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February 17, 2012 Practice Points

Can Coworking Help Your Solo Practice?

By Virginia Sierra

Have you considered coworking? Coworking legal communities are appearing across the country in mid- to large-sized cities. If you are in need of a more professional space for your practice, coworking is a cost-effective way to have your own office space without the expense of private office rent.

Coworking involves sharing office space with other professionals. Depending on the setup, you may have access to many amenities generally available in a large office that are highly beneficial to both your business and your clients, including broadband Internet access, tech support, print/copy/fax/scan capabilities, mail services, front-desk services, and a kitchen area. There is an array of sizes and setups for coworking communities, ranging from closed-door offices with conference rooms to large, open communal working spaces. Monthly membership fees or "rent" will depend on the type of space you require.

As a solo practitioner, coworking can be an excellent stepping stone between your home office and your own (expensive) private office space. It can be a great transition for your business, not only geographically, but also in client growth. Ideally, coworking communities are a diverse assortment of professionals building their small businesses. This diversity can be a networking advantage for all involved. Your step from the home office to this professional setting should cause growth through networking within your coworking community, and it should help your current clients to view your workspace in a more professional light.

Check your area for coworking communities. See what is available to you and determine whether it is time to move the location of your firm out into the business world.

Keywords: litigation, solo practitioners, coworking, office space

Virginia Sierra is with Cohen, Kennedy, Dowd & Quigley in Phoenix, Arizona.


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