Bermuda’s first online law firm is now up and running for clients looking for legal advice without having to leave their homes.Founder and managing partner, Zakkiyah Daniels, a former practitioner for both the Crown and private practice, opened TLC Law Online, offering legal services through a secure website after seeing what she felt was a gap in the Island’s legal system.“As technology rapidly expands and internet usage continues to increase, implementing and introducing virtual law to Bermuda was the necessary next step for today’s generation for both the local legal fraternity and clients alike,” said Ms Daniels, adding that her firm offers the same services as a traditional law firm would but in a virtual manner. “Many clients and potential clients were feeling discouraged by the traditional delivery of legal services. It was imperative that we offered an alternative to traditional methods and did so by creating a VLO (virtual law office). Listening to our clients, offering web based practice management and online client communications has put us ahead of the curve.”The new online firm is the virtual partner to Themis Law Chambers.A VLO is an online law practice that exists through a secure log-in portal and can be accessed by both client and attorney anywhere an internet connection is available. The site allows attorneys and clients to communicate securely over the internet and conduct other business normally conducted face-to-face.At TLC Law Online, clients are also able to request free quotes, purchase documents such as tenancy agreements and promissory notes, access invoices and pay bills on the system.TLC Law Online specialises in the areas of property law, company law, wills, trusts and estate planning and uncontested divorces and offers flat fee pricing.“Focusing on the provision of affordable legal advice, TLC Law Online has recognised throughout the years that many clients have become discouraged and dissatisfied with the hourly rates charged by traditional law firms,” said Ms Daniels, who is a graduate of BPP Law School and called to the Bermuda Bar in July 2007. “With the day to day stresses exacerbated by these economic times we decided to adopt and implement the flat-fee model.“The flat fee model provides a benefit to clients whereby they pay only for deliverables as opposed to associated administrative hourly fees. By providing a flat fee model, we can focus on providing the client with the best legal advice possible rather than focusing on billing for every minute we spend on their matter.”The primary feature of the newly created website, www.tlclawonline.com, says Ms Daniels, is their E-Advice service.“If you have a simple legal question, need advice on a pending legal matter, would like to receive advice on next steps or gather enough information so you can proceed in a legal action, then our E-Advice service is for you,” said Ms Daniels, who is also a real estate agent for Rego Sotheby’s International Realty. “TLC Law Online’s E-Advice has been categorised into two tiers and has been priced according to level of complexity. Our E-Advice service gives you a convenient, affordable way to obtain the professional advice you need and peace of mind you want.”Stating that the internet has changed the way society shops, reads and socialises, Ms Daniels believes that law firms can follow suit.“This is the age of technology,” she said. “You no longer need to rearrange your daily schedule, wait in traffic or anxiously wait for an unpredictable legal invoice. TLC Law Online has taken the time to figure out how modern technology can make it easier on the client, and we have set up our offices to better counsel and represent you through the internet.”Should clients prefer to meet their attorney in person, the firm does offer traditional manner of face-to-face consultation as well.For more information, or for practicing barristers & attorneys looking to register with TLC Law Online as a consultant, visit TLC Law Online at www.tlclawonline.com or contact Ms Daniels at zdaniels[AT]tlclawonline.com.