Behind-the-Scenes of a Legal VA
A Day in the Life
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a legal virtual assistant (VA)? It's a role that often flies under the radar, but it's a crucial one for busy solicitors and expert witnesses. Let's peek behind the curtain for a glimpse into a typical day in my life as a legal VA – minus the stereotypical caffeine jolt! While many colleagues fuel their days with fancy coffees, I'm a bit of a purist, preferring a cool glass of water to kick things off. Keeps my mind sharp and my taste buds happy (although some might argue the latter is debatable).
MORNING RUSH
My day kicks off with a quick scan of my inbox. Today's priority is an audio
transcription for an expert psychologist's report on a complex family law case. I slip on my headphones and get down to the meticulous work of transforming spoken words into a polished written document.
Mid-morning, a message pops in from a solicitor client. A last-minute amendment needs to be made to a writ before it's lodged with the court. I quickly make the changes, format the document, and send it off with a sigh of relief – crisis averted!
AFTERNOON JUGGLE
After lunch, it’s time to switch gears and support a different client – a busy legal aid solicitor specialising in family law. Today’s task involves submitting a stack of legal aid accounts to the Scottish Legal Aid Board. It’s part meticulous data entry, part detective work, ensuring all of the fees and outlays align perfectly for payment.
Suddenly, my phone rings. It's a solicitor requesting urgent dictation for a client letter. I switch on my digital recorder, take careful notes, and then transcribe the dictation back in my office.
THE WINDING DOWN
As the day draws to a close, I tackle a different kind of task for another expert witness. This one involves assisting with Land Register searches and Tree Preservation Order applications. Think careful plan and photograph analysis, figuring out if the work is in a conservation area, and untangling the sometimes-thorny issue of tree ownership.
Finally, a final sweep of my email ensures no urgent requests have slipped through
the net.
AND THAT'S A WRAP (FOR TODAY!)
Of course, no two days are ever the same in the world of a legal VA. Some days are dominated by research-heavy projects for expert witnesses, while others revolve
around diary management and reminders for solicitors. The mix of detailed work, tight deadlines, and the satisfaction of supporting legal professionals is what keeps me both challenged and fulfilled in this role.
Could a Legal VA Be the Support You Need?
If you're feeling overwhelmed with administrative tasks and want to reclaim your
time, then a legal VA might be just what you're looking for. Get in touch to see how I
can take the pressure off and let you focus on what you do best.
Schedule a chat with me
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