No Office, No Problem: How a New Jersey Attorney Built an Ethical Remote Law Practice

Justia

by Justia CLE & Webinars Team

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In a world where many law firms are exploring remote operations, one New Jersey attorney has successfully built a fully remote law practice while maintaining compliance with ethical standards. Lauren Scardella, founder of The Scardella Law Firm LLC, shares her journey from running a traditional brick-and-mortar office to transitioning to a remote practice based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her experience highlights the importance of addressing ethical and logistical challenges when operating remotely, offering valuable insights for attorneys looking to adopt similar models. Scardella emphasizes the need for careful consideration of technology, staffing, and communication strategies. In her tech stack, she prioritizes tools that enhance efficiency and compliance, such as secure communication platforms and cloud-based case management systems. She also discusses the ethical obligations under New Jersey’s Rules of Professional Conduct, including maintaining client confidentiality and ensuring timely communication (RPC 1.4) while operating remotely. Additionally, Scardella addresses financial aspects, like fee structures (RPC 1.5), and supervisory responsibilities (RPC 5.1), which are critical for remote practice compliance. The webinar delves into practical tips for building a remote law practice, including strategies for handling in-person court appearances, managing physical office space, and maintaining client trust. Scardella predicts that remote work is here to stay, especially as more attorneys seek flexibility without compromising their professional obligations. Her presentation offers a roadmap for legal professionals aiming to adopt or adapt to remote work models while navigating the evolving legal landscape. This transformational approach not only demonstrates the feasibility of remote law practice but also underscores its benefits, such as increased flexibility and reduced overhead costs. Scardella’s story serves as inspiration for attorneys considering similar transitions, showing that with proper planning and technology, a successful remote practice is achievable. Her insights are particularly valuable for legal professionals seeking to balance innovation with ethical compliance in their practices.

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Originally published on Justia on 2/24/2026