Using an assistant

[goosie]

Hi all, I've just started a job in private practice (I articled and started practicing in house) and now is the first time I've ever had an assistant. This might seem like a silly question, but what do you typically use your assistant for? Given I've never had one I honestly don't think to ask for things, but I know they're a resource worth using to so I can focus on billing.

Thanks!

[Conge]

Everything you can, within reason.

Every task, ask yourself: can my assistant do this for me? If so, give it to them. Admin tasks like formatting documents, filings, opening new files/matters, drafting memos to file, scheduling meetings, processing expenses/paying bills, communicating with clients about matters, etc. 

Ideally that also applies to work they can't finish, but they can get it to a % done. E.g., I'll give my assistant a contract, tell them what needs to be done, and I know it won't be perfect but it'll be 75% of the way done by the time I'm ready to pick it up.