In a way, I really am a brand new baby lawyer. I am working my way back up the food chain, giving up the notion that I will be trying any homicides or multi-defendant federal drug cases anytime soon after digging my law degree out of the back of the closet. Thus far, getting back into the swing of things has been okay, I’m remembering key search terms and where to go to find information. I’m developing a network of go-to folks who can answer some questions and who know this area of Maryland pretty well – coffees and lunches abound with really smart criminal defense attorneys who know Montgomery County and I’m happy in my little space. Clients are trickling in and I’m staying true to practicing what I know – turning down civil litigation or family matters because well, I hate it. The folks I’ve got aren’t big money, big name, but they pay the rent and I get to do what I love.

There’s been much chatter in the blogosphere and on twitter about virtual law offices, which are seen as a way to decrease overhead and thus, provide a benefit to clients in that they don’t have to help you pay for a receptionist, a paralegal, and your westlaw service. Well, you probably still need your westlaw service. In any event, the argument goes that it’s expensive to have an office, you don’t need a place where you pay rent in order to meet with your clients, and clients like being able to log on and meet ‘virtually’ or by phone, email, etc.

Historical note: When I first moved to Baltimore I thought about doing a virtual practice for immigration law. If you scope the world wide computer, you’ll see many sites advertising full service immigration assistance online – just click here! That would be cool, right? Just set it up and watch it go. But, criminal defense attorneys do a lot of hand holding, and I thought it would be hard to hold a hand across a fiber optic wire, even for immigration clients (turned out it was true for most people I represent). So I opted against it and instead, went ahead to a brick and mortar firm with a nice view of Baltimore Harbor. The office I had with my two law partners was across from the courthouse and had over 2000 square feet of blonde wood and exposed beams, a la New York City loft living. It was GORGEOUS. I watched Bruce Willis film the last Die Hard from my corner office. We had two huge conference rooms, a secretary and paralegal. And then, well, we all know what happened after that.

A year ago I rented a little office in Virginia since that was a requirement in order to waive into the bar. Yes, you actually have to pay for an office before you are even licensed there. Turns out, it was a stupid move since I missed the 5 out of 7 requirement by several months so I didn’t even qualify for waiver. But, I had the office. I also had a gig as a contract lawyer in DC. I never went to the office but I paid for it every month. Sucker.

May 1, I moved back to the state where I’m licensed, Maryland. I am doing this post for those who think its too expensive, and can’t be done, that in order to serve clients at an affordable rate, you need to do it virtually. I am not doing this to tell folks who have VLO’s that they are bad or wrong or whatever because, quite honestly, I don’t know how the other half lives. Being unfamiliar with any other type of law practice and not being able to imagine having a criminal law practice that is ‘virtual’ I am not in a position to say it shouldn’t be done. But, in case you think it can’t be without breaking the bank, I offer you a virtual tour of my little corner of the world.

Full disclosure here – my rent is cheaper than in most other areas (if you are curious, email and I’ll tell you) – in fact, its remarkably inexpensive. I took my time looking, told landlords what my budget was and looked at some crap spaces until I found this one. The rent includes all utilities, use of a conference room, a kitchen (but I still have my little coffee maker) and lots of parking. I have use of a laser printer and fax machine. I have wifi and an iphone. I have this office 24/7.

My office is on a side street just on the other side of the DC line in a town settled by aging hippies called Takoma Park. The outside looks like a beachhouse, painted a variety of colors. We’ve got a roofing company on the other side of the parking lot, and my office looks out over a community garden.

My desk is from Ikea and costs forty bucks. The shelf in the corner cost 15 and my bookshelves are from walmart. The computer was 500 and the rent is less than what most people pay to eat out every month. The most expensive items in the room you are about to see are the plants. Holy Shit, they cost a lot. Need to water to make sure they give me proper ROI.

Is my office small? Yeah. I got no one to announce the client’s presence when they come in, no fancy name on the door, just this

But this is where I work, this is where I hang my hat and while it might not be much, its mine.

8 Comments

lawgrrl1 on May 12, 2010 at 12:42 pm

I love your office AND your coffee cup, woman! Keep doing good work and eventually you can spend $$ on a good chair, I heard that should be the most expensive thing in your office.
Mirriam Seddiq on May 12, 2010 at 1:02 pm

my chair is new! my brother bought it for me on mother's day. I'll post a pic of my now-deceased dog hair covered old one.
PVP on May 12, 2010 at 2:35 pm

I love your office; it's good to know that you can keep cost down and still do a good job. Do you pay for any electronic research (e.g. Westlaw or Nexus)? The prices seem outrageous but I don't know if I could handle even an uncomplicated case without it. Does your bar provide any of the cheaper ones (Casemaker)? Also, do you use any scheduling or filing programs like Amicus or Rocket Matter?
Mirriam Seddiq on May 12, 2010 at 2:46 pm

I use fastcase and have organized my favorites so much of the research I need is handy – USC, INA, MD Code and Rules. I also use google scholar. Monday I sprung for a box of Redweld's. This, I feel, is te big time.
Stephen on May 12, 2010 at 4:18 pm

How does sharing a fax machine between a unit work out? Do you need to snag your faxes before other people get them or anything?
K. on May 12, 2010 at 9:46 pm

I felt like I was watching an episode of Cribs – love the new office – wishing you much success!
Mirriam Seddiq on May 13, 2010 at 12:07 pm

Yes, I have to snag it first. I ususally use my efax so it's not an issue usually.
azjenn on May 14, 2010 at 7:22 pm

Love your new digs and the coffee cup.

What's up with Smiledog?

My office, a virtual tour – with real live Pictures!

8 Comments