Q. How Does Virtual Legal Support Work?

A. You will meet via phone or virtual conference room or in person to discuss your expectations and our policies and procedures.

Q.  How Will Work be Transferred?  How Will We Communicate?

A. We will transfer instructions and information via phone, fax, e-mail, virtual conference room or instant messaging.  Finished work product is generally e-mailed or transferred via website.

Payment:

My support rates are on a retainer contract basis.

Retainers are either open ended, or for a certain specified amount of time or specific project.  Paralegal Associates will provide an invoice on the 1^st of the month for the prior month’s hours and expenses (if applicable) being paid to Paralegal Associates by the 10th of the month. (For example – invoice is sent out on April 1. Payment must be made by April 10) Client may cancel this agreement with twenty (20) days notice to Paralegal Associates.

Additional expenses: Occasionally when working on a project I incur expenses, on the client’s behalf, that will be billed at cost and added to your monthly invoice. Examples of these expenses would include copies, specialty paper, postage and courier services. Note: Normal office supplies and equipment are the responsibility of Paralegal Associates and will not be billed to the client.

Payment policy:

• Payment may be made by Pay Pal, check or money order
• Client will be charged a $40 fee for all returned NSF checks.
• Final proofing is the responsibility of the client.

What Is A (VA) Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant (or VA) is a service provider who specializes in providing offsite administrative support services as an independent contractor and works with clients in an ongoing, collaborative professional relationship. Virtual Assistants work from their own offices and utilize today’s technology to deliver their services and communicate with clients. A Virtual Assistant’s support is foundationally administrative, secretarial and clerical in nature. However, many Virtual Assistants offer additional specialties that fall under creative and technical services. Virtual Assistants come from a variety of business backgrounds, but the single-most important qualification to become a Virtual Assistant is at least five (5) years administrative experience earned in the real (non-virtual) business world working in upper level capacities such as administrative assistant, executive assistant, secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, office manager, etc. From this level of experience, a VA is expected to possess the skill sets, training and business knowledge which are the hallmark of a truly qualified Virtual Assistant.

Virtual Assistant Definition from the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce

What are the benefits of working with a VA?

VAs (Virtual Assistants) have all the qualifications needed to get the job done! Most have been in their field for many years.
Benefit to you: No need to spend valuable time and money training your current employees in administrative methods.

VAs do all the work in their own office, usually home-based.
Benefit to you: There is no need to provide office space, a desk, computer, printer, pens and stapler to house an employee.

VAs have fully equipped offices with all of the necessary equipment and software.
Benefit to you: There is no need to acquire that additional equipment or software that the employee would need to use.

VAs handle all of their own expenses.
Benefit to you: There is no need for you to worry about employment taxes, Medicare, worker’s compensation, benefits, vacations or losing valuable hours due to sick time.

VAs take the overflow off you and your staff’s shoulders.
Benefit to you: By outsourcing your administrative overflow, it gives you and your staff time to concentrate on more important tasks, such as prospecting new customers or spending time with your families.

VAs bill only for work completed.
Benefit to you: You won’t be paying for coffee breaks, office chitchat or personal issues that can interrupt the day.

VAs are dedicated to working WITH you to help you succeed.
Benefit to you: When you meet and exceed the needs and expectations of YOUR customers it is a win-win situation. When your business thrives, so does the VA’s.