TOOLS
Law Venture's Launch Kit
Below is the essential toolkit for a modern PI law firm. This is how you can implement the "Win the PI Game" Method!
WHAT'S
THE CRITERIA
Law Venture is devoted to streamlining your success. We've spent the time testing products, resources, and tools so that you don't have to. Here is the criteria that must be met before any recommendation is made:
We're proud affiliates for some of these tools, meaning if you click a link for a tool and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Some of the companies may also sponsor Law Venture. We recommend these tools because they are genuinely helpful and useful -- not because of the small commissions and sponsorship we may receive. Please don't spend any money on these products unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals.
Part 1: The Knowledge Factory
Part 2: The Tools
How your PI Firm can ball on a budget:
Business Mailbox
Protect your home address while giving your firm a professional, physical address. Stone Firm, PLLC uses a permanent mailbox with UPS, which allows you to use their street address with your own suite number, and they'll even sign for packages.
PDF Expert
PDF Expert can handle everything a PI lawyer needs. Creating demand packages? Simple. Bates stamping for discovery? Of course. Annotating on an iPad during a deposition or jury trial for everyone to see? Absolutely!
E-Signatures
Stone Firm, PLLC uses PandaDoc. That said, Google Workspace customers may want to look into Google's free solution for e-signatures.
Law Firm Software & Cloud
Google Workspace is the backbone of Stone Firm, PLLC. This product provides your professional Gmail, cloud storage, automation scripts, intake forms, and the full suite of productivity apps you'll need for daily work.
Website
If you want to save the most money, then building your law firm's website is the best approach. Don't worry, Law Venture has a free course that shows you all of the steps.
Phone
A virtual law firm needs a professional, virtual business phone. Stone Firm, PLLC originally used Unitel Voice, as its low price point and robust features are very attractive for a new practice. As a firm becomes more reliant on the Google ecosystem, many transition to Google Voice. The primary reason is for deeper integration with Google Workspace, which simplifies workflows and consolidates vendors into a single platform.
Credit Card
If your law firm spends on typical expenses (advertising, shipping, internet, phone, and travel), then consider Chase's Ink Business Preferred card for maximizing points. These points can be transferred to a personal Chase account so you can use them for your next vacation. This card has an annual fee of $95.
Banking
Stone Firm, PLLC has always banked with Chase. Chase has yet to charge anything related to the firm's IOLTA (wiring, IOLTA checks, even envelopes ordered through the IOLTA). The physical locations are convenient for checks that are too large to mobile deposit.
A.I.
If you're a Google Workspace customer, then you should strongly consider subscribing to Google's Gemini. Artificial intelligence is here so you might as well use it to make your life easier.
Scanner/Printer
Finding a scanner/printer that is worthy of five starts is impossible. That said, this Canon printer and scanner has been very serviceable.
Document Camera
While not essential for starting a PI firm, this document camera is essential for a PI firm that wants to successfully litigate cases. There is a reason why this is Mark Lanier's secret weapon.
Payroll
Gusto handles full-service payroll by keeping it simple. In fact, Gusto will automate a number of your accounting needs so that you can focus on what's important -- growing your law firm!
The Classics
7 Reasons to Start a Virtual Law Firm
The original video on virtual law firms! Posted in May 2020, but all of these timeless reasons apply today!
The $2,000 Law Firm
The original starter pack to getting a law firm up and running.