The way we work has changed dramatically. More professional service firms, especially in the legal and accounting sectors, are embracing remote teams to stay agile, reduce overheads, and scale sustainably. But making it work long-term takes more than just sending staff home with a laptop.
At Sudo Staff, we help law firms and accounting practices across Australia build, train, and manage remote staff, from legal admin support to bookkeeping assistants. Over time, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.
Here are five practical, proven strategies to help you lead a high-performing remote team with confidence:
1. Set Up Clear Communication Channels
Great communication is the backbone of every successful remote team.
- Use Slack or Microsoft Teams for internal messaging and quick updates
- Hold regular check-ins via Zoom, Google Meet, or MS Teams
- Set expectations around availability and response times, especially across time zones
- Encourage feedback to improve internal communication over time
🛠 Popular among law & accounting firms:
- Slack (for real-time messaging)
- Zoom or Microsoft Teams (for team meetings and client calls)
2. Build a Strong Remote Work Culture
Culture doesn’t stop at the office door. A strong remote culture builds trust, loyalty, and team spirit.
- Host virtual activities like coffee catch-ups, Friday wins, or themed trivia
- Promote autonomy and trust—give staff the freedom to manage their schedules
- Celebrate achievements, anniversaries, and milestones to boost morale
Even small gestures can go a long way in remote settings. At Sudo Staff, we make it a point to check in on both performance and well-being.
3. Use the Right Tools to Boost Productivity
The right tech stack keeps things running smoothly—especially in regulated industries like law and accounting.
🛠 For Legal Firms:
- LEAP, Smokeball, or Clio – for matter management and document handling
- InfoTrack or By Lawyers – for searches, forms, and legal resources
🛠 For Accounting Firms:
- Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks Online – for day-to-day bookkeeping and reporting
- Karbon or FYI Docs – for client workflow, document management, and collaboration
Use platforms like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for internal task tracking, and Google Workspace or Office 365 for collaborative documentation.
4. Monitor Performance (Without Micromanaging)
It’s important to know how your remote staff are doing—but constant hovering kills trust.
- Define clear KPIs or success indicators per role
- Schedule weekly or fortnightly one-on-one reviews
- Focus on outcomes, not activity—especially for client-facing or compliance roles
Trust your staff to do the job—just give them the structure and feedback to thrive.
5. Prioritise Well-Being and Work-Life Balance
A healthy remote team is a productive one.
- Encourage regular breaks—especially for screen-heavy roles
- Respect end-of-day boundaries and avoid weekend emails or pings
- Provide access to wellness resources or check-in chats
Remote legal and accounting work can be intense—prevent burnout by promoting sustainable work habits.
Final Thoughts
Remote work isn’t just a temporary fix—it’s a long-term strategic advantage when supported with the right tools, communication, and culture.
With the right systems in place, remote staff can be just as (if not more) effective than in-house teams—especially in high-demand, detail-heavy fields like legal and accounting services.
Need help building or managing your remote team? Sudo Staff connects Australian firms with trained, full-time Filipino professionals, including legal assistants, accounting admin staff, and bookkeeper VAs.
Book a free discovery call to explore how remote staffing can support your growth.
