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NEGOTIATING YOUR VIRTUAL PARALEGAL FEES

Cordina Charvis — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:42:57 GMT

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For virtual paralegals and assistants, setting the right fees for your services can be challenging without scaring away your potential clients and making a profit for your business.

There are a lot of factors that comes into play when setting your fees; but the main thing to remember is that, you are in business to make a profit; so if a client wants to use your services they should have to pay your fees.

After you have determined the right fees for your services; you need to start preparing to negotiate with your clients. The more prepared you are the more likely you will convince your clients that your services are an investment to their legal practice.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when negotiating your fees:

Start by gathering testimonials from past and current clients.
If you are a new virtual paralegal, provide recommendations and references from previous employers or professors.
Create a list of referrals with names and contact information to give to the client if they request it. Make sure to get permission from the referrals before adding them to the list.
When possible, it is best to get testimonials, references and recommendations in writing.
This way you do not have to bother your referrals every time you get a new client.

During the negotiation, always emphasize the benefits and savings you will offer clients when they use your virtual paralegal services.

They do not have to provide you with office space, equipment or software.
They do not have to pay tuition reimbursement, training and education.
They do not have to provide healthcare, dental or vision insurance.
They do not have to provide retirement insurance among other things.

When asked to explain your fees, always refer back to the following:

Your years of experience
Your education
Your reliability
Your quality of work
Your commitment, loyalty and professionalism
Your understanding of the importance of confidentiality in the legal business

Be aware that your interview is the first step in your negotiation and it is important to put forth a professional image which includes: your social media pages, your website and blog, and the way you represent yourself and your business to your clients in person, telephone and email.

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If you were looking to hire or partner with another virtual paralegal; would you be impressed with your current listing in the Virtual Paralegal Directory?Please update your listing in the Virtual Paralegal Directory.

What Solo and Small Law Firms use to Operate their Practice?

Cordina Charvis — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:08:10 GMT

During my research on solo and small law firms operation; I came across the results to a survey for services, software, virtual assistants among other things that solo and small firms frequently use in their law practice.

This link was originally posted by solo and small firm blog, myShingle.com, entitled “What Lawyers are using to Run Their Practices.”

I thought you may find it interesting.

Click here to view the survey results

Other links that you may find helpful

Is There A Quicker Way To Perform Multiple Notarizations?
StartupNation: 2013 Leading Moms in Business Competition
- A chance to win $10,000 and Priceless Publicity for your Business

New Virtual Paralegal Directory – Still FREE!

Coming soon to our eBook Store

Launching - Virtual Paralegal Business

This eBook gives you a checklist of the steps you will need to take when you officially launch your virtual paralegal business. Click here for the Table of Contents

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Virtual Paralegal/Entrepreneur books and blogs

Cordina Charvis — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:08:30 GMT

One of the perks of working as a virtual paralegal is to be able to work from home on a snowy day like today, in

New York City. So far we have had a little more that 4 inches, so the trees and the cars are all covered with snow. It looks beautiful outside, at least for now until it starts melting.

A warm blanket, a great book and some hot chocolate makes for a perfect day!

This got me thinking, what books, articles, blogs or training would you recommend to your peers to help them launch or grow their virtual paralegal business?

My list is very long but I will narrow it down to my top three books:

Books

Campus CEO by Randal Pinkett
Virtual Law Practice: How to Deliver Legal Services Online, By Stephanie Kimbro
Solo by Choice 2011-2012: How to Be the Lawyer You Always Wanted to Be By Carolyn Elefant

In addition to books, I also subscribe to several legal blogs:

Websites and blogs that I frequent

Layerist.com
Virtual Law Practice
Solo Practice University
ABAGPSolo Solosez
Above the Law

What are your recommendations?

Paralegal Events

•§ NACBA Convention-San Diego, CA.-April 2013

Virtual Paralegals

The NACBA Convention registration is open.
Early-Bird registration ends March 15, 2013.

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Launched a virtual paralegal business but had to go back to“office paralegal

Cordina Charvis — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:10:39 GMT

In 2005, when I first launched my virtual paralegal business; I had two partners who supported me, so that I did not have to quit my day job. It was important for me to hold on to my day job for various reasons, such as medical, dental and retirement benefits. Besides, I had no guarantee that my business would be a success.

Within a year after we launched, my partners decided to pursue other business opportunities and I was left to operate the business on my own. This was a HUGH problem for me because our core services were provided by my partners. My practice area at the time was securities and the least profitable service that we offered.

I considered taking on new partners but after a few trial and errors; it became clear that was not the right decision for me at the time. I was forced to put my practice on hold and figure out another way to re-launch. Eventually, I went back to being an “office paralegal” full time until I was laid off from my job.

After several months of job searches in the worst job market; I decided it would be the best time for me to re-launch my “virtual” paralegal business. Today, I have a new partner and my old partners are consultants.

Have you launched a virtual paralegal/assistant business and had to go back to the office? What is your story?

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Virtual Paralegal Contracts & Agreements

10 Actions to take before you launch your virtual paralegal business

Cordina Charvis — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:11:34 GMT

•1. Choose your business name

•2. Determine your business structure

•3. Purchase your domain name

•4. Create your website or blog

•5. Research your practice areas software

•6. Determine the fees for your services

•7. Join social media

•8. Create a marketing budget and your marketing materials.

•9. Join paralegal and business organizations.

•10. Network with other virtual paralegals in and out of your practice areas; and ask questions about starting a virtual paralegal business.

New Directory, Still Free! – Please do not forget to update your directory listing

Is it for me? Virtual Paralegal Business

Is there a real benefit to the “Endorsement” feature on LinkedIn?

Cordina Charvis — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:46:58 GMT

The new feature allows members to endorse other members’ skills with just a click of the button. I believe it is expected that if someone endorses your skills; you are also expected to endorse their skills, even if you have never worked with or for them.

I really appreciate anyone taking the time to write, or in this case to endorse me to enhance my profile but I am uncomfortable with someone endorsing me for skills that I lack, such as Litigation.

How does one determine who and what skills they will endorse for a member? Is there a benefit for the endorser?

On the other hand, the “Recommendation” feature seems to be more meaningful because it requires that someone who knows you explains why your skills or services are of value to a potential client or employer.

New Directory, Still Free! Please update your listing in theVirtual Paralegal Directory

Evolution Parajuristes: Choosing my Virtual Paralegal Name

Cordina Charvis — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:27:21 GMT

Choosing your business name is one of the most important steps to launching your virtual paralegal business. Your business name will have an impact on how your clients’ view you and it reflects your brand identity. It is very tempting to create the most unique names that may be suitable for hobbies or other businesses and forget the rules and expectations of the legal industry.

I have to admit that I am guilty of several ‘don’t’ when creating my business name. Like most eager entrepreneur, I wanted to be unique and standout among my competitors so I named my firm “Evolution Parajuristes” – paralegal in French. This has caused me some embarrassment when I could not properly pronounce the name of my firm. Needless, to say my clients had some difficulty with the name and the spelling. This was proven when they tried to send me emails that I did not received and when they paid using checks.

I am sure it also affected our referral services. Whenever a client refers someone to us, it is usually to one of our paralegals not the firm. Personal referrals were fine but it did not help much when we were trying to create our business brand.

However, we managed to do a few things right when choosing our business name.

We kept it short.
The name provides information about the services that we offer.
Our primary practice areas are corporate and compliance but our name allow us to expand in other areas without alteration or changing the name…again.

To correct our mistakes, we filed a DBA that allows us to operate our business under the English version “Evolution Paralegals”; lucky for us it was available both on the state level as well as a domain.

Our mistakes have costs us in several ways:

We had to reprint all of our marketing materials
We had to purchase new domains and change our email addresses
The cost of registering the DBA
Updating our website

However, the upside is that I can also market my business to French speaking clients.

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What are your Marketing Strategies for 2013?

Cordina Charvis — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:41:52 GMT

We are in the first week of the New Year and most business owners are evaluating their businesses to see what they can do differently from the previous years to grow their businesses and what have worked in the past that they will continue doing.

Every year there are new trends on how to market your business and make it more visible but I have found that some of the old trends; tried and true are still worth the time and investment. However, we cannot ignore the power of social media but we can also admit that it is a challenge to stay on top of the changes.

Before we revamp our marketing campaign we are going to take an inventory on what has worked and did not work for us in 2012.

Most virtual paralegals market their services “blindly” instead of targeting their clients; they market their services to the industry hoping that the right attorney will find them.

Here are VPTC’s Marketing Strategies for 2013

•1) We will narrow our marketing to only attorneys in our practice areas who offer the services for which we have experience and are able to assist them virtually.

•2) We will follow and connect with attorneys and law firms on social media who provide services in our practice areas to help us gain insight on services that are important to them and how we can better serve them.

•3) We will use Google Alerts as one of our methods of keeping track of changes in our practice areas.

•4) We will update our account pages for Social Medias and directories to offer more details about our company and list as many services as they will allow us.

•5) Time for a new picture. In addition to updating our website and social media pages we will also update our profile picture to a more current and professional one.

•6) In line with updating our pages we will do better at engaging and participating on attorneys’ discussion forums.

•7) We will renew our membership with the New York Paralegal Association, Inc. to take advantage of their webinars, workshops and to network with attorneys through pro bono assignments.

•8) Lastly, but definitely not least, we will fine-tune our branding: “elevators pitch” and company brochure.

So, what are your marketing strategies for 2013?

14 Inspiring Life and Business Lessons From Richard Branson

Cordina Charvis — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 19:49:08 GMT

A few months back when I was at Blogworld New York, my friend Dave Ursillo and I wandered into a book store to find some social media book. It turned out they didn’t have it but I stumbled upon Richard Branson’s book Business Stripped Bare. If there’s one guy I’d want to trade lives with for a day it would probably be Richard Branson. He’s made a fortune, has had a blast doing it, and still seems to be going strong. These are just 14 incredible life and business lessons from him that really inspired me.

1.You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing and by falling over and it’s because you fall over that you learn to save yourself from falling over.

I think it’s safe to say most of you know already how I feel about breaking rules. If you’re wondering how to move in this direction, start by breaking these 5 rules today. If we didn’t learn to walk by following rules, then we must question why it is we’re so hell bent on following rules, formulas, prescriptions and recommendations to do everything else in life.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Clients!

Cordina Charvis — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 21:38:17 GMT

50% discount on selected services
Gift to charity
Coffee gift cards
Restaurant gift certificate
Subscription to a magazine

Do you have a welcome package for new clients, if so, what is included in your welcome package?

Cordina Charvis — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:31:34 GMT

Contract is signed! Yeah! You have a new client and you can’t wait to get started on their project; then you remember; you are not just a paralegal anymore now you are a business owner.

Client’s welcome packages can benefit your business on a continuous basis if you include the right items. Benefits of a welcome package may include the following:

It allows you to present a professional image of your business.
It reiterates your policies and procedures, for example, you’re operating hours and your methods for delivering your services.
Most, importantly it serves as a marketing method and it is an easy way for clients to refer your services.

Be careful not to overload your client with information; you may customize your welcome package based on the individual client’s need. A print and PDF copy is also acceptable.

My welcome package includes the following:

A welcome letter to our paralegal firm including our firm's bio and FAQ
Contracts and agreements
Payment policies
A quick reference sheet with our contact information and instructions on how we deliver our services;
A brochure listing all our services and the benefits to our client’s law practice;
At least 10 business cards;
A discount coupon for clients to apply to current or future services and a gift certificate for friends and family;
The firm’s referral service and affiliation plan;
The firm’s service evaluation form.

What is in your client’s welcome package?

The Practice: Some Advice About Office Staff

Cordina Charvis — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 16:21:58 GMT

By Brian Tannebaum

I know that having people answer your phone or type documents for you is part of the past and a sure path to extinction, but for those that actually employ people and are looking for ways to better that relationship, read on.

Like many lawyers, I’ve been through receptionists and secretaries. Some left for school, or other jobs, and some left because they had a different concept of the truth, or the meaning of “9:00 a.m.”

I have three rules for office staff: never lie to me, never try to fix a problem without telling me about it, and be on time. When I hire a receptionist, I put a telephone on the conference table and say that “this is the most important thing in this office.”

The relationship between lawyers and staff has a built-in tension undefined they help you make money, but are usually paid a very small percentage of what you make. They know that. Yes, they aren’t as educated, they’re not licensed, and they shouldn’t expect to make what you make, but the premise remains. Your secretary or receptionist opens the mail and sees the checks, takes the credit card information, gives out the wire transfer information and gets the confirmations, and knows what kind of money is coming in. They are helping you run your practice so you can make money, and they need to be treated that way….

Click the link to read more: http://abovethelaw.com/2012/10/the-practice-some-advice-about-office-staff/

A Man Tells All: I Earn More Than My Female Colleague

Cordina Charvis — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:30:04 GMT

Within eight months of each other, two young college grads start work as paralegals in a small, New York City law firm. Both are graduates of top-20 colleges in the Northeast. Neither has any relevant paralegal experience.

One gets an office; the other gets a cubicle. The one with the office earns a significant amount more.

Now, for the riddle: Which paralegal is female?

If you guessed the lower-paid cubicle dweller ... you're right. The age-old pay gap between men and women is, depressingly, as strong an institution as ever. In fact, The Washington Post recently called the pay gap "entrenched," noting that white men currently make $2.09 more per hour than white women. And in 600 occupations surveyed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, men earn more than women in all but seven.

We tried to figure out when the pay gap actually begins: Is it at that first job? When women have children? Or is it at each step of the career ladder, when, as many have argued, women don't ask for raises as often as men?

We have an interview to prove that all too often, it may be the simplest--and saddest--reason of all: sexism.

Read on for a Q&A with Anthony,* the young male paralegal from the riddle above, to find out why he's coming out on top, and feels guilty about it.

How long have you been working at the law firm?

Click here t read more
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/learnvest/a-man-tells-all-i-earn-mo_b_1948485.html

Virtual Paralegal Office

Cordina Charvis — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:47:51 GMT

I am assuming that you have already set up your home office. This may include your business structure.

Will you formally incorporate or will you operate as a D.B.A. or Sole Proprietor. Whichever you choose, I would suggest you are familiar with the liabilities and the tax requirements associated with the structure of your business.

Next you need to find a dedicated space in your home where you can have the privacy and are able to focus on your business. This is also important if you decide to take a tax deduction for your home office.

Before launch you should purchase all basic items necessary for operating your business. This should include but not limited to:

A computer with internet access, scanner, printer and fax services.
Today every businesses especially virtual paralegal must have a web presence whether it is a business website or a blog.
Equally important for every virtual paralegal is a smart phone where you can send and receive emails as well as to browse the internet at a moment notice.

Tip: I use boost mobile blackberry. It only cost me $60.00 per month and I get unlimited text, web browsing and minutes.

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How long does it take to launch a virtual paralegal business?

Cordina Charvis — Sat, 12 May 2012 01:12:37 GMT

The time it takes to launch a virtual paralegal business depends on several factors.

Are you currently unemployed?

If you are currently unemployed you may have more time to research and launch your virtual paralegal business. It is possible to have your business up and running in less than 3-6 months.

If you are currently employed?

If you are currently employed it may take you a bit longer than 3-6 months to transition from the office to virtual; depending on how far you are with your planning and finances. It will also depend on whether or not you will be launching your business part time or full time.

How much research have you done so far?

You should research your practice areas to make sure that there is a demand for the services that you intend to offer and the software and equipment commonly used for your practice areas.

Are you financially ready?

You should make sure that you are financially stable before starting your virtual paralegal business. If you are going to start your business full time make sure that you have enough income saved to pay your bills while you grow your business. Also, consider other benefits such as medical, dental and retirement insurance that are offered through an employer that you will be responsible for as a business owner.

Most importantly, make sure you are launching your business for the right reason.

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What does it really takes to operate a virtual paralegal business?

Cordina Charvis — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:01:42 GMT

Confidence in your abilities. Remember your target clients are attorneys. They can spot nervousness and incompetence a mile away.
Determination. You have to be ready to hang in there for the long haul. Even though you may be confident in your skills as a paralegal it will take more than your paralegal skills to market and operate a business.
As a virtual paralegal, you are a business owner and you will be responsible for everything that goes along with operating a business such as tax issues, incorporation, and record keeping among other things.
Most virtual paralegals work from their home offices. Working from a home office can be very lonely at times.
Most importantly, you are responsible for keeping up with the changes in the law for your practice areas.

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Questions to ask and answer before launching your virtual paralegal business

Cordina Charvis — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:34:59 GMT

Truthful responses to all the questions below will let you know whether or not you are willing to put in the dedicated hours, effort and hard work needed to launch and operate a virtual paralegal business.

Are you capable of working with little or no supervision?

There is little or no on the job training for virtual paralegals. Virtual paralegals are senior paralegals and are experts in their practice areas.

Are you capable of working with deadline sensitive projects

Depending on your work load you may have back to back deadlines for the same or different clients.

Your clients are not going to care that you have other clients; they only care about the projects they assigned to you.

Are you comfortable working with different level of management?

When your client hires your company they may expect you to assist other members of their firm; which may include the CEO, CFO, managers and other attorneys.

You have to be comfortable working with different personalities and different level of management and depending on your practice areas; you may have to work with government agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Is there a demand in the market for your practice areas?

Before you start your virtual paralegal business you should research that there is a need for your services in the current market. Right now, corporate, family law, bankruptcy and litigation are among the highest demand for virtual paralegal services.

VirtPara

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Step I - Transitioning from an in-office paralegal to a virtual paralegal

Cordina Charvis — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 14:12:57 GMT

If you are currently employed, it is highly recommended that you launch your virtual paralegal business on a part time basis while earning a regular income.

Plan your transition from employee to employer and from an in office paralegal to a virtual paralegal.

Here are some steps to consider during your transition:

Step 1

If you are currently employed make sure the planning of your business does not interfere with your current job.
Do not quit your job abruptly. You can work on your business on your own time while you remain in your full time job.
Never burn your bridges. Leave your job on good terms. You will need their references and they may refer work to your new business.
Do not use your current company’s email to correspond with prospective clients. Most companies retain their emails for years even after you have deleted it locally.
Your current boss and co-workers should not know about your business before you put in your resignation. If your company decides to downsize you maybe the first to get let go before you are ready to leave your job.
When you decide to resign your current position, give your boss enough time to find a replacement and continue to provide an honest days work.
Do not take or use any of your company’s confidential information in your current business. Your current employer can sue you for confidentiality violation.

Click here to join the virtual paralegal social media connection

Step 2 - Transitioning from an in-office paralegal to a virtual paralegal

Cordina Charvis — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 14:08:25 GMT

Step 2

Before you quit your day job ask your boss to review all the contracts and policies you signed as an employee to avoid conflict of interest in your virtual paralegal business.
In general, most transition may take up to six months from employee to entrepreneur.
Do not rush yourself. If after six months you think you still need more time, take the time to prepare yourself properly.
Determine how much money you will need to maintain your personal bills and start saving right away.
Determine your practice areas and make sure you have extensive experience in them.
Research your practice areas to make sure there is a demand for your services.
Ask other virtual paralegals how they got started and how they would do things differently.

Click here to join the virtual paralegal social media connection

Step 3 - Transitioning from an in-office paralegal to a virtual paralegal

Cordina Charvis — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 14:00:55 GMT

Step 3

Determine what will set you apart from your competitors?
Do test runs on starting your virtual business by offering your services for free to charities? Make sure to put in as much work as you would have for a paying client.
You should consider applying to virtual law firms or offices. They already understand the virtual world and it would be easier to convince them to hire a virtual paralegal.
Consider working with an experienced virtual paralegal before branching out on your own.
Partner with another virtual paralegal to reduce the pressure and expenses of starting your business.
You should apply for contract or temporary positions for added experience and money to help with your transition from the in- office to your business.
If you have the time or the money; enroll in business and administrative classes. You will need these skills to help you operate your business.
Volunteer for seminars, conferences and workshops in your practice areas.

Click hereto join the virtual paralegal social media connection