Virtual Paralegal Blog (VirtPara)

Virtual Paralegal clients are primarily solo practitioners, small law firms and legal departments employ the services of virtual paralegals.

If you are a virtual paralegal who markets your services to consumers or small businesses that do not have a legal department you must be careful to avoid unauthorized practice of law.

Virtual paralegals and assistants social media connection

Communication is very important in the virtual paralegal business. There are several ways that virtual paralegal and assistants communicate with their clients. The most common means of communication include but are not limited to: telephone, email, fax and web conferencing.

Most virtual paralegals work from their home offices and by using a notebook computer with a secure Internet connection; they can complete their assignments anywhere.

Virtual paralegals and assistants social media connection

The types of assignments that are delegated to virtual paralegals depend on their practice areas.  An attorney may ask a corporate paralegal to draft an article of incorporation, by-laws and organize company records whereas; a bankruptcy attorney may ask the paralegal to draft petitions.

In most cases, virtual paralegals may review and organize client files, conduct legal research, prepare documents for legal transactions, draft pleadings and discovery notices, interview clients and witnesses, and assist at closings and trials.

Perks of operating a virtual paralegal business:  you get to choose the type of assignments that interests you. 

Virtual paralegals and assistants social media connection

With the advancement in technology; there has been a steady increase in virtual law firms in the past year hence there have been an increase in the need for virtual paralegals.

Small law firms and solo practices are using virtual paralegals and assistants to help them reduce and control their overhead cost.

In-house legal departments are putting pressure on law firms to reduce their legal fees. More law firms and corporations are outsourcing paralegal and secretarial functions to reduce their clients’ fees.  Virtual paralegals and assistants are now in demand.

Virtual paralegals and assistants social media connection

In most states it is against the law for paralegals to offer any legal advice.

The main legal restriction for operating a virtual paralegal business is that virtual paralegals must work exclusively under the supervision of attorneys.

All final work products completed by virtual paralegals must be reviewed by the attorney before it is filed with any government agencies or forwarded to the client.

Virtual paralegals must always represent themselves as the paralegal and never an attorney.  They should also represent themselves as the paralegal in their advertising and marketing campaigns including their websites and on their business cards.

When a virtual paralegal sign any legal document or correspondence they should always include their title as “Paralegal” next to their signature.

Virtual paralegals and assistants social media connection

In most states, virtual paralegals are not required to hold a license in order to perform their duties as paralegals. But they may be required to hold a license if they decide to operate a business.

Virtual paralegals and assistants social media connection

All virtual paralegals and assistants must be able to work accurately and effectively in a highly confidential, detail and result-oriented environment.

All virtual paralegals and assistants must have effective interpersonal, customer service and communication skills to interact effectively with all levels of management and regulators.

Virtual paralegals and assistants are self-motivated and are capable of working both independently as well as in a team.

Virtual paralegals and assistants social media connection

The skills and education required of virtual paralegals are the same as paralegals who works in an office. 

Every virtual paralegal and assistants must be comfortable with technology, have the ability to do thorough research and are detail orientated.

Some virtual paralegals obtain four or two year degrees, others obtain certificates.  Some virtual paralegals have been promoted to their positions and receive their paralegal training on the job.

It is highly recommended that virtual paralegals have at least three or more years experience working as a paralegal before launching a business; there is little or no on the job training for virtual paralegals.

When an attorney hires a virtual paralegal or assistant they expect that they will be an expert in the services that they offer.

Though it is not required, most virtual paralegal specialize in one or more practice areas.

Your resume should include your previous employments including but not limited to internships and pro bono work.

Virtual paralegals and assistants social media connection

Virtual Paralegal” are otherwise known as independent, contract or freelance legal assistants who are hired by attorneys, law firms or in-house legal departments to provide paralegal support services on an as needed basis through such services being supplied with the use of technology such as the Internet, email, fax and remote access systems.

Virtual paralegals are hired by attorneys who primarily complete their assignments outside of the law office such as their home.

Virtual paralegals and assistants social media connection