As the legal industry grows more and more competitive, law firms are constantly looking for ways to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance client service. One of the most effective solutions gaining traction is the use of global remote talent, also known as virtual assistants (VAs).
Traditionally, law firms relied on in-house administrative staff to handle clerical work, client communication, and document management. However, hiring full-time employees in the U.S. can be costly, especially for smaller firms or solo practitioners. VAs offer a cost-effective alternative by providing remote support on an as-needed basis, eliminating overhead costs.
Today, VAs are helping law firms manage administrative tasks, execute marketing campaigns, improve workflow efficiency, and even support legal research, allowing attorneys to focus on high-value work.
Virtual Assistants Can Handle All Work of a Traditional Assistant, Sometimes More
When VAs first came on the scene several years ago, there was often a productivity or capacity tradeoff. That is no longer the case. Today’s VAs are highly skilled tools that can take on all tasks that a traditional assistant would, despite not being there in person. Here are just a few of the skills that legal virtual assistants are advertising today:
- Case preparation
- Legal research
- Document drafting
- Case evaluations
- Case management
- Client onboarding
- Scheduling
- Marketing
- Bookkeeping
- Operations managementa
VAs are also generally very flexible, and can take on new tasks that weren’t initially in the job description.
Lower Cost, Lower Risk
Another reason VAs are becoming more popular in the legal industry is the cost and risk. Technology has enabled legal professionals to work from anywhere in the world, often in markets where the cost of living is much less than the United States. As a result, law firms are hiring VAs for considerably less than a full-time employee with similar responsibilities. Additionally, law firms don’t need to provide office space, equipment, or benefits as they would with a traditional employee.
Hiring a VA is also attractive because of the low risk of hiring. In most cases, the firm can easily terminate a contract if the assistant isn’t meeting expectations, with minimal risk of litigation or financial burden.
How to Find a High-Quality VA
Just like hiring for a traditional role, there is a range of quality in the VA market. Here are a few tips to help narrow down the search.
Clearly Define Needs and Tasks
When writing the job description for a VA, the more specific you can be, the better. Advertising general skills like proficiency in computer skills will attract a huge pool of applicants, many of which will not be good candidates.
Use A Reputable Agency to Find Candidates
There are hundreds of staffing agencies dedicated to placing virtual assistants with employers. These agencies often have access to candidates across the globe and can streamline your search. Agencies also handle things like background checks, payments, and trial periods – making your onboarding process seamless.
Require a Trial Task
A small test project can help evaluate a VA’s responsiveness, accuracy, and ability to follow instructions before making a long-term commitment.
VAs Are Here to Stay
As technology continues to improve and enable more seamless remote work, the role of virtual assistants in law firms is expected to expand. By leveraging virtual support, law firms can stay competitive and provide better service to clients—all without the constraints of a traditional office setup.