Well it seem that the new word for solo law firms and even for much larger firms is "Virtual". Seriously I am thinking back to the conversations I have had with other attorneys in my area, you know the kind; two lawyers bump into each other at the downtown corner deli @ noon or a group of you are anxiously waiting for the outcome of the jury's verdict. I am talking about the times we are thrown together with other attorneys, some of whom we do not socialize with outside of the obligatory Bar Function or the Mardi Gras Parade, Mardi Gras Ball, the swearing in of a newly elected Judge or District Attorney.
Now that I think about it, my area sure does have a lot of New Judges and a record setting amount of New District Attorney's as well. As you know most of these occur in January. This explains why I have suddenly felt surrounded by lawyers 24/7.
Speaking of 24/7, this is where the idea of a "Virtual assistant or virtual legal assistant" has been the topic of interest that is taking on a life of its own. Could it be the poor economy? More Lawyers are downsizing? More solo's hanging their shingle, but not bringing in enough to keep a full time fully staffed law firm on the payroll. It is expensive; I will attest to that. The worst part is handing that paycheck over to an employee who just cannot seem to get it, not quite catching on.
"Excuse me, Madame legal assistant, yea you, Hey aren't you the person I am paying so much for that I think I probably could have just hired another lawyer." Shaking her head, clearly my attempt at humor did not find a friend. Truth be told, she is good. Damn Good. But it took two years to train her to know how to do things the way I need them done and her salary is really high. How high? I can't say, but let me say this " I cannot afford two of her".
Sure I have other employees, you know the kind. They arrive at 9 maybe 9:15 or 9:30 for their 8:30 a.m job. A clockwatcher, leaves aound 11:15 for a 2-2.5 hour lunch. And of course every day they have some necessary quick little task they must do, go to the bank etc. The get back at 3:30 and don't dare start a project for fear they will have to complete it before they leave. Tick-Tock Tick Tock, watch the second hand go around, s-l-o-w-l-y. Here it is quitting time. I look up at the clock that reads 4:45 P.M. Hey Ms. Receptionist, our work day ends at 6, you have over an hour left to work, Purse in hand, desk all cleaned and straightened up, ready to bolt. She resembles some kid in high school just waiting for the bell to ring. She looks my way "But, Mrs. Boss, I have to leave by five so I can make it to the gas station" Leaving out that the only gas station that closes @ 5:30 is the mom & pop shop where I have a charge account. She has to leave early to be sure to make it to the gas station in time to fill up on the firm's account.
I have noticed that their dress code has relaxed a wee bit too much. I am guessing it has something to do with the month long jury trial I was in. I did not see the light of day outside a courtroom. I returned to learn my office now has jeans day on Friday & well I won't go into the other little fun things I came back to.
Honestly, I was considering a virtual assistant before this big boom spread across the legal country. It really does make sense. Now I am agreeing that on paper it looks great, but just like with the employees we look at everyday and more importantly look at and talk to-in depth- when we hire them; there is always going to be some good ones and some not so good ones. So my first big dilemma is : How do I select the right Assistant,virtually? How do I know we will be compatible? I have some unusual ways of documenting and calendaring and so on.
I guess the first step is to investigate the different firms, which by the way all are hiring. This is a win/win situation. Lawyers need good legal help, but at less pay because we will not be tying up their time all of the time and this must open a host of good job opportunities for woman (and men) who in today's world choose to work from their home. And who wouldn't? Well me, but that is another story. I can see the advantage of moms, single moms, mothers of school aged kids, even older kids working from home. They will save the expenses and cost of
- Day care/child care
- gasoline
- Car expenses, mileage, wear & tear
- Clothing (don't have to buy expensive dress suits to work from your home
- Travel
And of course the incidentals that come with working@home. Getting home early enough to make dinner instead of having to pay for pricey take out every night.
While the Virtual assistant does appear to make out well, the attorney must cut quite a few expenses as well
- Less full time employees
- Less salaried employees
- Don't have to offer benefits to Virtual~~part~time employees
- No health insurance premiums to pay
- None or better said, Less expenses for the lawyer for retirement
- 401(k)
- Disability insurance
- life insurance
- Car insurance~~~My assistances also act as court runners so I have to add then to my automobile insurance
- less paid vacation time
- Less paid sick time/personal days etc.
- The best part is you can retain the services of a virtual assistant for as little as you want (simply a receptionist to take calls~~all the way to a full blown, on call Virtual coach to help you with all major areas)
- Some of the larger companies even offer services such as a Virtual office space in a host of major cities to conduct out of town meetings, depos, client interviews etc.
I guess it comes down to doing some research of the companies, solos, services offered and choosing your options. This is getting fun; like thumbing through a catalog and placing an order for only the items you really want and there is no sales pressure to pay for more than what you want and need.
In my preliminary research; I came across a Virtual assistant company that operates primarily out of Canada. No I have not thoroughly looked into the legal ramifications or legal restrictions on companies outside of the U.S, but most companies have employees among them who are spread out all over the U.S. It does not appear to be of much significance where the home headquarters are located. God forbid unless something terrible happens and you find yourself in litigation with your main service provider---No, I won't go there. As attorneys we are prewired to think like litigants.
One feature I recently learned of is something that is just right for me. I noticed several "start up" packages. Some designed for new firms, solo firms, established firms. I was looking at a start up package just to get me starred, because you can add, delete, change your plan@ anytime. ***AND BONUS, no long term contracts
For the above, please visit & Credit the wonderful organization known as
and
www.live-receptionist-service.com
another one I really like is
www.halosecetarialservices.com and for a ton of information about exactly just what a virtual legal assistant is and names and resumes of potential Va's , along with tips, suggestions, information and a web based vast array of Virtual knowledge; please check out their blog@ www.halosecretarialservices.com/blog you will meet Laurie, a pleasant host with a host of invaluable information
Virtually, I continue to hear about this trend every day, virtually I do and virtually I am fast becoming a big believer and a promoter of this.
Come back on Monday January 12, 2009 for my complete updated report. I intend to research the top 5-10 Virtual assistant companies, mostly those who offer legal help, but some general Virtual companies as well. I am going to compare and contrast the services offered, prices, availability of specialty packages designed to custom fit your needs and hopefully the background, resumes etc of some of the top applicants.
Stay tuned~~~~Virtually
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