Top 10 Legal Tasks You Can Outsource to a Virtual Legal Assistant

Running a law firm today means balancing client service, compliance, paperwork, and a never-ending list of deadlines. It’s no wonder many attorneys feel like they’re doing everything except practicing law.

That’s where a Virtual Legal Assistant (VLA) comes in.

A VLA helps law firms and solo attorneys manage their workload, improve organization, and focus on higher-level legal work all without the cost of hiring full-time staff. Whether you’re a solo attorney looking for part-time help or a firm ready to streamline operations, here are 10 key legal tasks you can confidently outsource to a skilled Virtual Legal Assistant.

1. Client Intake and Onboarding

First impressions matter. A VLA can manage your entire client intake process from the first inquiry to a fully organized case file.

Tasks include:

• Responding to client inquiries and screening leads
  
• Collecting and reviewing intake forms
  
• Scheduling consultations
  
• Entering client details into your case management system (Clio, MyCase, Lawcus, etc.)
  
• Sending engagement letters or welcome packets
  
  

Why it matters: A professional intake process improves client satisfaction and reduces no-shows, freeing attorneys to focus on actual casework.

2. Document Drafting and Formatting

VLAs can draft, edit, and format routine legal documents based on attorney templates and instructions.

Tasks include:

• Drafting correspondence, pleadings, or simple motions
  
• Preparing contracts, affidavits, or discovery templates
  
• Formatting documents to court or jurisdictional standards
  
• Proofreading for grammar, citations, and consistency
  

Why it matters: Routine drafting takes time and outsourcing it ensures accuracy and speed while attorneys review and approve the final product.

3. E-Filing and Court Submissions

A well-trained VLA knows how to handle electronic filing systems across multiple jurisdictions.

Tasks include:

• Filing pleadings, motions, and supporting documents
  
• Managing confirmations and file-stamped copies
  
• Tracking submission deadlines and return receipts
  

Why it matters: E-filing can be tedious, and errors can delay cases. A Virtual Legal Assistant who understands state-specific systems helps ensure every filing meets court standards.

4. Calendar and Deadline Management

Missed deadlines can cost cases and credibility. VLAs excel at staying organized and proactive.

Tasks include:

• Managing attorney calendars
  
• Setting reminders for hearings, depositions, and filing deadlines
  
• Coordinating with clients, opposing counsel, and courts
  
• Using tools like Outlook, Google Calendar, and Clio Scheduler
  

Why it matters: Delegating scheduling ensures nothing slips through the cracks, especially when managing multiple cases or practice areas.

5. Legal Research and Case Summaries

A trained Virtual Legal Assistant can perform basic legal research to support attorneys in preparing for cases or client meetings.

Tasks include:

• Researching case law and procedural requirements
  
• Preparing case summaries or fact sheets
  
• Reviewing court rules and filing fees
  

Why it matters: While a VLA doesn’t provide legal advice, solid research support helps attorneys prepare more efficiently.

6. Client Communication and Follow-Ups

Maintaining professional communication with clients keeps them informed and reassured throughout the case process.

Tasks include:

• Responding to client updates and scheduling requests
  
• Sending reminders for court dates or document signatures
  
• Coordinating follow-up meetings
  
• Managing client communication through Teams, Slack, or client portals
  
  

Why it matters: Attorneys often juggle dozens of active clients. A VLA ensures clients feel seen, heard, and supported without overwhelming the attorney’s inbox.

7. Case Management and File Organization

Keeping case files neat and accessible is one of a VLA’s strongest skills.

Tasks include:

• Setting up new matters in case management tools (Clio, Docketwise, MyCase, Lawcus)
  
• Uploading and tagging documents
  
• Creating task lists and workflow checklists
  
• Maintaining organized digital folders (Google Drive or Dropbox)
  

Why it matters: Good case management saves time, prevents confusion, and helps law firms stay compliant with recordkeeping requirements.

8. Billing and Time Entry Assistance

VLAs can help streamline billing and reduce errors that delay payments.

Tasks include:

• Entering billable hours and expenses
  
• Generating and sending invoices
  
• Monitoring overdue payments
  
• Preparing billing summaries for review
  

Why it matters: Consistent billing improves cash flow and ensures your firm gets paid on time without adding extra administrative burden.

9. Discovery and Evidence Management

Discovery can be one of the most time-consuming stages of litigation. A skilled VLA can help organize and manage this process.

Tasks include:

• Organizing discovery responses and exhibits
  
• Tracking document production deadlines
  
• Maintaining spreadsheets or indexes for exhibits
  
• Communicating with clients about discovery needs
  
  

Why it matters: Organized discovery means faster case preparation and less chaos before hearings or trial.

10. Administrative and Practice Support

Sometimes, it’s the smaller tasks that pile up and slow everything down. VLAs handle these too.

Tasks include:

• Email and correspondence management
  
• Drafting memos and internal notes
  
• Managing client databases and contact lists
  
• Handling appointment scheduling and reminders
  
• Updating law firm websites or client intake forms
  

Why it matters: Delegating administrative work gives attorneys the breathing room to focus on legal strategy not inbox management.

Bonus: Specialized Support by Practice Area

As legal support continues to evolve, many VLAs specialize in specific practice areas.
Here’s what that looks like:

‍The Takeaway

Outsourcing isn’t about replacing in-house staff, it's about freeing attorneys to focus on the legal work that matters most.

Virtual Legal Assistants bring structure, efficiency, and consistency to every law office they support.

The law firm of the future isn’t just digital,it’s collaborative.
Attorneys handle the strategy, and Virtual Legal Assistants handle the structure.

Ready to delegate with confidence?
Explore my Virtual Legal Assistant services to see how I can help you manage your workload, improve productivity, and create space for the work that truly moves your firm forward.