Web URL: http://www.halosecretarialservices.com
In Business Since: 2009
Type of Business: Paralegal work
Works: 100% virtually
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Twitter @halosecretarial
Ruth: Welcome to blog, Laurie. Tell us about Halo Secretarial Services and what you do.
Laurie: I’ve operated my virtual legal assistant / virtual paralegal practice since the fall of 2008, after having my third child. I am familiar with several practice areas, including family law, civil litigation, conveyancing, estate planning, and probate applications. I primarily work with sole practitioners, but can also assist small firms, particularly with overflow work during busy times.
Ruth: How did you get your start in this career choice?
Laurie: I wanted a more flexible and independent work situation and did a lot of research after having my third child. I believed virtual legal assistant work would be perfect for me and I strongly believed (and still believe) that it was a service that many lawyers would benefit from. I found my first client on Twitter, grew slowly and steadily, and I’ve never looked back!
Ruth: Describe those who have influenced you along this journey.
Laurie: I have found some very supportive peers along the way, in virtual assistant forums as well as getting some advice from Andrea Cannavina of LegalTypist.
Ruth: What advice would you give to someone thinking about a virtual career like yours?
Laurie: Keep your expenses as low as you can, network like crazy, and be patient! It takes time to grow a business. Also, reach out to colleagues who can support you and who can just be a friendly ear when you are finding the work at home life lonely.
Ruth: Excellent advice. There is so much truth in your words. I hope the readers thinking of this career are taking notes. I especially like “network like crazy.” What suggestions do you have for those who would like to work with you?
Laurie: Be prepared before you reach out, spend a week deciding what work you would be comfortable delegating. Be sure you trust and can communicate with your virtual assistant in ways that work for you both. Most importantly, know that this relationship is different from traditional in-house staff and that has both benefits and drawbacks, but it is often a great compromise for a lawyer who needs more help but needs to watch the bottom line. An experienced paralegal is an expensive proposition full-time, but an experienced virtual paralegal can save you time and money by working when, and only when, you really need them.
Ruth: Any last thoughts to share with our readers?
Laurie: This career path is incredibly rewarding. I can take an afternoon off and go to the beach with my boys, I never miss Christmas concerts or track meets. I can receive a call from a client and sort out a problem in 10 minutes, relieving their stress or I can tackle a 40 page arbitration decision over the course of several days. I can work with a criminal lawyer AND do some conveyancing AND help a litigation lawyer with document review. I love the variety and I love my clients.
Ruth: Laurie, thank you for sharing a glimpse into being a virtual legal assistant.
Interested in connecting with Laurie, check out her links at the top of the page.