How to Start a Career as a Virtual Legal Assistant

If you’ve ever thought about working in law but didn’t want the long hours, office politics,  or court visits, there’s good news! You can still build a rewarding legal career from anywhere.

Becoming a Virtual Legal Assistant (VLA) gives you the chance to work remotely, support attorneys across the U.S., and grow your skills in one of the most in-demand areas of the legal industry. Here’s how to get started.

1. Understand what a Virtual Legal Assistant really does

A Virtual Legal Assistant is a trained professional who helps attorneys and law firms manage their daily workload remotely.

Common responsibilities include:

• Drafting and formatting pleadings, contracts, and client letters
  
  
• Managing client intake forms and scheduling
  
  
• Organizing case files and e-filing court documents
  
  
• Handling billing, time entries, and follow-ups
  
  
• Coordinating communication between clients and attorneys
  
  

In short, VLAs keep law firms organized and efficient so lawyers can focus on the law, not the paperwork.

2. Learn the core skills

You don’t need a law degree (although it's easier and highly recommended if you have one) to get started but you do need a strong foundation in organization, professionalism, and communication.

Here are key skills that make a great Virtual Legal Assistant:

• Attention to detail: accuracy in drafting and filing documents
  
  
• Legal knowledge: understanding legal terms, procedures, and deadlines
  
  
• Communication: writing clear emails and handling client calls with care
  
  
• Time management: meeting tight court and client deadlines
  
  
• Confidentiality: keeping sensitive information secure
  
  

If you already have administrative, legal, or customer service experience, you’re halfway there.

3. Get familiar with case management software

Technology runs a virtual legal business. Most attorneys use digital systems to track cases, deadlines, and documents.

Popular platforms include:

• Clio
  
  
• MyCase
  
  
• PracticePanther
  
  
• Lawcus
  
  
• Google Workspace
  
  
• Trello or Asana for task tracking
  
  

You don’t have to master them all but understanding how case management software works will give you a big advantage.

4. Build your portfolio and online presence

Your portfolio is your proof of competence. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just clean, organized, and professional.

Include:

• A short “About Me” section and your service list
  
  
• Sample (redacted) documents like pleadings, client letters, or intake templates
  
  
• Descriptions of the tools you use (Clio, MyCase, etc.)
  
  
• A section for testimonials or results once you’ve worked with clients
  
  

If you’re new, you can use mock samples just make sure they look polished and realistic.

5. Find your first client

There are several ways to land your first legal client:

• Reach out directly to small and mid-sized law firms. They’re often the most open to virtual help.
  
  
• Look for remote jobs on LinkedIn, Indeed, or FlexJobs.
  
  
• Join Facebook or Slack groups for legal professionals.
  
  
• Use freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr (but tailor your profile to legal support).
  
  

Start small. Even one recurring client can grow into steady work over time.

6. Keep learning and growing

The legal field changes fast. Laws evolve, software updates, and client needs shift.

Take online courses, read legal blogs, and follow attorneys who share insights about their practice areas. My favorite approach is the Kaizen method: making small, consistent improvements every day.

You don’t need to do it all at once. Just keep moving forward.

The takeaway

Becoming a Virtual Legal Assistant is about progress, not perfection. You’ll learn, adapt, and improve with each case and client.

Start with what you have. Build your confidence one document, one email, one client at a time.

The legal world is evolving and it needs organized, capable, reliable professionals like you to keep it running.

Ready to start your career as a Virtual Legal Assistant?
Explore my training courses and templates designed to help you build skills, find clients, and grow your confidence in the legal industry step by step.

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