solve common problems.

But a shared office suite isn’t the only way to boost your professional image. For those who want to take a smaller step, a virtual office could be a good starting point. Our virtual office solutions provide professional mail and phone answering services that serve as an extension of your brand, allowing you to have a downtown address while continuing to work from home. You can also rent conference space on an as-needed basis. If you ever decide to move to one of Amata’s Chicago office centers, your company address and phone number will stay the same, making the transition from home to office seamless for you and your clients.

Are you a home-based entrepreneur looking for shared office space in Chicago? Head over to our website to find the plan that’s right for your company. And be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook andLinkedIn for updates about Amata and additional tips for growing your business.

Until next time,

Ron Bockstahler,

CEO & Co-founder

Image By: Tammy Strobel

Discover our offices for lawyers in Chicago.

How a Chicago Loop Office Adds Value to Your Company

by

How a Chicago Loop Office Adds Value to Your Company

Everyone knows with the modern communications of internet access you can do a lot of work from home. You can get even more done from a designated office space. On occasion you may have to make a trip to visit a client, suppliers or simply make a physical presence as validation you’re doing the work required. Although the extent of benefit may vary depending on the field you work in, nearly every job can benefit by having an office in the thick of the action where both your customers and vendors spend their days.

You may do your job and submit your results on your computer and over the internet, respectively, but it can make things go more smoothly if you are in the general vicinity of other people working in the field. In Chicago, this means considering office space in the Loop so you can represent your company on professional terms alongside other businesses.

Read more