Expanding into NY?

As I think my few readers know, I was fortunate enough to pass the New York bar exam which I took last July. I still need to submit some paperwork for the state to check-up on me but if all goes well (which I don't foresee any problems), I should be licensed in NY by early spring in 2012. Of course, I cannot give any legal advice in NY until then but it has got me thinking more about how I can expand my business once my license goes through.

Part of my reasoning for going through the entire process again in New York, including the exam, was so I could feel free to discuss simple matters with family. Both my wife and I grew up outside of Albany, NY and many of our contacts, lifelong friends, and extended families still live there. The more I think about it, the more I believe I might be able to accept clients at the very least in Columbia, Greene, & Albany Counties where we visit somewhat regularly anyway. Technology has made this much more more feasible. There are ways to set up a "virtual office" or other alternatives like renting space on an hourly basis from another firm. I heard about a couple that runs an office in Washington D.C. while living out of the country. That is crazy. If this is possible, I don't see why I couldn't figure out something for expanding my market into New York, once I am licensed to practice there.

There is a book out called "Virtual Law Practice: How to Deliver Legal Services Online" (http://www.amazon.com/Virtual-Law-Practice-Deliver-Services/dp/1604428287/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323270003&sr=1-1)  recently published by the American Bar Association that I plan to read soon. I am hoping that it will give me some great ideas on how to set things up. If you have read the book or have any other good links to sites discussing this subject please leave a comment so that others can learn from you.

Until next time...