Virtual Assistants: Virtually Perfect Outsourcing
Disaster and recovery planning can be traumatic, and current staff members may be unable to handle the increased demands. Enter virtual assistants (Vas).
VAs are paralegals or other administrative specialists who work off-site and online, creating work product to your specifications and tailored to your practice. Technology allows access to such services without hiring a person to work full-time on your payroll. As independent business owners, Vas are neither employees nor subordinates. They more closely resemble accountants or any other business consultants with whom the lawyer has an ongoing, collaborative relationship. VAs become familiar with your practice and attuned to your business needs as much as any service provider engaged for a substantial length of time.
VAs should be selected like any other professional service provider. Such criteria as a business track record stretching at least three years, an informative and well-constructed website, and adequate professional references should be givens. And, of course, don't make your final selection without the benefit of an interview, in person or by telephone. Beyond these business considerations, think through the professional qualifications that you want from the VA. A paralegal should have credentials from an accredited educational institution and knowledge of local rules regarding court and civil procedures, in addition to practical insights pertinent to your practice. Depending on your needs, a VA paralegal can be expected to prepare documents for various proceedings (summons, complaints, and motions), summarize depositions, and conduct research. An administrative VA should demonstrate the ability to organize documents and chronologies and to create and maintain client files.
A VA should be able to conduct all of these activities electronically from a remote location. Effective electronic integration is a must.
Using the VA outsourcing strategy can give a lawyer the best of all solutions to the need for help. You get a professional team member, selected to your criteria, attuned to the business and professional needs of your practice. You are relieved of the cost (and potential inability) that in-house staff can represent, and you also gain more time for client representation and business development activities.
|
