Virtual Paralegal/Clerk Update

I have hired two virtual law clerks and one virtual paralegal.  These folks work as independent contractors on a project and task basis.  There was much interest in this concept at LexThink so I thought I would create a separate category for the topic and provide an update.

So far, the program is going very well in the following areas: 

Task Based Projects & Budgets:  Every assignment to a virtual worker is narrowly defined, documented and budgeted.  Unlike traditional firms which assign tasks to paralegal and clerks which are open ended and designed to create billable work, these tasks are designed to accomplish the opposite.  We reduce billable work by posing narrow questions and asking for narrow answers and solutions to narrow problems.  Each task allots so many hours of work to completion.  If the worker needs more hours, they must be approved.  All incentives push hard towards efficiency and answers.

Overflow Capacity: These virtual workers provide much needed overflow capacity for my practice.  I still have not sent out announcements for my new firm since I can barely handle the current workload.  The virtual program will create the capacity for me to deal with the inevitable increase in work that those announcements will generate.

Alternative Billing:  By pushing easier tasks down to lower billing workers, I am in a position to deliver much more bang for the buck.  On my flat fee cases, I increase my margins by not doing the work myself (and assuming I am working on another case while the virtual workers performs a task I would have otherwise performed).  On my value billing (hourly) cases, I push tasks down to the appropriate billing level which saves the client fees.

Profit Center:  As every non-solo knows, profits are tough when there is only one set of hands doing the lifting.  Each project or task assigned to a virtual worker results in profits for the firm.  Working properly, everyone wins.  The client pays lower fees.  The firm profits by assigning tasks to the lowest appropriate billing level.  The virtual worker wins by having flex hours and self-managed projects.  I am able to pay the virtual worker more since I don't have to provide office space, etc.

Comments

[Grant Griffiths]

I have been using a virtual parelegal for just over a year now. Works great. I send her ditigal transcription to do and she sends it back to me via email. We also exchange everything via email. I would recommend it to any solo.

[Scheherazade]

Where and how do you find these virtual workers? How do you evaluate them? What are the confidentiality and conflict screens you use? I'm very interested in this concept, but don't understand the specifics very well.

I was a virtual law clerk to several attorneys. It was a lot of fun. You find one by posting a request on your blog.

[Rob Hyndman]

Here is another great reason to establish yourself virtually:

http://www.robhyndman.com/2005/04/07/teleworking-from-the-cottage/

:)

[Barbara Cloud]

I am a paralegal with 10 years experience and would love to work from home as a virtual assistant.

Please contact me if you're interested in hiring a virtual assistant. My e-mail address is cloud_barbara@yahoo.com

[Jennifer Bassett]

It's fantastic that the word about virtual and indepedent paralegals is spreading. I am an independent paralegal and have greatly enjoyed working from home.

I think there are many benefits for the lawyer and/or firm and the paralegal, even if the arrangement is per project or temporary.

Please email me or visit my website if you would like more information. I would be happy to explain my services in depth with anyone interested.

[Della A. Beaver]

I have three clients that I contract with to provide virtual paralegal services. It works well for both parties.

[Denise Annunciata]

Virtual Paralegal Services (http://www.virtualparalegalservices.com) provides on-demand paralegal services to solo practitioners, small firms and in-house legal departments. We deliver services of highly skilled paralegal assistance typically only available to lawyers at large firms. We'd love to help you Turbo Charge Your Practice!

[Judith Johnson]

I am so glad to hear that the Virtual Paralegal practice is making such an impact. I am a paralegal with over 14 years of paralegal/legal assistant experience and am looking to start my own business from home. Please contact me if you can utilize the services of a hard-working paralegal.
You can call me at 813-579-7640 or contact me at judlaw@offsiteparalegalsource.com. You can also check out my website at www.offsiteparalegalsource.com for further details.

[Rosanna Tussey]

For small firms and solo practicioners especially, teaming with a Virtual Paralegal can be the key to really growing your practice. I always say a good Virtual Paralegal ends up "paying for themselves" as their support will enable the attorney to take on a more substantial case load, thus generating more revenue for the practice. Anyone seeking more information on how to team with a Virtual Paralegal can contact me by email at Rosanna@officesupportnow.com.

[Clare Mumba]

I am a Paralegal Student looking to gain experience in research using lexis and internet research. I would like to give a try at being a vitual legal assistant/paralegal.Any one willing to give me a chance, please e-mail me with assignments at clmumba@yahoo.com

[Loni]

Hello. I am a litigation paralegal with 8 years worth of experience. I have extensive experience in drafting documents, reviewing discovery both online and in paper form, organizing large, document intensive cases, and handling trial preparation, among many other tasks. I have a working knowledge of electronic discovery and online document programs such as Concordance, Summation, and iConect. I'm very interested in performing freelance and virtual paralegal work. Please kindly contact me via email if you are interested in my services. Thank you!

[Loni]

Hello. I am a litigation paralegal with 8 years worth of experience. I have extensive experience in drafting documents, reviewing discovery both online and in paper form, organizing large, document intensive cases, and handling trial preparation, among many other tasks. I have a working knowledge of electronic discovery and online document programs such as Concordance, Summation, and iConect. I'm very interested in performing freelance and virtual paralegal work. Please kindly contact me via email at lmmorganelli@hotmail.com if you are interested in my services. Thank you!

[RJ]

Dear Blogger,

Thank you for posting about your experience with freelance and virtual paralegals. It's great to see attorneys give thumbs up to the freelance and virtual paralegal world!

Paralegal business owners are growing in numbers. It's my hope that more attorneys listen to words of wisdom, such as yours.

Speaking as a paralegal business owner, I do believe we can continue to cut your overhead, provide quality work, and boost your revenue.

As a growing industry, attorneys do need to learn how to select the right freelance paralegal for them. Good news JANUARY 8, 2008, is going to be a ground breaking date for both freelance paralegals and those looking to retain them!! Please mark your calendars.

Until January 8, 2008 - if you (paralegal or attorney) has a specific question about how to become, how to retain, how to trust a freelance/ virtual paralegal, or require an overview of the process simply contact me. I'll be happy to discuss the process, and guide you in the right direction.

Best Regards,
RJ

[Leslie R. Williams]

RJ: Thanks for your positive comments concerning the utilization of virtual paralegals. I worked for a northern Florida attorney while living in central Florida. It was not only a very efficient way to work but much more relaxing.

Kudos to you for making the transition from the "norm" to working virtually!

[Susan Wysocki]

I am a virtual paralegal with 17 years of legal experience mostly in Corporate law. My company name is "Paralegal Outsourcing LLC". Legal outsourcing is such a growing field and, with my outstanding professional experience, I look forward to a successful career. Please feel free to contact me at swysocki@askparalegal.com.

[Joanna]

Hello, I am a Paralegal who currently works fulltime for a personal injury law firm. I have experience in various forms of law, including matrimonial and some corporate. I would love to obtain a position to work from home. If you are in the need for a Virtual Paralegal, please contact me for my resume and with your firm name and website.

[Ola]

Hi, I am a litigation paralegal who currently graduated with MBA. I have experience in cases such as product liability , securities, and general litigation. Here are some of my responsibilities:
-Coordinated large document production, both paper and electronic including document collection, storage and maintenance.
-Prepared and maintained master indexes, and chronologies.
-Handled all aspects of depositions, exhibits, and witnesses.
-Coordinated, retrieved, and managed materials to/from client, co-counsel and opposing counsel.
-Researched and retrieved documents in the client database system.
-Uploaded and coded deposition materials into Concordance and Summation.
-Assisted attorneys with deposition preparation by summarizing documents etc.
I have worked in two top tier law firms in NYC where I learned and gain a lot of experience. Overall I really enjoy paralegal work.

I would love to be a freelancer or virtual paralegal. Please you can reach me at olanishe@hotmail.com

[Alla M.]

I am an experienced IP paraprofessional with 6 years relevant experience in both patents and trademarks and have a masters degree in engineering. Capabilities include all aspects of domestic and foreign trademark and patent work, including associate interface and e-filing. I will work from my office using modern high-speed equipment which includes a T-1 interconnect, as well as international telephonic and fax capabilities. As an independent contractor, I can be engaged on an hourly or project basis. I am conversant with all major IP docketing systems, but prefer my own. I have licenses to all relevant Microsoft applications and association with a patent and trademark draftsman, as well as access to a licensed patent attorney with 35 years experience. If any interest in my services, plese contact me at allacmeyer@aol.com
Many thanks!