A growing trend among computer-savvy sole practitioners is to open a "virtual law practice" or "virtual law office" (VLO), where most communications with clients happen through a secure online server system. This is sometimes confused with a "virtual office," which generally refers to renting an office mailing address without having a physical office at that location. Many VLO attorneys combine their online law practice with a virtual office address, further muddling the confusion in terminology.

Cloud Computing

The popularity of the VLO developed through the growth of cloud computing and server networks. Rather than maintain brick-and-mortar offices, many solo practice attorneys choose to practice law from home and communicate with clients online.

In a good a VLO system, encryption tools enable attorneys to share messages and documents securely with clients on a server accessible through the Internet, using security systems that operate much like online banking. This provides greater privacy and confidentiality than using unsecured email communications.

Bar Associations and VLOs

The VLO is a relatively new concept. Many state bar associations are struggling over whether a VLO satisfies the Rules of Professional Responsibility in their state. The primary concern is over the security of client data, but some states are also debating the question of whether an attorney should be required to have a physical office where all files are stored and where a client can stop by at any time. Many are still having trouble grasping the concept of the paperless law office, and are dragging their feet over understanding 21st century technology. The fear of the unauthorized practice of law in other states also comes up in some of the debates.