Spend More Time Practicing Law, And Less Time On Administrative Work

If you’re a sole practitioner or work in a small law firm, you may find that you need occasional administrative support on a part-time basis. Working with a Virtual Assistant (VA) may be just what you are looking for.

There are several advantages to working with a VA vs. a full-time, in-house assistant. Since a VA is an independent contractor, there is no need for extra office space or equipment, and no need to pay taxes, insurance or fringe benefits. And studies have shown that the real cost of hiring and keeping a full-time, in-house assistant is 2 to 2 ½ times the cost of his or her salary. When you work with a VA, the only cost to you is ‘time on task.’ Simply write one check a month, and you’re done.

A VA works with clients from his or her home office in an ongoing capacity, sometimes charging hourly, sometimes via retainer, handling various administrative tasks as needed. Because the VA does not work in the client’s office, it is important to note that the relationship between the client and the VA is extremely important. Communication happens via phone, email, fax, and sometimes instant messaging. Documents are shared through email, fax, or through remote programs such as GoToMyPC (http://www.gotomypc.com) or PC Anywhere (http://www.pcanywhere.com). These remote programs are generally easy to use, and your VA can even help you get set up to work remotely. Also, materials for projects can be sent directly to the VA’s office when necessary; for example, to handle a bulk mailing of brochures.

As an attorney you might find that your typical day involves making and answering phone calls and email, scheduling and attending meetings and appointments, court appearances, invoicing clients, and the list goes on. A VA could simplify things for you by keeping your calendar up-to-date, screening your voice mail and email messages, setting up meetings and appointments for you, invoicing your clients, and even sending out greeting cards to your clients, family and friends. All of this allows you the time to handle the most important aspects of growing and maintaining your practice.

Some of the tasks a VA will typically handle include:

• Invoicing clients
• Small or bulk mailings
• Making appointments
• Keeping your calendar up to date
• Screening email
• Handling voice mail and/or email, responding on your behalf
• Managing contact databases
• Maintaining your web site
• Submitting press releases and/or articles
• Planning meetings
• Making travel arrangements
• Internet research
• Birthday or holiday cards for family/friends/clients
• Online shopping for client gifts

Allowing a VA to handle these kinds of daily details will allow you the time to focus on what you do best, and what is important to you. To get started working with a VA, there is usually a 30-minute phone consultation, where each party interviews the other to determine if there is a good fit for a working relationship.

Your time is valuable, and a Virtual Assistant can help you save a lot of that time on a regular basis. Aren’t your practice and your peace of mind worth it?

© 2007 Cynthia Morse, Virtually At Your Service. All rights reserved.

Cynthia Morse CAP is a Virtual Assistant, and the owner of Virtually At Your Service, http://www.virtuallyatyourservice.biz
She offers top-notch administrative support to small business owners and other busy professionals from her home office, allowing them the time to focus on what they love and do best. Visit her blog, ‘Virtual Biz Connection’,
http://virtuallyatyourservice.typepad.com/virtualbizconnection It’s full of tips, helpful articles and resources for your small business!

Tags: administrative support, assistant, office help, office support, virtual assistance

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