If computers and fax machines leveled the playing field between lawyers at big and small firms, the Internet has sealed the gap. With instant access to cases, to opinions, to regulatory decisions – and, most important, to clients – D.C. area lawyers at small firms and in solo practice say they have never felt more confident to take on cases that several years ago would have been beyond their capacity to handle.
Wiring your practice can make up for a lack of space, staffing, or resources; provide valuable research capabilities that might otherwise be inaccessible; and cut hours off the time it takes to perform some duties – including billing. And although ramping up may seem like a hefty investment both in time and money, after the initial outlay is made, staying ahead of big firm competitors can actually be cheaper for smaller operations since equipment needn’t be upgraded for hundreds of people at a time.
