Digital dictation is an ideal way to get information to your virtual legal assistant. You can upload instructions or dictate entire documents. You can dictate from your office, from your home or from the road. Some lawyers are wary of digital dictation, having comfort with the old-fashioned tapes they know and are used to.

Digital dictation is incredibly easy though and especially useful when time-sensitivity is a factor. A lawyer can upload a file and have it to me in minutes, so that I can start working on it immediately. It also means each task is separated out, for easy prioritization.

There are a couple of easy ways to start using digital dictation in your legal practice: buy a digital recorder (can be quite inexpensive) or use a program like Express Dicate. Some cellphones even offer the ability to record voice memos and then send them by email; both iPhones and Blackberries have applications that may provide you an option for voice recording!

I have more information on my post on the value of legal dictation over at my regular blog if you are interested.

Laurie/Halo Secretarial

This list is by no means exhaustive, but here’s a great starting list of tasks your virtual legal assistant can perform for your law practice:

1. Draft Affidavits and motion materials
2. Draft initial retainer letter to a new client
3. Proofread and format a court document
4. Research caselaw and provide summarizing memorandum
5. Update and manage your calendar
6. Review transcripts and highlight critical text
7. Type handwritten notes from a meeting or seminar
8. Convert files into PDF format
9. Balance a monthly bank statement
10. Delete spam accumulated in your email account overnight
11. Sort/answer and/or redirect email messages
12. Transcribe voice messages
13. Make calls to confirm your appointments, engagements, or reservations
14. Create a database
15. Build an email distribution list
16. Create a basic sales flyer or postcard
17. Create a PowerPoint presentation
18. Setup the process for a monthly newsletter
19. Build a custom spreadsheet
20. Follow up research on a client, prospect, applicant, or competitor
21. Book hotel, rental car, and/or travel reservations
22. Mail merge marketing letters