We All Share

Sharing. It's happening everywhere. Not only are people sharing office space, including law space, they are sharing cars, bikes, clothing and equipment. A number of sharing services have popped up in recent years, including ride-sharing services like Uber, Zimride and Lyft. Let's not forget home-sharing services such as Airbnb. So, this trend of sharing continues.

While efficiency may be at the heart of the matter, there is also the aspect of being in an efficient mode (whether you are seeking to create a small law office within another larger law office, or renting a ballgown for an upcoming event). Ridesharing, apartment/home lending, peer-to-peer lending, reselling, coworking, talent-sharing....the sharing economy, sometimes also called the collaboration economy, is taking off in all sorts of niches.

Sharing.  It also inspires new legislation.  For instance, a top official at the ride-sharing service Lyft and Senator Bo Watson of Tennessee created a new law that allows for car-booking companies to operate statewide to serve as model to other states.    Even Google has entered the new ride-share service arena.  It comes down to offering people (including lawyers) a way to use data and space effectively for people to have access to when and where they want it. Co working has become and looks like it will stay the trend.

           Overall, there seems to be economies of scale and substantial benefit in sharing.  That is why they call it the Sharing Economy!