Are you excited to start using a virtual paralegal, but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone! Many clients come to us with lots of thoughts and ideas but aren’t quite sure how to jump in. Sometimes this ends up keeping new, excited clients from taking the first step and ultimately missing out on the array of services we offer. No need to worry – we are here to help! Here are some ways we can take this jump together:
Start simple. Don’t be afraid to inundate us with lots of emails containing random thoughts. There’s no need to stress trying to compile the perfect, all-knowing email. Feel free to send documents as you think of them, send templates as you see fit, and send projects as they arise.
Templates and documents: There are really only two things we need from you in order to start right away – a word version of your letterhead and envelope. It’s really that simple. From there, we can get started helping you with the basics! Templates will come as the projects come. We will build our own database of your templates as we go. Tip: once we get our feet really wet and we have the email thing down, we can explore file sharing! Dropbox, for example, will allow us to share docs and templates.
Assigning and delegating projects: This is an area where there may be a bit of a traffic jam. Even if your thoughts are disjointed or you don’t know exactly how you want to go about assigning or delegating project, go ahead and send it to us! As we said above, a few random emails are perfectly fine. At first, please give us as many details as you possibly can, as well as sample pleading for legal drafts (either applicable or non-applicable). Over time, we will need less and less info, and we will have an assortment of your templates accessible to us. We have clients that have been with us for years that can send an email with two words, then magically a pleading appears. This is our goal!
While you contemplate our first project, whether it is a complete website re-design or drafting a legal document, these are some great ways you organize your thoughts:
1. Visualize the project in your head and what you want the outcome to be.
Have you heard of mind mapping? It’s a great way to stay focused on your goals! “The idea is that when you visualize all the cues, rewards, routines, and plans that go into a habit you can better understand what you're doing.” There are lots of mind mapping templates online!
2. Make a checklist.
Don’t knock the power of a to-do list. There’s a reason why this method has stuck around for so long. I’ve personally been known to add something already done to my list, just so I can check it off. It’s satisfying!
3. Give us a deadline.
Don’t be afraid of deadlines – it’s a great way for us to create a timetable together! We completely understand deadlines pertaining to legal filings, which is why we strive for a 24-hour turnaround on tasks (complexity dependent, of course). Tip: if it’s an emergency, please tell us in the subject line of the email. You’ll head right to the top of the list.
4. Talk with us about the project and we can help to guide you.
If you want to talk out the project, shoot us an email or give us a call! We’d be happy to do whatever we can to assist you. Sometimes simply talking it out is all you really need!
Not tech-savvy? That’s ok!
If technology isn’t your jam, that’s not a problem. Please don’t let it hold you back from reaching out or jumping in. We have numerous clients that haven’t quite embraced the new, digital age we live in, but we’re still able to work seamlessly together! We have plenty of options for you, regardless of the level of your technological capabilities. Although most of our dealings will be via email, there are alternatives for sending us documents and projects. For example:
1. Send via fax. That’s right – we still use a fax machine (267-482-9211). Fax away!
2. Send a photo of the document. You read that correctly – a photo. Simply take a pic with your phone and send it to us in an email.
3. Send your files, templates, and documents to us via mail – we will sort, scan, create and electronic file and return the original documents to you. Tip: we recommend priority mail with tracking just to be safe.
Remember – it takes just once or twice to get the hang of this “virtual” thing. Jump in, hang in there, and you won’t be disappointed. Let’s do this together!