Attorneys in New Jersey now have Virtual Office Option

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 | Written by Corporate Suites Staff

Many businesses use virtual office as an alternative to maintaining traditional office space. For many firms, having a physical office just isn't necessary - this is particularly true for sole practicioners and consultants, who are constantly on the road; and able to carry out the functions of their job from home. Marketers, accountants and other professionals have had the ability for years to use a virtual office as their business address, while conducting the majority of their business from a home office. However, attorneys in the state of New Jersey were not allowed that luxury, due to outdated restrictions set by the state's supreme court that required legal professionals to maintain a physical location. Fortunately, a recent ruling by the state's Supreme Court has relaxed those restrictions, making it possible for attorneys in New Jersey to use a virtual office for their business.  This decision comes after years of debate between the courts, attorneys and the ethics commission, which debated the legality of a virtual office for attorneys, claiming they needed to have a 'bona fide' office and time-sharing arrangements were not acceptable. The largest argument for virtual office has been the cost - a virtual office package with phone, mail, and office space usage is usually between $200 and $600 per month; where traditional office space rentals start around $1,000 per month and rise to double, triple, or more depending on the location and the amount of space needed. That figure is just rent alone - not including the cost of staff for a physical office. With a virtual office, a receptionist handles many clients, including the attorneys, and is included with the cost of the virtual office package. Virtual office services in New York City have been used by attorneys in New York for years. Philadelphia, Washington D.C., San Francisco and other major cities see a high demand for virtual office services from legal professionals. And with this new ruling, New Jersey - a state with an incredibly robust legal market - will join that group.    
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