Lawyer Monthly Magazine - June 2019 Edition

their business models or run the risk of being eclipsed by others who have done it. Additionally, finding the right mix of technology that complements and furthers the legal services model without changing the nature of the business from what it is meant to be, is key. For example, in starting my practice, I took a hard look at the way I wanted to provide legal services. Being that I have a technology background and would start as a solo attorney, I opted for a mix of technologies that would allow me to work “smarter, not harder.” The result was my development and deployment of a customized system that is powered by technology and includes running the firm virtually, utilizing e-signature tools whenever possible so as to minimize consumables and secure cloud storage options. As part of my regular practice, I constantly look at emerging technologies to see how they can be integrated and used with my existing systems and do not shy away from sunsetting technologies that do not allow me to provide the best legal services possible. In choosing the virtual office model, I had colleagues who thought that it would fail because it was not the traditional I am able to participate on the call from a desktop phone or computer and if I need to head out to another meeting, can seamlessly switch the call to my cell phone and continue the conversation without missing a beat. We also leverage secure cloud syncing in preparing documents. For instance, I’m able to write or research on my cell phone, then continue where I left off on a tablet and finish on thewebor at adesktop or laptop. As an attorney, I am able to respond quickly to the often shifting needs of my client’s matters wherever or whenever they may occur. This is greatly appreciated by my clients. When my firm’s use of technology is coupled with our approach to generating work product (we ensure it is the best possible, often without extra cost to the client), this is what sets my firm apart from others and puts my firm in the company of larger firms. From this, can you share ways in which this has impacted the legal sphere and the firms which assist businesses? The legal sphere and those who assist businesses have had to adapt and find ways to integrate technology into office structure lawyers are familiar with. However, my practice is thriving because clients (both prospective and existing) greatly appreciate the flexibility and ease of use when interfacing with my firm and the systems used to render legal services. Which area of business law has struggled to keep up with these changes? Processes, particularly in the business arena, tend not to be re-examined without a reason or business need (if it’s not broken, no need to fix it). However, as the demand for quicker access to business information increases, I believe that all business law areas will eventually embrace technology as that is what will be required for relevancy and survival. LM ABOUT ELDON L. LOOBY Eldon L. Looby is the Founder and Managing Attorney at Looby Law, PLLC (“LoobyLaw”), a virtual law firm. His practice is primarily focused in the areas of business law, litigation, eDiscovery, family and matrimonial law. Eldon’s clients consist of individuals, families and businesses ranging from solopreneur start-ups to SMEs (small and medium enterprises). Prior to founding and leading LoobyLaw in 2018, Eldon was the Founder and Principal Attorney at the Law Offices of Eldon L. Looby. During his 12 years with that firm, he grew it into a small yet formidable office that was often considered in the company of larger firms with regards to the breadth and depthof its strategicand results- driven solutions. From 2006 through 2008, he led Looby & Sundaran, LLP as Co-Founding, Senior and Managing Partner. At LoobySundaran, Eldon oversaw that firm’s expansion and opening of offices in India, technology deployments, and led the firm’s Real Estate and Landlord and Tenant practices. CONTACT Eldon L. Looby T: 646 626 5252 E: elooby@loobylaw.com W: www.loobylaw.com 73 Professional Excellence www. lawyer-monthly .com JUN 2019