[Question] calling all paralegals/legal VAs

I would really benefit from some input right now. I have a meeting coming up with a brick & mortar paralegal firm that is a PC. I have 10 years experience as a legal secretary in corporate/commercial, wills & estates, tax and some litigation (family and construction lien). However, this would be my first paralegal client as a VA. So, what I need to know, especially from the Canadians out there, is:

1. What work do paralegals typically rely upon their legal VAs to perform?

2. Is there any recommended industry-specific legal software the legal VA uses to get the job done?

I really appreciate any and all input right now. My meeting with this PC is in about a week's time and I'd like to be able to do as much homework in prep as possible.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Daniela,

You will find that paralegals are strictly regulated in what they are able to do. Take a look at the Law Society's rules http://rc.lsuc.on.ca/jsp/paralegal/QandA.jsp#1. I have over 25 years as an executive legal assistant and law clerk and I'm not sure what you could do for a paralegal company. Maybe transcribe affidavits and witness statements?

I'm curious - let us know what they are asking you to do.

Lynne

Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear enough, Lynne. They're not looking for me to act as a paralegal - that's what they do. They're looking for VA support. My legal background simply gives me an edge in that I'm familiar with the environment and the kind of work they do. I'm still new enough to VA that I'm trying to sort out the billing end of things.

Thanks for your concern, though.

Yes Daniela, I understand they're not asking you to act as a paralegal. Maybe they would need transcription or for tou to act as a runner to file documents in the court office? I'm just curious as to what they would want you to do.

I'm wondering that as well. Will keep you posted as I get more information.

Typically (I have found) you are requested to do such things as writting follow up letters with respect to overdue accounts, letters to clients as a follow up to trials, and meetings. More general things and not so much the official documentation. Most firms have in house programs such as PC Law which they use for their billing. I currently work with a lawyer who does not use such a program, as he is strictly real estate which in most firms is a set fee plus disbursements. If this is the case you will most likely be familiarized with their rates for different types of Real Estate transactions, and disbursements.

Please feel free to contact with me with any questions you may have I would be happy to help.

I'm kind of confused as to the question myself. I agree, most law firms use programs but they have so many out there. Clio, Casemap, ProLaw etc, it's hard to answer your questions without more detail.

I have found that companies like for you to have a legal background but will guide you how to perform the job. You can always find examples online if need be.

I think this is the right place to post this.
I just found a great place if you would like to network with other paralegals
This is the site:
https://na9.salesforce.com/

It seems very friendly.

I would really benefit from some input right now. I have a meeting coming up with a brick & mortar paralegal firm that is a PC. I have 10 years experience as a legal secretary in corporate/commercial, wills & estates, tax and some litigation (family and construction lien). However, this would be my first paralegal client as a VA. So, what I need to know, especially from the Canadians out there, is:

1. What work do paralegals typically rely upon their legal VAs to perform?

2. Is there any recommended industry-specific legal software the legal VA uses to get the job done?

I really appreciate any and all input right now. My meeting with this PC is in about a week's time and I'd like to be able to do as much homework in prep as possible.

Thanks in advance!

Hello. I'm a family law paralegal working in Saskatchewan and use Clio to look after my case management issues. It keeps track of everything and integrates with Google, Dropbox, Outlook etc. It's not free but very reasonably priced for just one user - I think around $30 per month. It allows me to enter a new cliient, tracks my time, creates invoices, allows me to provide access to clients to view their documents etc.