Determining If Coworking Is Right for You
Whether you’re breaking off from an existing practice and going out on your own, starting your legal career as a sole proprietor, or working to build up a small law practice, one of your biggest concerns is overhead. For most attorneys and law firms, the single biggest component of overhead is the cost of office space. For that reason, there’s been significant growth over the past decade in coworking office arrangements. In a coworking environment, you typically have access to most or all of the conveniences of an office on a part-time basis, and at a reduced fee.
Though the reduced cost of coworking space is attractive, you want to look at all the advantages and disadvantages to determine if coworking is right for you.
The Benefits of Coworking Space for Attorneys
As we already noted, one of the main benefits of coworking space is financial. A coworking space conveniently located near where you do much of your work can save you significant time and money. With most coworking environments (including The Legal Café), you’ll have a range of plans from which to choose, and you can find one that fits your budget. Coworking lets you present a polished and professional image to potential and existing clients at a fraction of the cost.
In addition to lower expenses for the use of space, you can also expect lower administrative and other costs. Support services, such as copying, printing, and mailing, are often available, and there’s frequently a receptionist or other office personnel available. You won’t have to rent or purchase office equipment or keep sufficient office supplies on hand. Your monthly fee typically includes phone and/or internet services, and most coworking spaces offer basic snacks and beverages.
Because coworking space typically provides room for a number of individuals, it’s a great way to network. That can be an excellent way to build a referral-based clientele or brainstorm with other attorneys to find better solutions for your clients.
The Disadvantages of Coworking Environments for Lawyers
The biggest concern lawyers might have when considering coworking is the availability of privacy. In the practice of law, you need meeting space that protects attorney-client confidentiality. Accordingly, an open office environment is not suitable, unless you also have access to a private conference room where you can close the door.
Furthermore, though you may have some access to a support staff when you use coworking space, you won’t have your own dedicated staff. You may have to wait to get certain services, or you may have to perform those services yourself.
The Legal Café—Get the Benefits of Coworking Space for Your Law Practice
At The Legal Café, we understand the unique requirements for law firm office space, and we have tailored our environment to meet your needs. We provide:
- Well-appointed private conference rooms for client meetings or online videoconferencing
- Efficient workspace with access to high-speed internet
- Gourmet coffee and a selected offering of light food items
We offer a range of flexible membership plans, allowing you to choose the level of access and usage that best meets the needs of your practice. Daily “hot seats” can also be purchased, giving you access to Café space on a first-come, first-served basis.
At The Legal Café, you’ll have a receptionist to greet your clients or other visitors and provide them with your marketing brochures, if appropriate. Our staff can help you set up a videoconference and present engagement letters or client agreements for you, if necessary.
We also provide members with a powerful lead generation app, which
- Shows you all potential leads;
- Allows you to purchase leads directly through the app; and
- Provides useful tracking capabilities, including data on how many leads you convert to clients.
Come to The Legal Café
If you’re an attorney looking to build your practice or improve your bottom line, The Legal Café can help meet your needs. Stop by the Café at 114 Main Street, have a cup of coffee, and find out more.