Solo practice for the virtual immigration lawyer

What may have seemed like a daunting time to start a new business and create a client base during the pandemic was the perfect opportunity to build a solo immigration practice. And a 100% virtual one at that.

As the world shut down, many aspects of everyday life went virtual, and so did various practices in immigration law. Whether you enrolled in a paid web video subscription like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to communicate with your clients and staff, attended immigration hearings via WebEx, hired legal assistants residing in other countries, or created an Instagram, Facebook, and/or TikTok page for social media marketing, you went virtual in some capacity. Virtual is the future, and practicing immigration law virtually as a solo immigration lawyer is completely doable.

Virtual is efficient

What makes virtual law practice so appealing is its efficiency. You are more productive when you can manage your law practice all in one place. As a virtual immigration lawyer, you can work from home, email your retainer agreement to your client for signature, lower or eliminate spending on parking and gas, attend meetings online, and you can coordinate all client communications via telephone, text message, WhatsApp and email. You can also email instructions for case processing and billing statements to your client by taking advantage of billing systems integrated into your immigration software, or you can subscribe to QuickBooks or another solo billing platform. All of which can reduce your carbon footprint.

If your client is not internet savvy, the other client who is part of the case, a family member, or even a friend can help. Keep in mind your duty of confidentiality under the California Rules of Professional Conduct. Per Rule 1.6, "A lawyer shall not reveal information protected from disclosure by Business and Professions Code section 6068, subdivision (e)(1) unless the client gives informed consent [...]." Under section 6068, subdivision(e)(1), the duty of loyalty and confidentiality requires lawyers "to maintain inviolate the confidence, and at every peril to himself or herself to preserve the secrets, of his or her client." When a third party is involved, remember your ethical duty and make it clear to the third party that you do not represent him or her. If your client authorizes the disclosure of confidential information to a third party, your client should waive attorney-client confidentiality in writing. Include a clause in your retainer agreement for the waiver of attorney-client confidentiality and have your client sign it.

Online case processing

With more online processes opening up at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and with the National Visa Center adopting an online approach to consular processing, access to a completely virtual practice is getting easier. Soon you may be able to work entirely outside a traditional office space. If you have the supporting documents saved on your laptop and you can pay online using a bank account, credit or debit card, there is no need to print and mail the application packet. You can process and apply for immigration benefits anywhere.

Time management and organization are key

An important part of being a solo immigration lawyer is knowing how to manage your time and keeping yourself organized. The number of clients you take on should be based on your skills and responsibilities. Use a virtual calendar and color-code your daily activities. Recommendations include: Appearances, Billing, Client Appointments, Client Payments, Events, Important or Filing Deadlines, Personal, and Social Media. Create a client list or Microsoft Excel sheet to easily search client information. Write a to-do list for tasks you need to complete.

Social media is all the rage

If you are a new lawyer or went solo recently after gaining experience at a law firm, you are now the face of the business. Create a website for foundation and take advantage of the free social media platforms available to brand yourself. If you are not creative or lack the time, it may make sense to hire folks who can create content for you. Do not be afraid to take the social media marketing leap; it works! There is power in social media and if you brand yourself well and create engaging content to interact with your audience, you will gain clients. According to Forbes' "Social Media Marketing in 2023: The Ultimate Guide," (Forbes Business Social Media Marketing) the best practices to ensure your social media marketing strategy works are to diversify your content, be consistent, engage in conversations, use hashtags, and take advantage of content creation tools, among others. And remember: Do not compare yourself to others. The number of followers on your social media account(s) does not reflect the amount of business you have or how successful your business is.

Network with business cards, always

Networking is also equally important. When you network, more than anything, be you and do not be afraid to walk up to a stranger and introduce yourself. Being shy or nervous in social settings is your past life. You had the courage to open your own business. You are educated and you will succeed. Energy is powerful, captivating and influential. Making the first move shows confidence, ability and strength. You are someone to know.

To look professional, your business cards should have a physical address instead of a P.O. Box. As a virtual attorney, you may work outside of the physical address listed, and that is okay. Virtual attorneys are niche, and a physical address is not misleading if you communicate the unavailability of onsite services with potential clients.

Make sure you take a stack of business cards everywhere you go. From networking mixers to galas to parties - you name it. You never know who you may meet, and it can be a business game changer.

Act with intention

You became a lawyer to advocate for others in the interest of justice. You are starting your own immigration practice because you believe in yourself. Let your passion guide and teach you along the way. After over three years as a 100% solo virtual immigration attorney, I am speaking from experience. I continue to tweak my business model based on what I read, learn, and observe. Once you get into the groove, you will be exposed to mobility, freedom and versatility. Your day will no longer be 9 to 5. Warren Buffett once wrote, "We enjoy the process far more than the proceeds." That is the idea.