Benefits of Working With a Virtual Legal Assistant
A virtual legal assistant can take on so many tasks and projects for your practice, that the benefits might seem obvious. Still, it’s never a bad idea to analyze the benefits and drawbacks involved in utilizing the services of a professional virtual legal assistant.
BENEFITS
The benefits of working with a virtual legal assistant or virtual assistant are legion (in my biased opinion!) and I don’t want to go on and on, so here are a few of the most significant:
- Cost effective, as you only pay for time you need and you don’t pay “employee” costs such as taxes, health benefits or vacation pay
- If the relationship doesn’t work out it is much easier to sever than that of an employee relationship
- No need to purchase/upgrade equipment, your virtual assistant will be responsible for their own hardware and software
- A virtual assistant is a business owner just like you, so they are very empathetic and aware of your needs and deadlines
- Virtual legal assistants often have significant expertise and experience in their field and they work hard to update their education and skills regularly
- Virtual assistants in general are very tech-friendly and aware. They try hard to stay on top of the latest trends in networking, software and technology
- Virtual assistants are independent, but they also belong to a community of virtual assistants across the globe. If your virtual assistant can’t help you, she probably can refer you to someone who can
- Increased productivity is probably the biggest benefit you will realize if you work with a virtual assistant, as not only do they provide an extra set of hands, but more importantly they provide another way of looking at things and a fresh perspective on improving and streamlining your business
DRAWBACKS
It would be unfair to imply that there are no drawbacks in a virtual business relationship. Here are a few things to be aware of:
- Time differences may occasionally cause complications if you find a virtual assistant in a time zone that varies from your own
- You need to have some initiative and organization to truly effectively utilize a virtual assistant. You may need to be able to upload files to a shared database, fax documents to your VA, or be available for clarification of complicated tasks
- While facetime is possible through video-conferencing or very occasional in-person meetings, generally speaking virtual assistant/client relationships rely heavily on written communication which does not suit all personality types
- As independent business owners virtual assistants are free to let clients know they will be unavailable at certain hours or on certain days regardless some individuals wishes for “always-on” help
- I hate to say this, but many people who say they are virtual assistants are neither professional nor reliable. It is definitely a drawback of this profession that it is populated by unskilled and overly hopeful individuals in addition to the many amazing and talented professionals.
If you have read the pros and cons of hiring a virtual legal assistant, and you know that a professional is exactly what you are looking for, I hope I’ll hear from you!
Laurie Mapp, Owner Halo Secretarial Services Contact us for more information on virtual legal assistance!