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February 24, 2023 Law Practice Management & Technology

Delegating Your Way to Freedom

By: Lori Frio Walker & Sam Thomas

As family law attorneys, we are often swamped with an overwhelming workload that leaves little time for anything else. We have to juggle multiple cases, manage client relationships, and keep up with the ever-changing legal landscape. However, with the help of virtual assistants (VAs), you can delegate lower-level tasks and gain back some of your time and sanity.

Virtual assistants are generally free-lance workers that can perform specific tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing emails, conducting research, and transcribing recordings, without immediate oversight and training by you. They are typically much cheaper than hiring new lawyers and/or taking on new staff. They generally do not need any employment benefits and charge hourly for their work which is below market rates.

Here are some options as family law attorneys you can use virtual assistants to delegate work and gain your time back:

Scheduling appointments:
Virtual assistants can handle the scheduling of appointments/consultations, send appointment reminders to limit no shows, and reschedule appointments. This will help attorneys save time and avoid scheduling conflicts along with possibly landing more clients.

Managing emails:
Virtual assistants can help manage your email inbox by sorting through emails, flagging urgent messages, and responding to routine inquiries from clients. This will help you stay on top of your inbox and focus on high-priority and valuable tasks.

Research:
Virtual assistants can conduct research on specific legal topics, case law, and relevant statutes. They can provide you with the information you need to prepare for a case, draft legal documents, and provide advice to clients.

Document management:
Virtual assistants can help manage your documents, such as legal agreements, court filings, and client intake forms. They can organize and categorize documents, making it easier for you to find what you need quickly.

Transcription:
Virtual assistants can transcribe audio recordings of depositions, hearings, and client interviews. This will help you save time and avoid the tedious task of transcribing recordings yourself.

Billing and invoicing:
Virtual assistants can help manage your billing and invoicing. They can generate invoices, track payments, and send reminders to clients with outstanding balances. This will help you save time and ensure you are paid for your services.

Social media management:
Virtual assistants can help manage your social media accounts, such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. They can help create and post content, respond to messages, and engage with your followers. They further can help write blog posts for your website to keep it updated. This will help you build your online presence and attract new clients.

To conclude, virtual assistants can help family law attorneys delegate tasks and gain back some of their time. By delegating repetitive tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing emails, conducting research, and document management, attorneys can focus on high-value tasks, such as providing legal advice to clients, preparing for trial, and representing clients in court. Overall, virtual assistants can help family law attorneys improve their productivity, efficiency, and profitability. A quick online search for virtual assistants for lawyers can offer many platforms to find your next assistant.

So, if you're a family law attorney looking to take some of the weight off your shoulders, consider using virtual assistants to delegate tasks and gain back some of your time. It could be the game-changer you've been looking for. 

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Lori Frio Walker

Esq., Philadelphia, PA

The Family Law Corp., P.C. 
ABA Section of Family Law Law Practice Management & Technology Committee Vice-Chair

Samuel E. Thomas

Esq., Athens, GA

Thomas & Fargione Law
ABA Section of Family Law Practice Management & Technology Committee Chair