One thing attorneys never seem to have enough of is time.
For the solo practitioner or small firm lawyer, time is even harder to come by. In addition to court appearances and client meetings, attorneys at small firms are often stuck doing their own paralegal and legal assistant work. While drafting routine documents and organizing client files may take additional time, it pales in comparison to the cost of hiring a full-time paralegal or legal assistant.
However, with the advent of the virtual legal assistant ("VLA"), small firm attorneys may not have to make the decision between their time and their payroll. These professionals, who work off-site and online on a contract basis, can provide busy lawyers with the help they need running their practice for a fraction of the cost of a full-time employee.
Virtual legal assistants can, for example, organize files, draft simple court documents, perform investigations, assist with legal research, and maintain client files. In looking for a reliable professional to work with, there are several things an attorney should consider:
1. What kind of help does the firm need? If you work at a family law firm and need a paralegal, it makes little sense to hire a non-certified VLA who has only worked in corporate law. Make sure that you hire an assistant who has the necessary qualifications to work with your firm.
2. Is the VLA technologically savvy? Because most of your interaction with one another will take place online, it's important to find as assistant who moves easily through the online world. A well-appointed website, experience with scanning and emailing documents, as well as ready availability via email, text, and Twitter are some things that can indicate someone who is comfortable working solely online.
3. Is the VLA experienced? It takes time to streamline an online business. Just as in real life, the less time a virtual legal assistant spends on your files, the less it will cost you. Look for a professional who has been in business for at least two years and who has a good track record working with online clients. When in doubt, ask a proposed virtual legal assistant for references you can contact.
4. Is the VLA technologically compatible with your firm? If a potential assistant prefers to work on a Mac, and your firm is peopled with diehard Windows fans, you may want to look elsewhere. Similarly, if you work in Excel, Word, and Microsoft Outlook, look for a professional who does the same. Making sure you and your business virtual assistant are on the same e-page in the beginning could save you a lot of compatibility headaches later.
5. Does the VLA communicate well? Because your virtual legal assistant isn't going to be two offices down, you'll want to look for someone who has a near-constant online presence and who returns emails, tweets, and voice messages promptly. Some virtual legal assistants prefer have Skype video on at all times so that their clients can see that they are at their desk. While this extreme may not be necessary, it's helpful to have an legal assistant you can get a hold of in short order when necessary.
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