Thursday, June 17, 2010

Meet the Members of NSVBA-Part 2

Who are the members of the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC?

Here is a list of our members state by state (in no particular order):

HAWAII - Alan Higa

OREGON - Julie Horton

WASHINGTON - Max Novikov

WYOMING - Pamela Tiemann

GEORGIA - Tonya S. Justice

MICHIGAN - Esther Rumfelt

NEW YORK - Trenton P. Hall

DELAWARE - Jessica Gingery

COLORADO - Marshall F. Huwe
Michael Hastings

ARIZONA -
Judy LaBoda
Nancy Criswell

LOUISIANA -
Michelle Ackman
Melissa Henry

OHIO -
Jean Scott
Lewis T. Beman
Maureen Joyce

TEXAS -
Bonnie Saunders
Natalyn Jeffries
Suzie McKinzie

ILLINOIS -
Carlett Dudley
Yvette Thomas
Vivian Little
Total Attorneys

FLORIDA -
Mariella Brandtner
Louise Hurwitz
Edgar Brackin
Jill T. Starr
Tashania Morris
Solomon Abercrombie
Suzanne Tart

CALIFORNIA -
Warrenetta Lane
Maria Griffin
Mardi Cusimano
Peggy Grangetto
Sherri Nash
Anita Holguin
Michele Bannister
Dianna Forsythe
Patricia Bailey
Dennis Kaczor
Barbara Buchler
Susan Guinn
Mayra Heredia
Terri Logan
Dee Medlin
Bridget Pearson
Anna Baughman
Gary Ostad
Amy Underwood
Cindi Good
Valerie Clay
David Noel
Jeannie Lynch

We have Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants in 15 States. If your particular state is not listed; no problem! our members prepare petitions for all 50 states.

You can get more information about the NSVBA members by going to www.nsvba.com and Click on "All Member Profiles".

I will blog again about our members. There is so much more you need to know about this national, professional organization and its members and I am more than happy to share it with you.

Until next time!

Vikki Watanabe
President and the Members of the
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC

info@nsvba.com
vikki@nsvba.com
866-678-8411 x 712
Torrance, CA 90504

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Meet the Members of NSVBA, LLC

For awhile, I've been wanting to write a blog about the members of NSVBA, LLC.

As a matter of fact, you may have met a few members at the NACBA Conventions in Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA and previously; the NACBA Fall Workshops at Hilton Head Island, SC and Tucson, AZ.

The members of the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC are a diverse group of professionals.

They bring experience from various backgrounds.

NSVBA members run fully committed legitimate businesses. All have been trained to prepare Chapter 7 petitions.

Some have experience preparing Chapter 13 petitions.

Before the year is over, all NSVBA members will be trained on Chapter 13 petition preparation. NSVBA has planned Chapter 13 Training Webinars this summer.

So, who are the members of NSVBA? Most have been Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants for over 4 years, some even longer. Some are new to the VBA career and the Independent Contractor industry. But nonetheless experienced, professional and reliable.

Whether you contract with a new or seasoned VBA, you are contracting with a professional with a solid work ethic who will prepare your petitions in a timely manner.

I encourage you; the attorneys, to try the services of a VBA. I also encourage you to hire a new VBA.

You, the attorney, must discuss your current needs; communicate your assignment request and expected deadlines.

You must do this whether you work with a seasoned VBA or a new VBA. The process is the same. You must relate your current needs.

If, after working with a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant, you decide it's not for you. Simply pay your outstanding invoices.

Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants are not for everyone. But, how will you know if you don't at first try? Who knows? You may end up saving a lot of time and money!

At first, the fee might seem a little steep. It really isn't when you take into account how much you're not paying.

1) You don't pay for additional users on your bankruptcy software because each VBA has their own licensed bankruptcy software.

2) You don't pay for lost time due to unforeseen circumstances,

3) vacation pay,

4) sick leave,

5) workers comp,

6) taxes,

7) office space,

8) office supplies, etc.

When a Virtual contracts to prepare your petitions. They prepare petitions from beginning to end. From the Client Intake Interview through the Post Petition Phase. They take on as much responsibility as you are comfortable giving them. Of course, the more they are allowed to do, the more cost effective for the attorney. After all, our goal is to provide a service wherein the attorney is saving time and money to grow their law firm.

Once the attorney has conducted the initial consultation and qualifies the Debtor for a Chapter 7 or 13; the file can be given to the VBA. The VBA will contact the attorney client at a time convenient to the Debtor's schedule so as not to disturb them at work. VBA's do not work traditional office hours which is a benefit for the Debtor as well as the Attorney.

Our members are well versed in UPL and only respond to general questions. Legal questions are always referred to the attorney.

NSVBA members carry their own Service Agreement and in order to begin work, the attorney must read, agree and sign the contract. Members of NSVBA are Independent Contractors (1099).

Payment is due when the VBA submits an invoice after the final petition is approved and ready for filing.

NSVBA members work specifically for Solo Practitioners who need a "Bankruptcy Specialist" on hand but cannot afford a full time staff. We're there when you need us.

NSVBA members work with medium to large law firms as well. VBA's step in to cover overload or during vacations, leave of absence and holidays. Our members work directly with the In-office Paralegal to prepare and maintain a smooth workflow.

For more information, visit our website and click on "All Member Profiles".

If you would like assistance in locating an NSVBA member,simply give me a call. I will help you locate a VBA to suit your needs.

Our members are ready to assist you. If you've been thinking about growing your law firm, now is the time.

Sincerely,

Vikki Watanabe
President and the Members of the
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
2100 C West Redondo Beach Blvd., #34
Torrance, CA 90504

866-678-8411 x712

www.nsvba.com
info@nsvba.com
vikki@nsvba.com

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Max Gardner's Bankruptcy Boot Camp

National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC is proud to announce it's affiliation with Max Gardner's Bankruptcy Boot Camp.

Read on.....

Max Gardner is revolutionizing consumer bankruptcy practice with his Bankruptcy Litigation Model (BLM). The BLM is a system designed to successfully litigate claims against creditors, servicers and debt buyers through adversary proceedings in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. Attorneys practicing the BLM offer better protection for their clients while earning more revenue per case. Max currently has over 300 graduates and the list is growing fast because he added online training in addition to his in-person Boot Camp in North Carolina.

One of the biggest challenges for attorneys who want to implement the BLM is to find and train qualified assistants in the BLM method. Max champions the use virtual assistants (he uses 11) and even has a whole section of the boot camp dedicated to using VA's. Any VA who is trained in the BLM is in a great position to do work for a boot camp graduate. We will be posting a list of legal assistants so it will be easy for graduates to find you. We currently list all of the attorney graduates.

The regular price for a year of online training is $2,999 but legal assistants can sign up for $1,999. As an NSVBA member you qualify for an additional $500 discount so you can subscribe for only $1,499. Please visit www.maxbankruptybootcamp.com for much more information.

If you're not yet an NSVBA member and would like more information, see below.

Thank you,
Vikki Watanabe
President
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
www.nsvba.com
vikki@nsvba.com
866-678-8411 x712

Friday, April 23, 2010

LEWIS T. BEMAN-COLUMBUS, OH

LEWIS T. BEMAN-Columbus, OH

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION
I bring to the table over 30 years as a professional, 25 of those as a research scientist in product development for a large, multinational pharmaceutical manufacturer. During my last 12 years with this company, my major responsibilities were in the area of project management as the developer and operator of a company intranet / database covering all product development projects at their Columbus, Ohio location. In my daily activities, I was continually involved in communication with people throughout the company in all major operations such as laboratories, regulatory affairs, operations, and upper management. I developed and presented a training program on sound project management practices and use of the information in the intranet site, for all involved employees, including the company president. I am very much a “people person” and enjoy developing or implementing a product or service that will meet short- or long term needs in their lives.

In 2007 my employer offered me early retirement as part of a major restructuring of personnel and payroll. During this time I had also developed an avid interest in legal work, and decided that my “next career” would be in legal services. In 2008 I obtained a post-baccalaureate certificate as a paralegal from Columbus State Community College, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout the program. It was invigorating to me to have returned to school and to “show my stuff” in classes with my mostly younger classmates. The material generally came easy to me, and often I found myself coaching other students in the context of small study groups. I was also a trustee in the Student Paralegal Association at Columbus State.

As I have already suggested, I am oriented to providing service that will make a difference for the betterment in people’s lives. My wife of 35 years and I determined that whatever new career I took up would not merely emphasize making money, but would also, maybe primarily, bring blessing to individuals that are in deep crisis. A natural for me is those who, perhaps through job loss, marital breakup, or serious health issues, need legal services to help them put their financial lives back together as in bankruptcy. Two paralegal internships with solo practitioners, advice from my academic advisor, plus a sense of calling, convinced me that this was my field. The opportunity to serve as a virtual bankruptcy assistant / paralegal enables me to meet a definite need providing attorneys with timely, accurate petitions for their clients. It also is a good fit for me due to personal health and family needs.

I have attained NAVBA certification after 6 months of training and practice preparing Chapter 7 petitions. I am fully engaged in the learning process, currently attending a 2-day workshop in marketing and Chapter 13 preparation, and planning to obtain ABJA certification later in 2010. As a paralegal, I am willing to offer services not only in the preparation of petitions, but also in client intake and follow-through up to petition filing, and preparation/support for the 341 meeting as the attorney has need. Service(s) to be provided will be determined for each attorney as he/she prefers to manage his/her cases.

My education consists of a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Master of Science in Food Science from the Ohio State University.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
I have been married for 35 years to the love of my life, have 3 married daughters, and 4 grandchildren, who, as they say, are more fun than children. My other passions are working with international ministries at our local church; and gardening, especially growing about 100 orchids for showing and selling.

ATTORNEYS:

You can contact Lewis at:
614-208-5490

You can also visit the NSVBA Exhibit Table at the NACBA Convention
April 29-May 2, 2010 and pick up Lewis' business card and a chance to
win a Raffle Prize submitted by Lewis.

Thank you Lewis.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC

Our first year.

I can't believe it.

We've had quite a year too!

But before I go on, I want to thank the members of NSVBA for their continued support.

This is a great group of professionals whose work is being recognized nationwide by a number of attorneys who work with them.

The members of NSVBA provide mentoring and support to their fellow members. Our most seasoned members have been preparing petitions since before BAPCPA of 2005. Most have been trained specifically under BAPCPA of 2005.

We have assisted new and seasoned attorneys run their law firms efficiently since 2005 and before.

This past year, we attended the NACBA 17th Annual Convention in Chicago, IL and the Fall Workshop in Tucson, AZ. As an Exhibitor at these events, the members of NSVBA give away fabulous Raffle Prizes to the attorneys in attendance.

If you're an attorney, why not stop by our Exhibit Table while you're in San Francisco April 29th through May 2nd?

If you're a Paralegal or Legal Support Staff attending the NACBA Convention, be sure to stop by as well for a chance to win a raffle prize. This year, NSVBA will have a seperate "fish bowl" for Legal Support staff.

The NSVBA website has undergone quite a few changes as well.

As part of the new membership benefits, NSVBA now offers a 5 Page website and Monthly Teleconferences. We continue to provide Topic Specific Webinars and Webinar Training in Petition Preparation. Another benefit is the Private GoogleGroup, VBANation. At VBANation, the members mentor each other in petition preparation.

Our members have also attended the Annual Conference and Training provided by the ABJA (Association of Bankruptcy Judicial Assistants). This year, the Conference will be held in New Orleans, LA.

Thank you to all the attorneys who utilize the services of a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant. Our services provide support even when you have a full time staff. We step in to help during those crucial times such as leave of absence, vacations, etc.

For the solo practitioner, you have a staff when you need one without the overhead. It's a win-win. Even when you're ready to build your law firm with a full time staff, you know we're there to fill in if ever needed or continue to work with you as part of your full time staff.

If you would like to know more about NSVBA, drop me a line at info@nsvba.com for more information.

Thank you,

Vikki Watanabe
President
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
2100 C West Redondo Beach Blvd. #34
Torrance, CA 90504
866-678-8411

www.nsvba.com
vikki@nsvba.com
info@nsvba.com

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Featured VBA-Natalyn Jeffries- Humble, TX

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Natalyn Jeffries knows what lawyers want. Having worked as a
secretary and paralegal in the legal industry for more than 25 years,
she is very knowledgeable about the processes of a law firm. Her
legal background began in Chicago in 1981 where she worked in a
corporate environment specializing in leveraged buyouts, securities
and venture capital. After she moved to Houston, TX in 1993, she
enrolled in paralegal school and received her paralegal certificate in
1995 with honors. She was hired on at Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P. as a
junior paralegal/secretary and worked in many areas of law including
litigation, real estate, tax, immigration, health, and intellectual
property to name a few. She has also worked as a software trainer,
mentor and document specialist for firms throughout the Houston, TX
metro area. 'I recognize the need for talented and efficient legal
assistants and no task is too great or small for me. You have to
believe in what you do in order to bring positive results'.

She is a very knowledgeable and dedicated legal assistant who takes
her responsibilities seriously and is committed to continuing
education. "Natalyn offers great results, is very personable and has
a high level of integrity." Recommendation via LinkedIn by Paul
Pryzant, Partner, Burleson Cooke, LLP.

PERSONAL BACKGROUNG

Natalyn enjoys interior design, travel and reading. She lives in
Humble, Texas with her husband and two dogs."


Thank you Natalyn!

ATTORNEYS: You can find Natalyn's contact information below.

Natalyn Jeffries
Six Elements Legal Support
www.selstexas.com
(281) 203-1474