Getting by with a little help from … a virtual assistant

"A virtual assistant is a person that works off-site and assists with a variety of tasks like revising documents, making travel arrangements, updating your Web site, creating newsletters, etc.," explains Laurie Kadair Redman in her article, "The Bonus Brain: Working with a Virtual Assistant," from the Summer 2008 issue of Solo, a publication of the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division.

With telemarketing and outsourcing gaining wider acceptance, virtual assistants are another way of getting the job done – often more efficiently and effectively without adding another person to your office.  The proliferation has even grown to the point where there is even an association for virtual assistants – the International Virtual Assistants Association.

If you want to learn more about how to obtain and work with a virtual assistant, the Web site http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/ is one possible starting point, according to Redman. 

While virtual assistants are not employees, a lawyer should still invest time and do the proper research to make sure the relationship fits.  As Redman suggests, "The relationship between an attorney and the VA is intended to be a collaborative and long-standing partnership. Take your time to interview several people and trust your instincts."

Establishing that relationship and taking on a virtual assistant frees up your time to do billable work, or can just free a lawyer from doing the jobs that he or she doesn't like to do.  As Redman cautions, however, make sure both parties understand the parameters of the work – the services that virtual assistants provide vary. 

Redman warns that it's important to be ready to delegate tasks to one's virtual assistant – and that's something that does not necessarily come easily to a solo who's been practicing by himself or herself for some time.

To read Redman's article, visit here.

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