Career: Average Paralegal Salary Rising, US Dept. of Labor Says

December 31, 2009 ( PowerHomeBiz.com ) - Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow 28% between 2008 and 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. According to the US Department of Labor the average paralegal salary will rise to $44,480 in 2010. In addition to earning a salary, paralegals also receive vacation, paid sick leave, a savings plan, life insurance, personal paid time off, dental insurance, and reimbursement for continuing legal education.

Online Legal Practice Management Predictions for 2010

Over the past few years, the reliability and acceptability of Web-based practice management applications has grown. Could 2010 (and the years to come) see a significant move from software-based applications to online “cloud computing” practice management?


No longer a cutting-edge topic, the conversation surrounding legal Software as a Service (SaaS) has evolved from feasibility to capability, and 2010 will mark the beginning of the third year that Web-based legal practice management has existed.



Over the past two years, legal SaaS products have emerged as significant contenders in the practice management field. In 2008, an initial “getting-to-know-you” conversation began, exploring security, data safety and other online concerns. In 2009, the term “cloud computing” rather than SaaS became a more commonplace term, and consequently we have seen more acceptance of Web-based applications and substantial growth in customers using these applications rather than investing in software.


As time progresses, it appears inevitable that software in general, and law firm software specifically, will be cloud-based. In the legal vertical, we are starting to see age-related issues with the older generation of desktop software. Bugs, stability issues, slowness and upgrade problems are significant challenges facing customers of some of these products. In addition, desktop software cannot compete with inherent Web-based advantages, such as cross-platform availability, ubiquitous access, and zero-installation and upgrade. If and when traditional legal software providers choose to modernize, they will be forced to entertain the notion of Web technologies.

So how will 2010 be different for online legal practice management? Here are five predictions.

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The Virtual Paralegal Training Center is now open and offering Free Directory listing for 6 months to virtual paralegals and virtual assistants. http://www.virtualparalegaltrainingcenter.com/

Virtual Paralegals: Reduce Late and Non-Payments

Every business owner has had experience with late or non payments from their clients and customers. This has caused some business owner to fall behind on their bills, payments to suppliers and even default on their business loans. Some are forced to file bankruptcy while others have to close their business. There is no one method on how to prevent late or non-payments but below you will find some tips on how to reduce the problem.

• Always get your contract in writing.

• Add a penalty to late payments and an incentive for early payments.

• Request a down payment for the first half of the assignment and the balance at the completion of the assignment.

• Standard billing cycles are 30-60 days. Since this is not the law you may consider shortening your business cycle to 15-21 days.



• The Ultimate Virtual Paralegal Guide

The Ultimate Virtual Paralegal Guide Book Tour

I started my virtual paralegal business because I wanted to settle down and have a family. I have always wanted to own my own business but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Friends and family have always asked me for paralegal help and I figured I had the skills and I am already helping others maybe I should research the independent paralegal business. That’s when I came across the virtual paralegal industry. I realized that I could create a business offering my paralegal skills virtually to attorneys.




With more than 12 years working as a paralegal and almost five years as the CEO of CD&C Virtual Outsource Paralegal I believe I have enough insight in the business to share some of my struggles and successes that may help others who are trying to break into the business or for those who have started their virtual assistant or virtual paralegal business but are looking for ways to grow.



In the eBook, The Ultimate Virtual Paralegal Guide I discussed the following among other things:



• How I lost my first 10 clients while starting and operating my virtual paralegal business.

• What is the most difficult part of starting a virtual paralegal or virtual assistant business?

• What are some of the obstacles I faced when starting my virtual paralegal business?

• What is the one thing I wish I knew before starting my virtual paralegal business? and

• Common business mistakes virtual paralegals and virtual assistants should avoid.



The Ultimate Virtual Paralegal Guide gives step by step guidelines for starting a virtual assistant or virtual paralegal business. It include links to resources in the virtual legal business and more than 25 low costs ways for advertising a virtual paralegal or virtual assistant business.



To network with other virtual paralegals and virtual assistants join the Virtual Outsource Paralegals group on LinkedIn.



Cordina Charvis

CD&C Virtual Outsource Paralegal

inbox@cdcvop.com

http://www.cdcvop.com

Practicing in the Virtual Realm: A Framework for Delivering Legal Services Online

A number of innovative law firms are seeking to deliver legal services directly to clients through their Web sites or to set up what some call “virtual law offices.” Unlike a simple law firm site, which may have just a description of the firm’s practice, the lawyers’ biographical information and some informational resources, a virtual firm’s site has a more ambitious purpose. It is characterized by clients’ access to a password-protected and secure Web space where the lawyer and client may interact and the client may consume legal services. Some of these services may include the delivery of legal advice, review of documents that the client has received from other parties, sensitive discussions between the lawyer and client, and the creation, assembly and review of legal documents and forms. Among numerous examples of law firms now delivering services online are http://illinoisdivorce.com and www.kimbrolaw.com, both recipients of the James I. Keane Award, which the ABA eLawyering Task Force of the Law Practice Management Section presents to innovative firms that use the Internet to deliver legal services more efficiently.

5 Business Mistakes for Virtual Paralegals to Avoid

Many small businesses start up everyday however, not many of them survive. A business can fail for several reasons. Some reasons businesses failed includes but not limited to the following:




 Not having written agreements/contracts and policies.

 Not pricing products and services properly.

 Putting too much focus on one client and ignoring the others.

 Using business funds for personal use.

 Bad customer service.

For more tips check out the eBook The Ultimate Virtual Paralegal Guide

When Applying to Law School, Avoid These Five Essay Mistakes

By Debra Cassens Weiss


Applying to law school? If you think you’ve got a great famous quote to begin your personal statement, think again. It’s one of the top five mistakes you can make, according to a prelaw adviser.

Famous quotes and trite phrases should be avoided, according to Tatem Oldham, prelaw adviser for liberal arts career services at the University of Texas at Austin. Her advice is summarized on Psychology Today’s Career Transitions blog.

You really shouldn’t start your essay with, "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." And these phrases are too trite to use: “I want to change the world," "I love the law," or "I want to be an international lawyer because I love to travel."

The other four points:

• Make sure you read the instructions before you start writing.

• Don’t proclaim that you tend to focus on a specific area of law, such as criminal justice, if nothing in your background backs it up.

• If you write about a mentor, make sure you explain what that person taught you.

• Proofread—more than once—for grammatical and spelling errors, and have someone else proofread too.

Top 10 Tips for Starting a Business that will Succeed, Susan Ward

1. Do what you love


2. Start your business while you are still employed

3. Don't do it alone

4. Get clients or customers first

5. Write a business plan

6. Do the research

7. Get professional help

8. Get the money lined up

9. Be professional from the get-go

10. Get the legal and tax issues right the first time

http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/startup/a/10startingtips.htm

Starting a Business - PAIN IS GOOD!

In the early stages of startup, many businesses succeed, and many businesses fail. What separates the successful businesses from the failures? Frequently, it’s the ability of the founder to adapt and figure out the best method for generating profits.


In many instances, businesses fail because they haven’t perfected their business models, or because they can’t raise enough cash to continue with operations. These are frustrating times. Entrepreneurs become worried, stressed and uncertain about solutions.

This is called “pain.”

Don’t run from it, and certainly don’t give up. Quitting is what many people do. However, it’s within your control to take a different mental approach. This is when greatness is born. As much as you might dread this moment, embrace it. Absorb it. Cherish it. Learn from it.

The pain you feel will create a sense of urgency and clarity. It’s kind of like shopping for a gift. When you have all the time in the world, you’ll have trouble making up your mind between gifts, stores, prices and colors. Suddenly, when you are late for the party, you will take decisive action.

When you are under the gun, it is the best time to brainstorm. Your ideas will stretch further, and you will give careful consideration to even the craziest ideas. Whether trying to figure out new business methods or find new business partners to approach, use this opportunity to get your creative juices flowing.

I’ll give you a personal example. A business partner and I bought a famous concert club. We were young, and we bit off more than we could chew. We had raised enough money to buy the building and the business, plus some cash for operations. We thought we were buying a healthy, profitable business. Just three months after buying the business, we were broke.

By then, we had extinguished all of our friends, family and credit, just to buy the business. We couldn’t afford our payroll and utilities. We were moving into the dead of winter, and we were going to have the power shut off and miss payroll. Everything was at risk, especially our reputations.Under all of this pressure, we sat down and brainstormed for hours.

We needed to move decisively to save our business. The ideas we came up with were groundbreaking.

We figured out a few ways to alleviate our immediate cash needs, then we turned the business on its ear! We began doing weekend matinee concerts for high school bands and double-shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This allowed us to book over 40 concerts a month, instead of 30. We also changed our booking, marketing, ticketing and staffing procedures to operate more efficiently.

Within less than a month after these major changes, our business was profitable. This was still in the middle of winter! By the time spring rolled around, we were growing quickly. Within 2 years, we had quadrupled revenues and profits.

The changes we implemented in our most difficult period allowed us to grow faster and operate more efficiently than we would have otherwise.

These same lessons apply to every startup and every business that struggles through a down economy. Remember, pain is good. Tighten your belt. Find new sources of revenue. Come up with new ideas to make your business thrive.

A Virtual Paralegal Website

A virtual paralegal website should include the following pages:


o About Page - Tell your clients about your company and its managers

o Service Page - Tell your clients about your services

o FAQ Page - Add frequently ask questions and answers

o Fees Page – List your virtual paralegal fees

o Testimonials – Add your clients’ feedback

o News Page – Add your press releases and articles

o Contact Page - Add all your contact information

Why did you decide to become a virtual paralegal?

I have always wanted to own my own business but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Friends and family have always asked me for paralegal help such as obtaining EIN numbers for their businesses; I figured I had the skills and since I am already helping others maybe I should research the independent paralegal business. That’s when I came across the virtual paralegal industry. I realized that I could create a business offering my paralegal skills virtually to attorneys.



Please join the LinkedIn Virtual Outsource Paralegal group and share with other virtual paralegals why did you decide to start your virtual paralegal or virtual assistant business. If you are thinking about starting your own virtual paralegal or virtual assistant business Virtual Outsource Paralegal group will be a great place to network.

Standard Office Procedures in the Virtual Paralegal Business

• Greet all your clients with a smile.


• Explain your services clearly to your clients.

• Treat all your clients with dignity and respect.

• Always give your clients accurate, professional and timely work.

For more information on standard office procedures in the virtual paralegal business check out the eBook The Ultimate Virtual Paralegal Guide

Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) & the Virtual Paralegal Business

According to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.


• A paralegal's title shall clearly indicate the individual's status and shall be disclosed in all business and professional communications to avoid misunderstandings and misconceptions about the paralegal's role and responsibilities.

For more information on the unauthorized practice of law in the virtual paralegal business check out the eBook The Ultimate Virtual Paralegal Guide

Conflict of Interest in the Virtual Paralegal Business

• According to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. a paralegal shall act within the bounds of the law, solely for the benefit of the client, and shall be free of compromising influences and loyalties. Neither the paralegal's personal or business interest, nor those of other clients or third persons, should compromise the paralegal's professional judgment and loyalty to the client.


• A paralegal shall avoid conflicts of interest that may arise from previous assignments, whether for a present or past employer or client.

For more information on conflict of interest in the virtual paralegal business check out the eBook The Ultimate Virtual Paralegal Guide

Confidentiality in the Virtual Paralegal Business

Confidentiality is very important in the virtual paralegal business. A virtual paralegal is under strict obligation to protect ALL their clients’ privacy. Below are some rules of confidentiality that must be practice as a virtual paralegal.


• Do not discuss clients or clients’ projects with anyone including family and friends without your clients’ permission.

• Be aware of your surroundings when having telephone conversations with your clients. It is best to find a quite place to talk with your client.

• For more information on confidentiality in the virtual paralegal business check out the eBook The Ultimate Virtual Paralegal Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Starting & Operating a Virtual Assistant or Paralegal Business

With more than 12 years working as a paralegal and almost five years as the CEO and founder of CD&C Virtual Outsource Paralegal I believe I have enough insight in the business to share some of my struggles and successes that may help others who are trying to break into the business or for those who have started their virtual assistant/paralegal business but are looking for ways to grow. I have written The Ultimate Guide to Starting & Operating a Virtual Assistant or Paralegal Business.


In the book I discussed how I lost my first 10 clients while starting and operating my virtual assistant/paralegal business. I also offered links to resources in the virtual legal business and more than 25 low costs ways for advertising your virtual assistants/paralegals business. This e-Book gives you step by step guide to starting your virtual assistant/paralegal business.

For continuing mentoring and networking I started a group discussion for virtual assistants/paralegals on the social website LinkedIn. Please join the discussion at Virtual Outsource Paralegals. Feel free to add your struggles and success as a virtual assistant/paralegal.

Please click here to purchase your copy of The Ultimate Guide to Starting & Operating a Virtual Assistant or Paralegal Business

Please visit or email:
http://www.cdcvop.com
inbox@cdcvop.com

Thinking of going Solo? Learn how to reduce overhead costs by 85%

The recession has affected every industry including legal. Law firms have been laying off attorneys in record numbers leaving lawyers scrabbling to find work. Some are working temporary positions, working as paralegals and others are considering going solo. Attorneys who consider going solo are hesitant due to the start up and overhead costs of starting a law firm.

These attorneys may want to consider hiring a virtual paralegal. A Virtual Paralegal is a paralegal who is independently contracted by a lawyer or law firm to provide paralegal support services on an as needed basis with such services being supplied with the use of technology such as the internet, e-mail, fax and remote access systems (to name a few).

Virtual paralegals reduce the cost of overhead for lawyers and small businesses as there is no need for: training, employee insurance, benefits, superannuation, workers compensation, taxation, sick leave, personal leave, holiday leave, maternity leave, parental leave, coffee breaks or any other cost which is incurred with employing staff full-time or part-time.

With engaging the services of a virtual paralegal, you only pay for the time it takes to complete a task or specified assignment. A virtual paralegal can offer a very affordable alternative to the standard onsite employee and result in increased billable hours for lawyers. Virtual Paralegals have their own equipment which includes their own computer, internet connection, fax, dedicated telephone lines, printers, software and hardware to undertake their clients’ assignments.

Using a virtual paralegal is an economical way to keep your legal budget under control. If you want to learn more about virtual paralegals or virtual assistants visit:

CD&C Virtual Outsource Paralegal, http://www.virtualoutsourceparalegal.com/, The International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA), http://www.ivaa.org/ and Virtual Assistant Networking Association, http://www.vanetworking.com/.