Member Login
Get Started

Fractional Services

The ‘Secret Sauce’ to Compete with Larger Law Firms

by
What Top AM100 Law Firms Get For Law Support

Outsourcing isn’t just for the big guys. Small law firms can leverage it to operate like much larger firms—and here’s how:

 

1. Free Up Time for Billable Work

Larger firms have teams for non-billable work, but small firms? You’re often juggling admin tasks yourself. Outsourcing frees you from billing, scheduling, and document prep so you can focus on legal work that generates revenue. You don’t need to do it all.

 

By outsourcing these administrative tasks, you free up your attorneys to focus on client work, case strategy, and billable hours. This increased efficiency allows your firm to serve more clients and handle larger caseloads without sacrificing quality or attention to detail.

 

Imagine preparing for a big case. Instead of getting bogged down in scheduling meetings and organizing files, outsourced support can take over these tasks, leaving your team to focus on winning the case.

 

2. Access Expert Support—On Your Terms

Larger firms have full-time specialists, but you can tap into that expertise on demand. Whether it’s virtual reception, paralegals, or marketing, outsourcing gives you the skills you need without the overhead. You get high-quality work without the full-time costs.

 

Outsourcing allows small law firms to tap into a pool of professionals with diverse skills, giving them access to experts they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. This includes highly trained virtual receptionists, experienced paralegals, or marketing experts who understand the legal industry.

 

It’s a cost-effective way to scale up your operations while ensuring high-quality support.

 

3. Stay Flexible, Stay Scalable

 

Got a big case? No problem. Outsource extra admin work temporarily, then scale back when things slow down. You’re not tied to full-time hires and fixed costs, so you can adapt as needed—just like the big firms do.

 

For example, if your firm experiences a seasonal surge in cases, you can outsource additional administrative tasks for a few months without worrying about long-term contracts or employee benefits. Similarly, if your firm grows and needs more consistent support, outsourcing allows you to gradually increase your resources as needed without the pressure of a full-time hire.

 

This scalability ensures that your firm can handle both lean AND busy times with ease, allowing you to stay competitive regardless of the economic climate or client demand.

 

4. Deliver a Premium Client Experience

Professional reception services, timely responses, polished document management. Outsourcing ensures your clients get the seamless experience they expect—without needing a massive team behind you.

 

Virtual receptionists, for example, can ensure that client calls are answered promptly and professionally, even after hours. Paralegals and administrative assistants can manage client communication, ensuring that no email goes unanswered and that client requests are handled efficiently. This attention to detail helps create a professional image and enhances client satisfaction, even if your firm doesn’t have the extensive in-house staff of a larger firm.

 

What Top AM100 Law Firms Get For Law Support

 

5. Keep Costs Low, Margins High

Full-time staff means full-time expenses. Outsourcing helps you control costs and improve profit margins. Only pay for what you need, when you need it.

 

Outsourced services often operate on an hourly or project-based rate, giving you full control over your budget. This allows small firms to keep overhead low while still accessing the support they need to operate efficiently.

 

By outsourcing, you avoid the long-term financial commitment of full-time employees and improve your firm’s overall profit margins.

 

Bottom Line

Outsourcing levels the playing field for small law firms. You can run your firm efficiently, provide top-tier service, and keep your focus on growth.

Ready to get started? Amata’s fractional professionals can take your firm’s admin workload off your plate, so you can focus on what really matters—practicing law.

Law Firm Owners: People Are Your Greatest Asset

by

Imagine one of your paralegals being invited to present research at Yale University—an opportunity that could catapult your firm’s reputation for years to come. That’s exactly what Carolina Lozano, a paralegal at Amata, is doing.

 

Her research on maternal activism and its impact on international law will be featured at Yale’s International Law and Women’s Rights Symposium. This isn’t just a win for Carolina—it’s a powerful example of how law firms can support their team’s passions and, in turn, elevate their own reputation on a global stage.

 

For small and large firms alike, the benefits of encouraging your team’s professional growth can extend far beyond your office walls.

Amata is proud to support Carolina. Her story is an inspiring example of how talent and passion, supported by the right environment, can lead to remarkable achievements.

 

Maternal Activism and Global Impact

 

Carolina’s research focuses on the activism of mothers in Latin America, particularly those who took action after their children disappeared under authoritarian regimes. These women, including the well-known Mothers of Plaza de Mayo in Argentina and the Mothers of Soacha in Colombia, turned their grief into advocacy, forcing governments and international bodies to recognize forced disappearances as violations of human rights.

 

“These mothers were just seeking justice for their own families. Unintentionally, they seed legal frameworks that can potentially protect millions around the world,” Carolina explained. Her paper highlights how mothers’ activism led to significant advancements in international law, including the recognition of the systematic perpetration of enforced disappearance by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and the 1994 Inter-American Convention on Forced Disappearance of Persons.

 

From Colombia to Yale: A Personal Achievement

 

For Carolina, this research is more than academic. Growing up in Colombia, she witnessed firsthand how political violence tore families apart and left communities searching for answers. 

 

“I’ve seen these mothers fight for justice with everything they had, even when they were up against entire regimes. Their stories are personal to me because I’ve seen the lasting impact of their struggles,” Carolina shared. “Presenting this research at Yale is an incredible opportunity to give these women’s voices the global platform they deserve.”

 

Carolina’s presentation at Yale will mark a significant milestone in her career, putting her in the spotlight as a contributor to international law research.

 

Supporting Growth at Amata

 

Supporting team members in their professional development is part of our culture. “This is a sensitive topic in Colombia, and people are reluctant to talk about it. Amata’s support was key—they basically encouraged me to explore this research, respecting the times I needed to organize my work and attend the events. Ron, Amata’s founder, was genuinely excited when he heard about this and invited me to share my learnings with the whole team!”

 

“Working at Amata feels like being part of a supportive family. It’s rare to find a workplace that not only allows you the time and flexibility to grow but actively encourages you to pursue what matters most to you,” Carolina shared.

 

Looking Ahead: Making an Impact

 

Carolina’s journey is a reminder that your team is your greatest asset. When you support your people, everyone wins.

 

Whether it’s helping them attend conferences, dive deeper into research, or pursue something they care about, the benefits stretch far beyond the individual. When you build a culture where people are genuinely valued, it translates into stronger loyalty, better results for clients, and unexpected opportunities for your firm.

 

This level of care is your greatest competitive advantage as a small law firm owner. Their success becomes your firm’s success. By creating the kind of environment great employees want to work in, you’ll attract talented people like Carolina who’ll contribute to your firm’s growth—and maybe even the future of international law.

4 Signs Your Law Firm Needs Fractional Administrative Support

by

Running a law firm is no small feat, especially when you’re juggling countless administrative tasks on top of everything else. These duties, while crucial, can quickly become overwhelming, pulling you away from the billable work that you love.

 

If you’ve been feeling the strain, here are four telltale signs that bringing in some fractional administrative support could be a game-changer for your firm.

 

1. Increased Administrative Errors

 

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), administrative errors, such as missed deadlines and clerical mistakes, account for a significant portion of legal malpractice claims.

 

Specifically, the ABA’s study found that administrative errors contribute to nearly 20% of all malpractice claims​. This usually happens because your current team, systems, and tech are stretched to their maximum. But what happens if you do not have the steady cash flow needed to hire full-time support?

 

That’s when Fractional Support Services make a lot of sense.  If your firm is experiencing an uptick in administrative errors, it might be time to consider additional part-time support.

 

2. Overworked Staff

 

The International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) reported that over 30% of legal professionals feel overworked due to increasing administrative tasks​.

 

When your staff is consistently working overtime or expressing burnout, it’s a clear indicator that they are overwhelmed with administrative duties, leaving less time for billable work and client interaction.

 

 

 

3. Frequent Missed Deadlines

 

The natural effect of an overworked staff is missed deadlines. This can be catastrophic when handling delicate legal cases. In fact, the ABA has identified missed deadlines as a primary cause of malpractice suits, with scheduling and deadline management being critical areas of concern.

 

So if your firm is struggling to keep track of deadlines, it may benefit from the structured support that Amata’s Fractional Support Services can provide.

 

4. High Turnover Rates

 

Frequent turnover can be a sign that employees are dissatisfied with their workload and working conditions. The stress of handling excessive administrative tasks can lead to burnout and high staff turnover, which disrupts your firm’s operations and adds to recruitment and training costs.

 

High administrative workloads can also negatively impact client communication and satisfaction. When lawyers are bogged down with non-billable tasks, they have less time to dedicate to client matters. Ensuring that your clients feel valued and attended to is crucial for both client and employee retention.

 

 

4 Signs Your Law Firm Needs Fractional Administrative Support

How Amata’s Fractional Support Services Can Help

Fractional administrative support involves hiring part-time or as-needed administrative professionals who can take on various tasks, such as:

 

    • Document Management: Organizing and maintaining client files and legal documents.
    • Scheduling: Managing calendars and ensuring that all deadlines are met.
    • Communication: Handling phone calls, emails, and client communication.
    • Billing and Invoicing: Managing financial records and client billing.

 

This approach allows your firm to scale administrative support up or down based on current needs, providing flexibility and cost savings. By delegating administrative tasks, your attorneys can focus more on their legal work, improving efficiency and client satisfaction.

 

In summary, if your law firm is experiencing any of the above issues, Amata’s Fractional Support Services might be a perfect fit. Contact us to learn how our flexible packages can help you reduce errors, prevent team burnout, and ensure that your firm operates profitably and effectively.

How Paralegals Boost Profits

by

When Jane left her high-pressure job at a large firm, she dreamed big. She wanted to have her own practice and control her book of business, earning potential, and schedule.

 

However, she quickly found herself overwhelmed. Jane was handling every aspect of her practice—from client consultations and court appearances to legal research and document drafting. Quickly Jane found herself on the verge of burnout.

 

 

 

Sadly, Jane’s story is all too common among solo practitioners and small law firm owners. Despite their hard work, they struggle to keep up with deadlines, miss opportunities for new business, and find themselves working longer hours for less money.

 

How Paralegals Can Save The Day

 

One solution that can alleviate these pressures is the strategic use of paralegals. Paralegals can perform many core legal tasks for you, at more affordable rates for your law firm. This includes legal research, document preparation, case management, and more, allowing you to focus on higher-value work.

 

Increased Billable Hours and Revenue

 

Paralegals can increase your billable hours. Instead of spending hours on tasks that could be done by a paralegal, your attorneys can focus on billable activities, thereby increasing your firm’s overall revenue.

 

For instance: If a paralegal bills at $200 per hour compared to an attorney’s $450 per hour, the firm can charge clients for paralegal time. This is still profitable for the firm due to lower salary costs for paralegals.

 

This billing structure allows the firm to manage more cases simultaneously, enhancing productivity and profitability.

Capitalizing On Opportunities

 

When attorneys handle tasks that could be delegated to paralegals, they incur cost opportunities. This means they could be, with the same time, engaging in impactful activities for clients, their personal lives, and the firm’s growth.

 

Enhanced Client Satisfaction

 

Your clients will benefit from the lower costs associated with paralegal work. After all, they’ll receive the same high-quality legal services but at a reduced rate.

 

Additionally, with paralegals handling a portion of the workload, projects can be completed more quickly, enhancing your client satisfaction and your firm’s reputation.

 

Flexibility and Scalability with Fractional Paralegals

 

Depending on your needs, you can choose to hire full-time paralegals or opt for fractional paralegals. Fractional paralegals provide on-demand support and become an integral part of your firm’s operations, without the price tag. They offer flexibility, allowing your firm to scale without the fixed costs associated with permanent employees.

 

For example, a firm might pay a fractional paralegal $85 per hour and bill the client $170 per hour for their services. This arrangement not only covers the cost but also generates profit at no underutilization risk.

 

Amata’s Fractional Paralegal Services

 

If Jane’s story hits close to home, you may need paralegals. Let us help you avoid burnout and increase your firm’s profitability.

 

Hourly paralegals can free up your time on an as-needed basis. Our Fractional Support Services allow you to scale your workforce according to demand, ensuring you have the support you need during busy periods without the fixed costs of full-time staff.

 

Our paralegals are experts in various areas of law, ensuring that you receive high-quality support tailored to your firm’s needs. Contact us today to learn more about how our Fractional Paralegal services can handle routine legal tasks, reduce your workload, and boost your profitability.

You Shouldn’t Feel Like A Stranger At Work

by

We spend way too much time in the office to feel alone. Offices have transitioned from this corporate space where everybody is isolated from the outside world and their peers, to a place that should feel like a second home.

 

From this:

 

 

To this:

 

 

Modern offices have no walls between team members because they reflect a change in what people care about. We not only want to be productive, we want to feel like we are part of something bigger. And while salaries can attract talent, it is culture what retains it.

 

That is why we wanted to highlight one aspect of our offices you won’t find anywhere else: A consistent, kind staff that feels like family. Here is what some of our clients have said:

 

“I have been a client of Amata for more than 13 years. I have, and continue to, lease office space in a number of other cites, but have yet to find an office provider as consistent and professional as Amata.

 

One of the most important aspects of this company is the long-term tenants they have, but also the office staff. In other cities, the staff has an extremely high turnover. Amata does a lot to keep their employees with their company, which means they can build a rapport with the clients.

 

It is a very friendly environment, and for a business owner, I would highly suggest the office spaces they provide.” James Lenger

———————————–

“We’ve been renting office space at this location for many years now and never had a bad experience with the staff there. Every single staff member is friendly, courteous and helpful.

The office space is very nice as well and Amata offers plenty of amenities.

The building has a Starbucks, gym and is very conveniently located to both Union Station and Ogelvie.” Ingmar Koecher

———————————–

“I have been with Amata 3+ years. The accommodations and service here are second to none! The folks at 150 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 2400 in Chicago are the friendliest and most helpful I have come across.” John O’Toole

———————————–

“I am a long term tenant. The staff is great and the environment is positive and motivating. We have two great offices and all the support services we need.” Joseph Gits

———————————–

“Cannot say enough how much I appreciate the helpful and courteous staff at Amata’s 150 S Wacker Drive location. Keep up the good work.” T Fay

———————————–

“Great place to work! Nice environment, helpful staff and friendly people on the floor.” Mariana Krampien

———————————–

“The facilities and staff are all great.” Lee Polk

———————————–

 

We’re proud of our staff, we’ve been lucky enough to call some of the most personable and kind individuals in Chicago our peers. With us, you’ll recognize and be recognized by the people you work with at the office.

Contact us if you would like to get started.

How Amata Handles Your Shipping

by

“You can always get more money, but you can never get more time. So you need to ensure the things you spend your time on make the biggest impact,” Allan Dib, author of The 1-Page Marketing Plan

 

There is a little-known secret for growing your law firm, and it is buying back your time. As the author Dan Martell defines it:

 

“The little-known secret to reaching the next stage of your business is spending your time on only the tasks that: (a) you excel at, (b) you truly enjoy, and (c) add the highest value (usually in the form of revenue to your business). Likely, two or three tasks fit that description. Every other task you’re handling is allowing your growth and sucking the life from you, and you should clear it from your calendar. Yes, someone else should be handling about 95 percent of your current work so you can get back to what matters.”

 

This realization is what led Amata to create a wide array of services that help lawyers and professional service providers do that: Buy back their time and focus on what matters. In that way, they get to increase profitability, enjoy a better work-life balance, and feel energized by the work that they do.

 

Today we’re going to talk about a clear example of this: Shipping services.

 

How many times have you spent 2-3 hours sending or receiving a package? While it doesn’t happen every day, shipping can be very time-consuming and take on hours that could be allocated for billable work, high-level strategy, or just relaxing with your loved ones. And that’s when our virtual offices and virtual assistants come in.

 

Once you join Amata, we can hand-deliver and pick up packages for you. Our assistants will manage your shipping needs with the level of urgency that you require, with the fastest option being a delivery within the hour after receipt of documents inside the Chicago Loop area.

 

 

Instead of wasting time going to the post office, our administrative support services include the preparation and delivery of Fed-Ex packages, postage services, and an on-demand messenger. Since most lawyers have to deal with sensitive documents, we ensure that your package reaches the right hands promptly and keep a record of it that you can eventually use as proof.

 

Access Shipping Services, Even Working From Home

For remote and hybrid companies, our virtual offices can provide the comfort and professional experience of a luxury office, without the high costs. With our virtual office program, you get access to a business address in a prominent area in Chicago, so clients associate your organization with a Class A location and experience.

 

This also entitles you to receive correspondence at the location and enjoy mail processing and forwarding. The on-site staff will inform you when important correspondence arrives, and we can also receive, scan, and forward any documents for you. Everything is handled with extreme professionality and discretion, as each of our team members goes through a four-person interview process — We want to make sure they care about your success, becoming a reliable extension of your team.

 

“Amata has helped my business grow from a virtual mailbox to two permanent office spaces… [and] has allowed me to present my business in the most professional manner possible.”

Robert Buchanan, THE LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT BUCHANAN

 

 

The next time you are on a tight deadline to deliver a document or under pressure from your clients to review a document they just sent you, count on us. Amata’s support professionals will take care of all your shipping needs, ensuring you can focus on that 5% of work that truly moves the needle — for your client’s success, your company’s profitability, and your personal fulfillment.

 

Contact us today to inquire about our virtual office programs and support services.

The Only 3 Ways to Grow Your Law Firm Revenue

by

It is easy to get pulled into the weeds of your day-to-day and lose sight of the strategic direction of your law firm. You probably started a firm because you love law and because you envisioned a lifestyle of more freedom, impact, and control over your financial destiny.

That is why in today’s article we are going to cover the only three things you can do to increase your law firm revenue. They will allow you to strategically allocate your resources toward the activities that accelerate growth.

 

Way #1: Increase your number of clients

Most people think about attracting clients as the only way to grow your law firm. The reality is that it is only of three strategies.

To increase your number of clients, you want to engage in activities that attract them, such as networking. While gaining new clients is a necessity for any business, the reality is that scaling using only this strategy rapidly increases expenses when hiring new associates and support staff.

 

That is when strategy #2 comes in.

 

 

Way #2: Increase your pricing

Imagine your business revenue like a simple calculation:

 

Number of clients x Pricing = Revenue

A simple 5% increase in pricing can create a surge in cash, which is, all things being equal, 100% profit. That is why maintaining a high-quality service and premium position is paramount. It sets your pricing power, which impacts your revenue greatly.

For example, if a lawyer is able to go from $150 an hour to $250, that $100 increase goes directly to profits. Here at Amata, we provide access to AM 250-level offices, so you can stand out and position yourself as a high-end law firm.

If increasing prices is so good, why isn’t everyone doing it? Because prices excessively above the market standard can negatively impact your ability to attract new clients and retain them.

 

 

Way #3: Retain clients for longer

If you can a) Retain clients for longer, b) Have them invest in your services more frequently, or c) both, you can also increase your law firm revenue. Of course, this is said on the basis that we always want to provide tangible value to our clients and solve real problems for them.

Like most service-based industries, law firms are in the recurring revenue business. Acquiring new clients is doable but costly, so maintaining the ones that you have and deepening the relationship with them is a more profitable way to scale your law firm.

 

Here at Amata, we see our clients as partners. We constantly ask ourselves how we can add value to your life, solve new and bigger problems, and be at the forefront of innovation. This is what allows us to maintain such strong client relationships. Most of our clients know our staff by name and come to the office just as if they were working from home.

It is also what inspired our new service: Fractional Support.

In the same way, seeing your clients as relationships that you can strengthen and expand places your focus on being of most value to them. It is that relentless obsession with your ideal clients and solving problems for them that allows you to:

  1. Attract new clients
  2. Increase your prices
  3. Retain clients longer

Thus creating predictable revenue growth and a reputation you can be proud of.

Fractional Legal Staff: A Real-World Checklist of Things They Can Do For You

by

Running a small law firm is demanding. You wear many hats, juggling cases, managing clients, and overseeing every detail. Hiring additional staff can be tempting, but the prospect of onboarding a full-time employee—the cost, the commitment—can be daunting.

At Amata, we understand your hesitation. That’s why our fractional staffing solutions are designed specifically for small firms like yours, offering the benefits of dedicated support without the burden of full-time overhead.

 

Are You Worried About Your Fractional Staff’s Onboarding?

Perhaps you’re worried about:

  • Integration and Training

    Will a fractional paralegal or admin seamlessly integrate into your existing workflow? Yes. At Amata, we take the time to understand your firm’s unique needs and ensure your fractional staff is fully trained on your preferred tools and procedures. Think of it as a seamless extension of your team, not a disruptive addition. 
  • Accountability and Quality

    Can you trust someone working part-time to deliver high-quality work and meet deadlines? Absolutely. Our staff is comprised of pre-vetted, experienced legal professionals. We prioritize clear communication through daily logs and regular reviews, keeping you informed and ensuring your standards are met. 
  • Cost-Effectiveness

    Will fractional staffing actually save you money? Most definitely! You only pay for the support you need, eliminating the expense of salaries, benefits, and office space for a full-time employee. This allows you to scale your team up or down as your caseload dictates, maximizing your return on investment.

From the moment you engage Amata, our team prioritizes a smooth transition. Our proven onboarding process ensures your fractional staff is quickly brought up to speed on your firm’s processes.

 

Here’s an example of a real-world onboarding schedule we use when working with clients:

 

  • Day 1: Initial Meeting and Setup: We schedule the initial meeting to understand your specific needs and establish clear communication channels. We outline daily and weekly tasks and request access to necessary tools and platforms.

    This initial day is dedicated to getting you familiarized with your fractional team, and understanding your preferred software and procedures. 
  • Day 2: Detailed Instructions and Supervised Execution: We schedule a follow-up meeting to ensure a clear understanding of expectations. This session is recorded for future reference, allowing your fractional staff to revisit the information as needed. Under your supervision, they begin executing the assigned tasks. 
  • Day 3: Independent Task Execution: Gradually your fractional staff starts tackling tasks independently. They can refer back to the recorded instructions for any clarification, freeing you from constant supervision while maintaining accuracy. 
  • Day 4: Tasks Repetition and Output Delivery: The team repeats the tasks to ensure proficiency and consistent quality output. Completed tasks are delivered to you for review, keeping you in complete control of the process.

 

Ongoing Daily and Weekly Review

Amata fosters a culture of transparency and accountability. This commitment is reflected in our ongoing communication practices:

 

  • Daily Logs: Your fractional staff meticulously maintains a daily log detailing completed tasks and progress made. This log provides you with real-time insight into their work and allows for immediate course correction if needed. 
  • Weekly Reviews: Collaboration is key. We schedule regular weekly reviews where you and your fractional staff can discuss all tasks, ensure alignment with your goals, and address any concerns promptly. 
  • Proactive Adaptation: The legal landscape is dynamic, and your needs may evolve. Amata recognizes this. We hold regular meetings to discuss new tasks or changing requirements, ensuring your fractional staff is equipped to handle them efficiently.

Amata: Your Partner in Success

Amata’s fractional staffing solutions are designed to empower small law firms like yours. We offer:

 

  • Flexibility: Tailor your support to your specific needs. Need help with legal research for a few hours a week? Done. Want a paralegal to assist with all pre-trial tasks for a specific case? We’ve got you covered.
  • Focus on Your Core Business: Free yourself from administrative burdens and focus on what you do best – practicing great law.
  • Peace of Mind: Know that your critical tasks are being handled by qualified professionals, allowing you to serve your clients with confidence.

Don’t let concerns about traditional staffing hold you back. Contact Amata today and discover how our fractional legal staffing solutions can streamline your workflow and save you time while providing an accountable team all along the way.

The One-Paralegal Trap

by

You know the feeling. You’re a solo practitioner or run a small law firm, juggling a packed caseload and keeping your clients happy. Then, the email arrives – your trusty paralegal, Sarah, is out sick.

Suddenly, your carefully calibrated workflow explodes. Deadlines stack, discovery requests pile up, and preparing for that upcoming court appearance feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops.

This is what we call “employee failover.” It happens when you rely on one person for everything – drafting legal documents, managing deadlines, conducting research – and they are the glue that holds your practice together.

But as you one day realize, that person is a human being who gets sick, takes vacations, and sometimes even, heaven forbid, moves on to other opportunities.

This scenario is more than just a headache; it’s a recurring nightmare for countless small firm owners in Chicago.

The One-Paralegal Trap

What happens when a key team member, like your paralegal, is unexpectedly out of the office? Missed deadlines, frustrated clients, and scrambling to catch up can quickly disrupt your firm’s momentum. And unfortunately, it’s up to the founder to take on the burden.

If you’re a law firm with one FTE paralegal and they’re out for any reason, you can be in a world of trouble. Forget weekends with the family or catching up on that ever-growing stack of legal journals. Your evenings and Saturdays become dedicated to scrambling to cover for workload. You answer frantic calls from clients asking about the status of their case, desperately trying to maintain the illusion of everything being under control.

This constant firefighting creates a vicious cycle: sacrificing personal time to meet client demands, which leads to exhaustion and can potentially bring your entire workflow to a halt.

The solution is to have a fractional paralegal or admin staff step in on an ad-hoc basis to ensure continuity. This is especially important if you regularly go to court.

Should you just hire another full-time paralegal? If you can afford it and have enough workload to keep them busy, go for it. But let’s face it: Hiring a full-time paralegal comes with a hefty price tag – salary, benefits, office space – which are hard on small firms, especially during periods of fluctuating case volume.

 

Amata’s Fractional Services Save You From the ‘One-Paralegal Trap’

Amata provides access to a network of pre-vetted, experienced paralegals and legal administrative professionals in Chicago. Here’s how Amata can save the day:

 

  • Fractional Talent, Full-Time Support: Imagine having a pool of qualified legal professionals at your fingertips. With Amata, you can hire a fractional paralegal for just the hours you need – a few days a week during peak periods, or even just to cover for Sarah’s vacation. This flexibility allows you to scale your team up or down as your caseload dictates.
  • Instant Employee Fail-Over: So, Sarah gets the flu? No problem. Use Amata’s network to find a qualified replacement immediately. This ensures critical tasks remain on track, deadlines are met, and your clients don’t suffer from the fallout.
  • Cost-Effective Expertise: Amata eliminates the burden of recruiting, onboarding, and managing full-time staff. You only pay for the support you use, freeing up valuable resources to invest in growing your firm.

Don’t let employee downtime be the reason you can’t enjoy a weekend barbeque with your family or attend your child’s soccer game. Amata offers the perfect solution – access to experienced legal talent, on your terms, at an affordable price.

Contact Amata today and discover how fractional paralegals and admin support can empower you to focus on what matters most – practicing great law, with strong profit margins, and enjoying a healthy work-life balance.

Building A Lean, High-Quality Legal Team

by

In 2023 Aaron Hall did a study of some of the highest hourly rates in the legal world:

  • $2,465 per hour was charged by Neal Katyal of Hogan Lovells according to Reuters.
  • $1,965 per hour per hour was charged by attorney Bryce Friedman of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett according to Bloomberg.
  • $1,950 per hour was charged by David Boies of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP according to Reuters.
  • $1,230 per hour per hour was charged by attorney Dirk Vandermeersch of Cleary Gottlieb in Brussels according to Lawyers Mutual.
  • $1,220 per hour was charged by tax attorney Ian Taplin of Kirkland & Ellis according to Lawyers Mutual.

And while some of these rates might seem outrageous (or aspirational, depending on how you look at them), the reality is that running a law firm has become more expensive. From office costs to social benefits and costly talent, it has become more difficult to run a highly profitable law firm without increasing rates for the end user.

 

However, there’s a limit to raising prices. Most law firms need to approach this problem in three ways:

a) Attracting well-capitalized clients who can afford higher rates

b) Focusing on solving bigger, more expensive problems

c) Lowering their expenses without compromising quality

 

That is why today’s article talks about the true cost of in-house support and how Amata’s on-demand services save lawyers money.

 

The True Cost of In-House Support

Office and team are the two biggest expenses law firms incur (besides taxes, of course). Previous articles covered how our flexible office plans save law firms money on office space, providing them wiggle room to scale. Now we have a new service that can save you money on your team-building efforts: Our new Fractional Services Packages.

Because let’s be real: Hiring people today is expenses. How expensive? Here’s a breakdown of 2024 rates in an established market like Chicago:

Associate Attorneys

The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) found that the overall median first-year associate base salary as of January 1, 2023, was $200,000, up to $35,000 from 2021, when the survey was last administered. This means a 21.2% increase in salaries in just two years, raising the bar for solo attorneys and small firms to be able to afford hiring.

Law Clerk’s blog also found that, in general, freelance lawyers are paid about 30-40% of the market hourly rate. This means that if the median salary for lawyers is $135,740 (According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), the average hourly rate is $65,26 per hour and for contract lawyers it would be $85-$120+ per hour.

 

 

Paralegals

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2022 median pay for paralegals and legal assistants was $59,200 per year and $28.46 per hour. A closer look shows that in states like Illinois, an experienced paralegal can charge an average of $96,030 per year.

 

Executive Assistants

According to Indeed, the average salary for an executive assistant in the US can range from $64,986 on average to $103,983 on the high end.

 

 

Besides the high rates, there is an unspoken cost of building a team yourself: Time.

Posting on job sites, vetting applicants, interviewing them, training, onboarding, and then managing talent takes a lot of time. That is another benefit of our “curated-for-you” Fractional Support Services.

If you would like to build a lean, high-quality legal team, contact us to see how we can supply talent at rates you can afford, at just the hours that you need.