The question I get often from those contemplating a more virtual law practice is how to collect money from clients. I have never really considered this much of a problem. So, my typical answer has been to use something like paypal. But, then I get this push back that although the lawyer want to work from home, they still need to initially meet clients at a different locations, such as office suites, conference rooms, courthouses, coffee shops, libraries and the like. Although paypal might be made to work, it does not flow naturally with what needs to be done. Clients pay fees in all sorts of way, but increasingly it is with a debit or credit card. A point of sale system is both too bulky and expensive to use in this way.
In my practice I really do not have this problem, but I understand the issue with those who want to replicate what I do, but for a more consumer-based or retail-type law practice. To these lawyers the solution just might be Square.
It works with a smart phone or tablet. It is a combination app and plastic plugin that allows you to swipe debit and credit cards without the bulkiness and expense of some kind of point of sale system. It also does not require the lawyer to introduce clients to an online gadgets so they can arrange a payment through paypal in a way that might make the client feel insecure. Square can help the lawyer accept payments off-site with a great deal of ease.
Below is a practical video that shows you how it works.
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