I have decided to send my resume and an email to attorneys in my area and I would like some critique on the content of the email I plan to send. Any help would be appreciated. Dawn

"My name is Dawn Draper from the Traverse City area. I am a paralegal with 12-years experience currently working virtually from my home office. I provide legal support services to attorneys in the Northern Michigan area. I wanted to stop by and introduce myself should you ever need any help with overflow legal work. Please visit my web site at www.thevirtualparalegal.com to view my resume, experience and services offered. I would charge $20.00 per hour for any work performed. I look forward to hearing from you should you need my services.

Dawn M. Draper
Paralegal"

Hi Dawn,
I don't know if I'd include my resume or not. Your website should speak for you in this regard.

I might try starting out with a specific example or examples of something a lawyer might need done and then go on to explain how you can help handle this task for them. You might also consider including reason why working with you is beneficial to them, i.e. pay only for the hours they need, availability, etc. You need something to "hook" them into reading the whole thing and to really wanted to check out your website.

I also am not sure I'd include a specific rate for what you'd charge. Maybe say something more like, "I offer a free consultation about what your specific needs might be and providing you with an individualized quote. Check out my website for more information about my business and my services." You might also include that you are currently running a fall special of "....." but to hurry as it is a limited time offer.

Hope this helps. Let us know how it turns out!!

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

Oh I really like your ideas. I will definitely incorporate the free consultation. What attorney doesn't like the sound of that, lol.

I don't think I'd send a resume or include a firm price. Offering a free half-hour consultation would be good; then price can be brought up. A resume sounds like you're looking for a boss. You're the boss. If you have client testimonials or can provide current client references instead of a resume, I'd suggest that.

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Sue L Canfield
AwesomeAssistant.info
My Blog

Hi Dawn,
I agree with not including a firm hourly rate. If you decide to though your hourly rate on your web site says $30/hr vs. your letter says $20/hr. I also agree with no sending your resume as that will appear you are applying for a position vs. obtaining them as a client.

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LoriLee
Executive Virtual Staffing
(web site to come in near future)

Thanks guys, I have taken out the fee and resume and added the consultation and made it sound a little more professional than I believe it was. Thanks all. Dawn