5 Ways Law Firms Are Working with Virtual Teams to Increase Efficiency

Efficiency

Technology and the presence of the cloud has made it possible for law firms to add virtual components to supplement their work forces.  By adding virtual team members, a company can increase its operational efficiency and work product without interrupting the work of existing staff.  Many times legal assistants welcome these additional resources.  The added benefit to attorneys enables them to focus on what they do best; win cases and represent their clients to the best of their ability.

Engaging virtual services is a cost effective practice that can relieve the stresses of the administrative support and back office functions for early case assessment tasks. In fact, the legal profession is already discussing the benefits. In an article in abovethelaw.com, attorney Andrew Legrand, outlined the advantages of using virtual assistants to streamline his firm’s processes.

Utilizing a virtual component is a smart idea to bolster your staff for short-term or long-term projects, as well as for bridging workforce gaps when there is high turnover.  As you implement this innovative component, your virtual team members can become familiar with your practice and contribute to your firm’s success.

Tasks to Outsource

There are a number of ways a virtual member, or team can supplement and strengthen your legal administrative staff. Here are a few ways:

Outbound Client Calls –  A virtual team can help with new client touch points to ensure your firm does not miss opportunities to retain new clients.  This includes managing and fulfilling the task of outbound client intake calls. Use your virtual team to call potential clients who have called left messages and/or sent inquiry emails during closed office hours. This in turn can free up time for your intake staff.

Document Preparation – Your virtual team can assist your legal assistants with document preparation tasks. Specifically, a team can assist your legal team with early case assessment client questionnaires, preparation of Plaintiff Fact Sheets, or review and confirmation of information with clients.

Medical Record Status Checks – A virtual team can ensure the timely delivery of medical records that are essential in early case assessments.  Outsourcing the task of contacting Health Information Management Departments and Medical Records Departments is a way to ensure that your in-house staff continues to be productive, thereby saving you time and money.

Email Management – Inbox management and prioritization performed by a virtual team can be a huge help. This provides more time for attorneys to handle their most relevant emails. In addition, your virtual team member can add events to your calendar. Both tasks allow for greater productivity throughout the day.

Social Media Marketing – Virtual team members can manage your firm’s social media presence, which should be a crucial component of a firm’s overall marketing strategy. These efforts are important for client development and referrals. Your virtual team can help to increase engagement by researching relevant content and then using tools such as Hootsuite and Buffer to schedule and manage social media.

Moving Forward

As the legal landscape continues to change implementing a virtual member or members into your strategy is a great way to stay competitive. Start by discussing with case managers and legal assistants the areas where they need help. Discuss the areas where your firm could use an extra set of hands.