What are virtual paralegals?

Contract lawyers, virtual paralegals, and freelancers are constantly being used in hybrid staffing arrangements to address business issues. So, what would a paralegal virtual assistant do for you? Well, they can do the logistical and paper side of a case from beginning to end, including client inception, contract writing, notice letters, court filings, deposition preparation, evidence analysis, legal studies, and document filing.

A virtual legal assistant can keep track of the docket and handle regular client correspondence. They can handle anything that goes on in the history of an assignment or case. Allow the versatility of technology to work in your favor by delegating your work to a virtual legal secretary.

‍What are the benefits of virtual paralegals?

Virtual paralegals may offer all of the same services as an in-office paralegal, but without the extra costs of health coverage, tax withholding, or office space, saving the firm about 60% of the expense of an employee. They will do so on a case-by-case basis with niche talents and special situations, as a complement to the in-house team, or on a retainer basis.

Rates differ – hiring someone from virtual paralegal companies may be marginally less costly than a freelancer, or they may be more expensive if they have the advanced expertise you need, such as intellectual property. However, nearly all virtual legal assistant services are offered with tiers of service, with fewer advanced providers paying less than those with specialized skill sets. They can also deliver discounts on hourly bundles rather than individual hours. A quality paralegal can cost you between $35 and $65 per hour.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to be open and frank about your requirements and goals. If you require a freelancer to be on call 40 hours per week, you could be looking for an employee rather than an independent contractor, and the partnership is doomed to fail.

How to look for a virtual paralegal?

‍When hiring virtual paralegals use the same criteria you would when hiring an employee. Check with the Bar Association for lists, ask peers for suggestions, and look for online recruiters. If you currently use a virtual receptionist program, inquire if they have any recommendations for virtual paralegals. After identifying candidates, ask the following three questions in your interview.

1. Inquire into the handling of classified information. Their response could involve items such as becoming mindful of classified and secure cloud-based systems and including a firewall on their device. They should also have a protocol in place on how they manage documents from receipt to delivery or destruction.
2. ‍Inquire on how they want to communicate with you and treat your assignment. Their responses should provide information about how and when to contact them, how long it takes them to respond to requests, and how they track time and keep you updated on their progress and success.
3. Finally, this is what you wait for rather than something you ask: does the candidate inquire about your wishes and systems? Does the candidate interview you?

Virtual paralegal services are a clever, cost-effective solution to your workload problems, helping you to concentrate on your practice, reclaim the non-billable hours, and reduce disruptions.