Sunday, September 27, 2009

Featured VBA-Veronica Jones-Rockdale, TX

VERONICA JONES

Veronica Jones is a virtual paralegal who has chosen to specialize in bankruptcy law. She is the owner of Attorneys Virtual Paralegal which provides professional and personalized Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition preparation services to consumer bankruptcy attorneys. Veronica’s goal is to provide a cost effective, efficient method of decreasing her attorney clients’ workload and increasing that profit margin. She understands that filing bankruptcy is possibly one of the most stressful periods in anyone’s life, and her job is to help make it as smooth as it possibly can be.

Prior to starting her own virtual paralegal business, Veronica worked as a deputy clerk in a county governmental office where she was responsible for the family law and attorney general cases filed with the court. In addition, she has worked in criminal/family law offices as a legal assistant where she assisted in the drafting of discovery requests, motions, correspondence and any other legal pleadings that are were required. Seeking to acquire legal knowledge skills in a new and different area of law chose bankruptcy. Since that time, she has acquired training through 713training.com and recently passed the NSVBA certification exam. She is also a Certified Texas Process Server and Texas Notary Public.

Veronica graduated from Blinn College in Bryan, Texas with an Applied Associate Science degree in legal assistant. She is currently studying to sit for the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) certification exam in December 2009 to obtain her certified paralegal designation.

She is committed to providing consumer bankruptcy attorneys quality bankruptcy preparation services. Contact Veronica so she can begin providing you with quality service. You will be delighted with the results!

Personally, she and her husband are parents of one son. They are extremely proud of their son for his courage, commitment and service to his country as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps.


Thank you!

Veronica Jones
Attorneys Virtual Paralegal

ATTORNEYS-You can contact Veronica by going to her website. Once there, go to the Contact Us page.

Website: www.attorneysvirtualparalegal.com

E-mail: veronica@attorneysvirtualparalegal.com

Thank you Veronica!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

FEATURED VBA-Cathy Gutierrez-Oceanside, CA

CATHY GUTIERREZ

Cathy Gutierrez is an independent paralegal with over 3 years of experience in bankruptcy petition preparation. She is the founder/web master of Priority Bankruptcy, a virtual bankruptcy assistant service that works under the direction of licensed debtor bankruptcy attorneys performing a variety of services. These services include Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition preparation, client intake interviews, and other services to aid the bankruptcy attorney. Prior to her current position, she worked in the financial services industry for 14 years. Cathy started out in the financial services industry as an Operations Clerk and within eight years earned a promotion to the title of Vice President at Citigroup. She has comprehensive experience in all aspects of employee management, to include recruitment, hiring, training, ongoing professional development, performance planning, performance evaluation, and employee recognition.

Cathy passed the AVBA, NSVBA and the ABJA certification exam. Her knowledge is from a combination of work experience (on-the-job training), and projected graduation from a recognized formalized, professionally instructed paralegal school.

She obtained her Associates Degree in Psychological and Social Services from Palomar College in San Marcos, CA in 2006. She is currently pursuing her B.S. in Paralegal Studies from Kaplan University in Chicago, IL.

Raised in Yonkers, New York, Cathy now lives with her husband, two grandchildren, and three dogs in Oceanside, CA.

BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEYS

Visit Cathy's website for more information:

http://www.prioritybankruptcy.com/

Once there, go to the "Contact Us" page

You can also meet Cathy at the upcoming NACBA Fall Workshop on November 6 and 7 in Tucson, AZ.

Cathy will be happy to talk to you personally about the benefits of working with a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant.

Thank you Cathy!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Fall-A New Beginning

The Fall Season is quickly approaching. This year, Fall begins on September 22nd.

For the NSVBA, Fall is the beginning of a new season for Webinars and Live Seminars.

There are many events lined up for the organization and also for the Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant.

First, we have our first Fall Webinar on September 11th; followed by our Fall VBA Luncheon on September 19th in Southern California.

Soon after that, we will hold another Webinar on October 9th.

Then, and this is the exciting part, we're off to Tucson to the NACBA Fall Workshop.

NSVBA is a regular Exhibitor at the NACBA events.

We also attend other events throughout the year. But the NACBA events are the best!

December is right around the corner and our last Webinar of the year on December 4th.

I would love to tell you what we have planned for 2010, but you need to stay tuned or join our organization and be part of all that is going on.

If you are a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant and would like information about becoming a member of NSVBA, drop me a line here or email me at vikki@nsvba.com

See you online!
Vikki

NSVBA
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant
www.nsvba.com
866-678-8411

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Featured VBA-Louise Hurwitz- Stuart, Florida

Louise Hurwitz, founder and owner of Accurate Bankruptcy Petitions, knows firsthand about the impact of the current mortgage and housing crisis. Louise worked as a mortgage loan processor and underwriter for ten years until American Home Mortgage declared bankruptcy in August 2007.

The "gift" of losing her job gave her the time to develop, train and form her own business. Working with bankruptcy attorneys and their clients is a perfect fit for her skills and abilities. As a loan processor she worked with every type of borrower, gave them insight into the process and gathered the documents required for a lending decision. She had authority to approve residential loans up to $1.5 million.

You will be impressed by Louise's attention to detail, ability to work effectively with your clients and her skill in analyzing client documentation.

Trained by the industry leader, www.713training.com she earned the designation Certified Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant. In her evaluation of the exam, Victoria Ring, founder of 713Training.com, wrote,

"We have found that you are very professional and have a caring and compassionate attitude toward others. You are also proficient in asking questions about areas you to not understand and you are interested in working until you get the information correct. Because of this, we would highly recommend you to other attorneys."

Louise is a licensed Florida Real Estate Salesperson and Florida Life, Health and Variable Annuity agent. Prior to entering the mortgage industry she worked as an Administrative Assistant to senior executives in finance, real estate investing and advertising.

She is an active member of Women of Note Chorus and Harmony Street Quartet and volunteers as a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Martin County.


Louise Hurwitz

Accurate Bankruptcy Petitions

www.go-accurate.com

louise@go-accurate.com

772-905-3580 (phone)

772-934-3501 (fax)

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Cindi Good-Susanville, CA

The following article is by NSVBA member-Cindi Good on the advantages of working with a VBA. She also encourages VBA's to get out there and advertise their services!

Cindi's contact information can be found at the end of this article.

VIRTUAL BANKRUPTCY ASSISTANTS

As Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, we are educated, highly trained professionals ready to assist Attorneys in preparing bankruptcy petitions for their clients. The problem we are posed with is, how do we encourage attorneys to use our services?

“…most businesses can and should go virtual. The company’s productivity goes way up, therefore saving them a tremendous amount of money each year. There is a learning curve and adjustment period, but it is well worth it for the company and employees to go virtual.” This is a quote from an associate who has worked for HP for over three decades, ten years virtually.

Sometimes attorneys are apprehensive of the unknown (as are all of us at times). They are uncomfortable with virtual, because they’ve been so busy with their practices over the years that virtual has passed them by. A VBA can assist with set up. This is the super-technology age, right?

Attorneys may see the flat fee and think it’s too expensive, so that tells me they don’t really understand how contracting a VBA saves them money, as they aren’t taking advantage of paying contractually, paying only for completed work. They will never have to pay a VBA for coffee breaks, time off for sick leave/maternity leave, vacations, etc.

Attorneys must be educated on the advantages of using VBAs instead of, or in addition to, their current staff.

Bottom line: We must give them reasons making it compelling for them to sign on for our services.

With the economy getting worse each month, and as attorneys cut staff, they may begin to see the value in contracting with a VBA. When they contract with a VBA, they don’t have to pay salaries, benefits, employments tax contributions, etc. They only pay a flat fee when the bankruptcy petition is completed.

So, how do we go about educating attorneys on what an advantage it is to contract with a VBA?

Continue to advertise on Craig’s List, where we speak to attorneys one-on-one. This is where our elevator speeches come in.

Go to a NACBA convention where, again, we speak to attorneys one-on-one. Again, our elevator speeches are key here.

Become members of various legal associations. Submit articles to post on their websites.

I recently spoke with a VBA regarding the possibility of having a representative at the NACBA convention (an attorney would be best) presenting the VBA industry, how it benefits his practice, giving different scenarios for sole practitioners through large law offices using the VBA.

Of course, there are the social websites: Twitter, Facebook, Linked-In, Plaxo, and others.

In conclusion, we must continue to work together, finding effective ways of giving attorneys that compelling reason to contract with Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants. I invite everyone to continue to use VBA Nation to post ideas. We must make the reasons so compelling that they’ll be biting at the bullet to use our services.

Cindi Good
Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant
Bankruptcy Pro Processor
Member National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants
www.NSVBA.com
www.BkProProcessor.com
Cindi@BkProProcessor.com
530-251-7635

Monday, July 20, 2009

JACQUELINE D'AUNNO-Port Saint Lucie, FL

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Jacqueline D’Aunno is an independent paralegal with over 12 years of experience in the legal field. She is the owner of Premier Document Preparation Services, offering paralegal assistance to attorneys on a contract basis. She obtained her Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies from the Berkeley College of Business in West Paterson, New Jersey in 1996. Thereafter, she pursued her B.S. in English from Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey.

She has worked for lawyers in various areas of law, including construction law, civil litigation, personal injury, medical malpractice, patents and trademarks, worker’s compensation, criminal and insurance defense, family law, and social security disability. Most recently, Jacqueline became interested in learning more about bankruptcy law, and found the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants. As she read about the organization, she became intrigued with learning how to become a Certified Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant, and expanding her legal knowledge skills. In May 2009, Jacqueline passed the NSVBA certification exam, and has since been focused on learning more about bankruptcy law, and how she can provide valuable services to bankruptcy attorneys.

To learn more about Jacqueline's services and credentials, please visit her website at:

www.premierdocprep.com and click on "About Us".

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Jacqueline is the proud mom of a 17 month old baby girl named Bella, to whom she attributes most of her newfound motivation to succeed. When she is not working, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter. Jacqueline is also an avid fitness enthusiast, and enjoys running, swimming and cycling outdoors. One of her favorite quotes is from William Arthur Ward, “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.” Jacqueline considers her independent paralegal services as being her life’s work, as she takes great pleasure in helping others.

ATTORNEYS

To contact Jacqueline, visit her website at:

www.premierdocprep.com

Once there, go to the "Contact Us" page.

Thank you Jacqueline!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

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