In today’s fast-paced legal environment, time is a premium asset. Whether you're a solo practitioner or managing a small law firm, handling administrative tasks can quickly become overwhelming. This is where hiring a virtual assistant for lawyers can revolutionise your workflow. But how do you find and hire the right one? This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure you bring on a virtual assistant who meets your specific legal needs.
Virtual assistants offer remote administrative and operational support, saving time and reducing overhead costs. For lawyers, virtual assistants can handle a variety of essential tasks:
Calendar and appointment management
Client communication and follow-ups
Legal research and data entry
Document preparation and proofreading
Billing and invoicing
By delegating non-billable tasks, lawyers can focus more on case strategy, court appearances, and client service.
Before starting your search, clearly identify which tasks you want your virtual assistant to handle. Are you looking for general administrative help, or do you need someone with experience in legal transcription or research? Some common virtual assistant categories include:
Administrative Virtual Assistants – Handle emails, calls, and scheduling
Legal Virtual Assistants – Trained in legal documentation and case management
Marketing Virtual Assistants – Manage social media and website content for your law practice
Defining your scope of work will help you attract virtual assistants with the right skill set.
Virtual assistant rates can vary widely depending on expertise and region. A general virtual assistant may charge between $10–$25 per hour, while a legal virtual assistant with specialized training might command $30–$60 per hour or more. Set a realistic budget based on your workload and the level of expertise required. Also, decide whether you want part-time, full-time, or project-based support.
There are several platforms where you can find virtual assistants, including:
Upwork and Freelancer – Ideal for freelance professionals
Fiverr – Great for one-time or short-term projects
Belay, Time Etc., and Boldly – Agencies that pre-vet virtual assistants
LinkedIn – Useful for finding experienced legal virtual assistants through networking
Lawyer-specific virtual assistant services are also available, which focus solely on supporting law firms.
After gathering applications, evaluate candidates based on:
Experience in the legal field
Familiarity with legal software (e.g., Clio, MyCase, PracticePanther)
Attention to detail and communication skills
References or client reviews
You can conduct a video interview to assess professionalism, reliability, and cultural fit. Provide a test task to evaluate real-world performance before making your final decision.
Once hired, set up an onboarding process. Provide training materials, introduce them to your systems, and establish:
Working hours and communication channels
Data security and confidentiality protocols
Task deadlines and deliverables
Weekly check-ins or progress reports
Using tools like Slack, Zoom, Trello, and Google Workspace will streamline collaboration and task management.
Hiring a virtual assistant isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation. Schedule periodic reviews to assess productivity, communication, and output quality. If issues arise, offer constructive feedback and decide whether additional training or a change in virtual assistant is needed.
Finding and hiring the right virtual assistant for your law practice can significantly boost efficiency, client satisfaction, and work-life balance. By clearly defining your needs, leveraging the right platforms, and maintaining effective communication, you can create a long-term, productive partnership that supports your legal goals.