Virtual Paralegals Help Small Law Firms and Solo Attorneys Save Money
Fierce competition has made the practice of law increasingly competitive, forcing small firms and solo practitioners to either find ways to slash overhead or shut down. When considering where to make cuts, smart attorneys know they can’t cut corners on providing excellent service to their clients. That’s why so many small firms and solo practitioners are hiring virtual Paralegals to supplement their office staff.
What is a Virtual Paralegal?
A virtual Paralegal is an experienced and highly trained professional that can help an attorney draft documents, manage their court calendar, and efile the documents at court. Some virtual Paralegals are specialists in specific areas of the law such as family law and divorce, wills and trusts, probate, civil litigation, real estate, criminal law, guardianship or other areas. The advantage of hiring a virtual Paralegal is that you only pay them for the work they do, so you are free to expand or contract your staffing as your caseload dictates. Bright Paralegal Services assists attorneys that practice in many different areas of the law, and can provide a wide range of services to assist your practice.
When Should You Hire a Virtual Paralegal?
An attorney’s blood pressure rises when a case that should have settled must suddenly be prepped for trial. Trial prep can overload the entire staff of a small firm or solo office, leaving the remaining client’s and their cases stagnant. That’s a good time to hire a virtual paralegal to draft subpoenas, mark-up exhibits and draft motions so that you can concentrate on prepping witnesses and your other cases. When the verdict is in, you can easily downsize back to your previous staff level. Another good time to hire a virtual assistant is when you’ve retained many new clients and need to set up files and commence lawsuits. Some attorneys hire virtual assistants to answer phones, manage their calendar and other ongoing tasks.
What Qualifications Should I Seek For A Virtual Paralegal?
It’s important to hire a virtual Paralegal that is experienced and organized, just as you would for a staff position in your office. Make sure that the paralegal you hire has time to take on your project and has experience in your specific area of the law. Bright Paralegal Services can answer all your questions about hiring a virtual Paralegal that will be well suited to your firm’s needs.