Another article about a really bad solo, Jo-Ellen Wells (Estate Seeks to Disbar Divorce Lawyer), this one out of New Hampshire who took money from several clients and never did the work and in one instance, represented a divorcing wife when the lawyer had already been retained by the husband (though apparently, Wells never did the work for him either). But amongst Wells’ other indiscretions: She said she had an office when she really worked from home – and met with clients in Denny’s or Barnes & Noble.
Personally, when I worked from home (and actually do now), I never let on to clients. I’d meet primarily in part time office space, but have also met at the court or even once at a Starbucks. Are home office lawyers ethically obligated to disclose that they don’t have offices? Grant, I’ll leave this question for you. As for other home office lawyers, do you tell your clients where you work?
Your work product is the only thing you should be held accountable for. While I meet my clients at my office, I am hardly impressing them with fancy offices and an armys of other lawyers roaming the halls. They could care less. They want personal service and results. Your ethical duties are bound with your work product, not your location.
I work from home whenever I can get away with it. Technology allows me to do so. And my clients don’t mind at all. I am also available on evenings and weekends since my office (ie, my laptop) is often right next to the waffle maker on Sunday morning. I return emails while juggling sausage links and herding kids.