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The Virtual Lawyer has the start of what appears to be a great upcoming series of post on “How can lawyers leverage their time?”
In his post Roger suggest four things we can do to leverage:
- Other People’s Time
- Knowledge (Information)
- Technology
- Packaged Services
If we take these one at time, the first one is something most of us do already. However, the home office lawyer may take this one step further. In my own office, I use a virtual assistant. Someone that is off site that does work for me on an as needed basis. This type of arrangement is great as it saves you both time and money. Not only do I save money by the fact I don’t have to supply office space, office equipment and supplies. I did not have to spend the time to train this person. Most if not all VA’s are experienced and can jump right in helping you accomplish your goals.
The rest I will discuss as The Virtual Lawyer post the next in his series. But, be thinking about the next three and post any comments you have here. This looks to be a great topic that should generate some great conversation.
Related posts:
As a Virtual Assistant, I can attest to the benefits of using a virtual assistant. The technology that is available today makes this business relationship possible. I recently wrote a post to my blog regarding this particular topic. You can read it at http://rjcartw.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/solo-attorneys-and-virtual-assistants/
I don’t know how to get a TypeKey or TypePad account, however I wanted to post a comment. I have been an independent legal investigator for many years, with the ability to perform work for attorneys all over the country, right from my home office desk. I have encouraged many attorneys that if they would just delegate the appropriate duties to the appropriate contractors, their lives would be simpler and their work would be more productive. Since I am a fully trained paralegal in most all the areas of the law, and have work experience in them, I can do much more than just a “private investigator.” Those attorneys who have used me effectively, have given me the information at hand, told me what they wanted to accomplish, and given me pretty much free rein, as long as I kept them posted as to the status of my work. Many times I have taken the attorney from a disorganized discovery packet to an organized trial notebook that required very little study on his part before trial. I would love to do more of this, but locally in Dayton, OH the attorneys are so many, so competitive, and so backward in thought, that there is little market for what I offer. Sad, that I have had to start a second career in a boring field in order to survive.
I just posted a blog called “Leveraging Your Time – Part 2”, which is a follow-up to the earlier posting you mentioned.
Go to http://thevirtuallawyer.blogspot.com/2008/01/leveraging-your-time-part-2.html.
Your thoughts?
Utilizing a Virtual Assistant specific in your area of law is extremely cost effective. As a Bankruptcy Assistant working out of my home office, I purchase the software and have specific training in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Attorneys can expand their practice using my office as a satellite office.