NACBA Convention-May 29-31, 2009 Chicago, IL

The following article is by Jeannie Lynch, NSVBA Member and Participant at the recent NACBA Convention in Chicago, IL.

NACBA CONVENTION FEEDBACK

The May, 2009, NACBA Convention was exciting, encouraging and enlightening on many levels. There was huge interest in Virtual Bankruptcy Assistance and how the process works. At times we were facing three and four attorneys deep at the exhibitor table, excitedly detailing not only the benefits of utilizing a VBA but the benefits that flowed to each attorney who teams with a member of the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants. (A neighboring exhibitor likened his experience to Marketing Boot Camp and I could not agree more!)

One common thread among those attorneys who could especially benefit from the services of a VBA -- those sole practitioners with limited assistance and those who physically input client information into petition software themselves -- is their hesitancy to give up control. These attorneys are “hands-on” with client information and have a hard time envisioning how they can possibly transfer that information to someone outside their office.

We explained to these attorneys that while letting go may be difficult at first, the rewards of adding a competent, skilled, professional team member cannot be overstated. Not the least of these rewards is giving back to the attorney his or her valuable time to spend in more profitable ways such as increasing his or her client base and otherwise building and fine tuning the practice for increased profitability.

Everyone knows what it’s like to have a professional, productive, efficient team member on board. They get their assignments, diligently apply themselves to their tasks and complete their projects -- mostly without flaw and always timely. They require little to no supervision and limited follow up. It’s like they’re not even there, yet the work flows smoothly, efficiently and impressively. This is what can be expected when teaming with an NSVBA affiliated Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant -- without a doubt, one of the best investments a sole practitioner Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney can make.

So, how does the attorney get the client information and documentation to us easily and securely? Faxing and email certainly make the list. Clients are computer savvy these days. Many conduct a great deal of their personal and professional business by computer, which makes easier the transfer of that information. Some VBA’s offer additional security options such as utilizing their own secure server or secure online file sharing programs by which files can be uploaded and downloaded with the click of a mouse, often allowing the dragging and dropping an entire folder of multiple files. These programs operate under an “ https” connection, meaning that the data transferred is encrypted so that it cannot be read by anyone except the recipient. The transfer of information between Attorney and VBA is neither difficult nor risky but, rather, user friendly and secure.

Post-convention follow up continues for me as I assume it does for my fellow attending VBA’s. The attorneys we had the pleasure of meeting were impressive and eager to learn about the possibilities for better representation of their clients and improved work flow and productivity. As we at NSVBA continue to provide them the avenue to seize these opportunities, our valuable reputation will grow.

The National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants is a highly professional and ethical organization whose primary goal is the success of each individual member through training, networking, and marketing. This goal not only serves to ensure the success of the group as a whole but also the attorneys we serve. I am proud to be a member.
Attending the conference was a personal and professional pleasure and I thank Vikki Watanabe and NSVBA for allowing me the opportunity.

Jeannie Lynch
Lynch Legal Support

Thank you again Jeannie!

Vikki