How to Be the Best Virtual Assistant for a Law Firm

At Job Duck, we mostly place talented people with law firms based in the United States. For this reason, we want to tell you a few things you’ll experience during your working hours at a law firm, and we would also like to give you tips to become the best virtual assistant for a law firm:

Organizational Skills

Working as a virtual assistant for a law firm not only requires you to be detail-oriented, a problem solver, or someone with a positive attitude, but you should also expect to have your organizational skills challenged. It is crucial to use all organization management tools, whether this means using your computer or having a pen and a notebook nearby. It’s a recipe that will take you far.

Be sure to set up a professional-looking workplace. Find a quiet, organized place that has proper lighting to help you keep the distractions to a minimum and keep you focused on your work. Not only does a disorganized desk leads to increased stress, but it will affect your productivity. You want to be someone who’s always on time for your deadlines!

You’ll be working with a variety of clients, who will be asking for a lot of different requests. With such demands, you can easily get lost. Be sure to create an organized list of priorities. Making a list is one way of organizing yourself. Getting the tasks that need most of your attention out of the way will give you the confidence to conquer the rest of your day.

Write It Down

When you work in a law firm, you will be handling tasks associated with the legal field. Aside from assisting clients, you will also schedule legal appointments and manage other legal-related tasks. It’s important to pay attention to everything you do. What’s more, it’s essential to take notes, even for more minor details. 

Be sure to take notes on the important points. It will give you the confidence to make the most out of your tasks. What’s more, taking notes may help new ideas flow and help the firm in a more successful direction.

Writing notes helps you remember what you heard, especially after recurring meetings and phone calls. Besides that, it allows you to listen effectively. What’s more, it forces you to pay attention and to stay focused. Selecting what to note down increases your understanding and helps you learn more about your role.

Learn a Lot of Law-Related Words

Even if you are a native English speaker, there could be some words that you have never heard before. Especially in the world of law firms. You might hear terms such as “warrants,” “litigation,” “legislature,” and “affidavit.” Seeing these words might make you feel lost and afraid to clock in for work. The good news is that you don’t need to know everything about law, but it would count in your favor to familiarize yourself with such terms.

Don’t be worried about knowing legal stuff, but be prepared to learn more about the legal terms. Take notes on the terms you might be struggling with, and take some time to understand the meaning behind them. Learn the definition of at least two terms a day, and you’ll understand the purposes of the words in no time!

Why is it so important to know these words? Well, you’ll be able to work faster by not wasting time trying to figure out the meaning behind the words. Moreover, your employer will appreciate your efforts in learning the terms. Take into account that you should not be afraid to ask questions if need be. Get a dictionary or Google the terms you may not be familiar with. Opening your mind up to all the legal jargon that comes up will go a long way in helping you do your job better.

Working with Clients

Part of your job is to remain patient and listen to what clients have to say. Having a positive, energetic attitude will bring you far. Try and build a relationship with the clients by being friendly, supportive, and on-time with your deadlines. Be sure not to bring your personal life into your work environment, especially if you have a bad day. It’s important to remember that your employer expects your full attention at all times. Be professional and walk the extra mile for all clients involved. See everybody as equals and respect the policies of the firm. Taking that into account, you will build yourself a respectful name in no time.

You shouldn’t be afraid to apologize when something goes wrong. Remember to take the clients seriously at all times. Having a carefree attitude will give the firm a bad reputation.  

The Case is Closed

Please note that your employer will be understanding and very supportive, but it’s your responsibility to show the firm why they made the right decision by choosing you. It’s essential to think on your feet as you have to be prepared to do your reading, text support, and have your resources ready. Here are some of the tasks you may be dealing with as a virtual administrative and marketing assistant at a law firm:

Administrative Assistant responsibilities include making travel and meeting arrangements, preparing reports, and maintaining appropriate filing systems. The ideal candidate should have excellent oral and written communication skills and organize their work using tools like MS Excel and office suites.

Our Marketing Assistant helps plan and implement our marketing and advertising strategies. They plan events, write copy, post on social media, and assist us in keeping our company visible and connected to our clients and prospects. For this role, you should be comfortable with various social media platforms.

Are you ready to become a virtual assistant for a law firm based in the United States? Well, click HERE to apply today, and showcase your talents! Let us know if you learned something valuable in this week’s blog. 

Stay safe,

The Job Duck Team