An Interview with a Virtual Paralegal: Cathy L. Ribble, CP

Cathie L. Ribble, CP

An Interview with Cathy Ribble, CP, Virtual Paralegal, Digital Paralegal Services, LLC

by Melodee Currier

1. In what area(s) of law do you specialize?

My specialty area is general civil litigation in Oklahoma and Texas. I have worked both the Plaintiff and Defendant sides. I have had the privilege of working in many litigation areas including breach of contract, breach of warranty, Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act, personal injury, social security disability, worker’s compensation, medical malpractice, real estate litigation, as well as oil and gas litigation.

2. Why did you decide to become a virtual paralegal?

In 2008, I returned to the paralegal profession after an eight-year hiatus in my career to be at home with my family. As I began to network with other paralegals, the current economic decline began to hit law firms. I began to read articles concerning virtual paralegals and virtual assistants. While I enjoyed being back in the legal world, I wanted some flexibility professionally and personally. Professionally, I wanted more control over my schedule, my professional development and my income level. Personally, I wanted flexibility to see my twin grandsons and the ability to assist my aging parents as needed.

3. How long have you been a virtual paralegal?

I have been a paralegal for many years with over 15 years’ actual law office experience. I have spent the last four to six months researching the idea of a virtual paralegal practice. I formed my own company and developed my web site. Digital Paralegal Services, LLC officially launched just about a month ago on September 1.

4. What education and skills do you feel are necessary to become a virtual paralegal?

I personally believe that a paralegal should have extensive legal and administrative experience within the actual walls of a law firm or legal department before he or she attempts to practice virtually. In addition to paralegal training through degree programs, classes, seminars and certifications, you will want to investigate programs for virtual assistants. You need to understand that you are starting a business. If you do not currently know how to do something, can you learn quickly? You need to evaluate your ability to manage your time and establish your long-term goals. Spend some time learning about the operation and management of a small business.

Practicing virtually involves so much more than simply emailing files back and forth. You must have basic document skills already developed in an office setting. Develop your “virtual” skills by learning new technology allowing for secure exchange of legal files over the internet. As an independent business owner, you need good judgment, analytical ability and problem-solving skills. Initially you are going to be the person who does everything from financial decisions, copywriting for your web site, marketing, negotiating your contracts with new clients, writing press releases, recommending software services and applications, performing your paralegal work, and then billing for the work.

5. What professional associations do you belong to?

I currently belong to the National Association of Legal Assistants. I hope to join my local paralegal association in the near future as well as several virtual assistant and business associations.

6. What advice would you give to paralegals just starting out as a virtual paralegal?

Go slow and do your homework. Talk to as many virtual paralegals in your specialty area as you can find. Network, network, network!  You need to build relationships with everyone you can find in the legal industry. Vicki Voisin, The Paralegal Mentor, is releasing a new CD interview series on Virtual Paralegals. Vicki has interviewed six virtual paralegals who are at different stages in their business. I believe this will be a great asset to anyone wanting to learn more about virtual paralegals.

7. Do you work from home or have an office elsewhere?

I have a fully equipped home office, but I am building my business such that I can practice from anywhere with a laptop computer.

8. What was the most difficult part of starting your own business?

I believe the most difficult part thus far has been waiting for that first client. That’s where I am at now. You get all your ducks in a row, start setting up your business systems, make your contacts and begin spreading the word on the internet that you are ready for business. I received my first call from a legitimate potential client today! I’m very excited!

9. How many hours do you usually work a week?

I have invested an average of 40-50 hours each week throughout the startup phase.

10. How do you bill your clients, by the hour or by the project?

That will be negotiated individually with each client as I customize a service package for particular needs.

11. What forms of payment do you accept?

The preferred method of payment for Digital Paralegal Services, LLC is electronic payment through PayPal (electronic check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover). I will also accept business, cashier’s or personal checks.

12. How do you handle conflicts of interest?

An internal conflict of interest check will be done with every new attorney for each case. If a conflict is found, that particular case will be declined. I will then assist the attorney in locating another virtual paralegal for assistance with that matter.

13. Where does most of your income come from in your business?

I anticipate that personal referrals will be my greatest source of new clients.
14. How has the recession affected your business?

Since I am in the startup phase, it is difficult to judge how the recession has or will affect my business. I’m still in the normal time range for building an initial client base. Ultimately, I believe the recession will help me build my business as attorneys and clients throughout the United States look for ways to cut legal costs. The legal work is still there, but many firms are trying to reduce costs any way possible. Contracting with a virtual paralegal on an as-needed or limited basis is a perfect solution. The attorney’s overhead is greatly reduced.

15. Would you recommend starting a virtual paralegal service during this recession?

I personally think now is an opportune time to start a virtual paralegal service. It is difficult to predict how long it will take to build a solid client base, and you need to plan for some startup costs. Develop a contingency plan to cover your expenses while your business grows.

16. What are the greatest obstacles in your business?

At this point, I would say daily discipline to continue working towards a long-term goal. Establishing a new business rarely happens overnight. It is going to be a while before you reap the benefits of your hard work. There is always something new to learn, another certification you can pursue. Don’t get overwhelmed, but just keep moving forward. Establish a balance between your work and personal life. When I became discouraged, a wise friend told me to make a list of everything I had accomplished in the last month. That fresh perspective helped me see progress and keep moving forward.

17. How have your clients been finding you?

Well, that remains to be seen! I anticipate that clients will find me through personal referrals from other paralegals and attorneys. Internet searches for a virtual paralegal will lead them to my web site. They can also find my web site through my activity on social media sites.

18. How do you market your business?

I market Digital Paralegal Services through my professionally designed web site and blog, personal letters to attorneys and social media. I attended the ABA Legal Technology Show in Oklahoma City last week, and I plan to continue attending all the legal events possible to make my presence known. Building relationships with other paralegals – virtual and otherwise – should also build a referral system.

19. What social marketing do you do and which one do you find the most valuable?

I firmly believe that social media is here to stay! You can find me on Twitter @CathyRibble and @DigiParalegal. At the ABA Legal Tech Show, Twitter was described as the new “real-time search engine” of the internet. You no longer have to wait for search engine optimization of key words on your web site and blog posts. I am also developing a LinkedIn profile. I believe both are very important. Twitter is about the exchange of information and ideas, which leads to professional relationships. LinkedIn is about building your online resume and references. Connection with other professionals on LinkedIn seems to occur after you have developed some type of initial relationship with an individual.

20. What do you think are the secrets to your success?
I was blessed with great mentors when I first began my legal career many years ago. They took time to help me understand why things are done a certain way in a law office. They instilled professionalism and a desire for excellence in my legal work. Since returning to the legal profession in 2008, I have been blessed again with several inspiring mentors who have given me a fresh perspective and vision for my future.

Tags: billing, Clients, conflicts of interests, fees, Legal Marketing, PayPal, press releases, professional associations, referrals, Virtual-Paralegal

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at 4:30 pm and is filed under Virtual Paralegals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.