Below is the list of Members who were there in 2008 when the idea was conceived to form an organization for VBA's.
Dee Medlin -2007 http://www.t11va.com
Peggy Grangetto -2007 http://www.hillcrestvirtualservices.com
Gary Ostad -2007 http://bankruptcyattorneyassistant.com/
WT Lane -2007
Amy Underwood- 2008 http://www.nbpetitions.com
Jeannie Lynch -2008 http://lynchlegalsupport.com
Dennis Kaczor -2008 http://www.magdenassociates.com/
Maria Griffin -2008 http://www.magdenassociates.com/
Sherri Nash -2008 http://www.inlandempireoutsourcing.org/index.html
Judy LaBoda -2008 http://www.allstatebankruptcy.com
Anna Baughman -2008
Through the years we have had many members come through our doors. Most have created thriving Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant businesses. Others have gone on to further their education and careers in other areas of law.
I am proud of these individuals and all the current NSVBA members.
They understand it takes hard work, intense education and a dedication to serve their attorney clients.
We exist because of our members and the support of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys who utilize the services of a VBA.
Special recognition goes to Sharon Hassler, NSVBA Webmaster. Sharon works tirelessly for NSVBA and its members. Sharon took my idea for a website and made it more than I could have ever imagined.
http://gogetsites.com/affordable-small-business-websites-portfolio
Thank you everyone for helping make NSVBA the premier VBA organization it is.
Look for more announcements throughout the year about the members of the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants.
Vikki Watanabe
President
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants
http://www.nsvba.com/find-a-vba/vba-member-profiles
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Evie Jacobson-Royal Palm Beach, Florida
Evie Jacobson
Virtual
Bankruptcy Assistant
Royal Palm Beach, Fl. 33411
561-596-6711
866 713 9097
Virtual713BankruptcyAssistant.com
I am a self-employed, highly trained Virtual
Bankruptcy Assistant working from home in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. My goal is to enable you to START STREAMLINING
YOUR LAW PRACTICETODAY!
The work I do today is a logical transition from
my 25 year career in the insurance industry where I evaluated and managed many
types of claims including workers compensation, general liability, asbestos,
environmental and latent injury health claims, and complex litigation. I was
also a member of the fraud investigation team for many years.
Bankruptcy attorneys, especially in small to medium-sized firms -- locally or anywhere in the U.S. -- save time and money by calling me, as needed, to provide complete, accurate, personalized bankruptcy petition preparation services with a no-risk 100% guarantee.
My services are tailored to the specific needs of the law firm. Services extend to organizing and evaluating intake information, petition preparation, as well as motions and treatment of liens.
Bankruptcy attorneys, especially in small to medium-sized firms -- locally or anywhere in the U.S. -- save time and money by calling me, as needed, to provide complete, accurate, personalized bankruptcy petition preparation services with a no-risk 100% guarantee.
My services are tailored to the specific needs of the law firm. Services extend to organizing and evaluating intake information, petition preparation, as well as motions and treatment of liens.
Attorneys today recognize that technology has
changed practice management in law firms. Outsourcing bankruptcy petition
preparation is cost-effective and fast becoming a better way to practice.
When attorneys choose me as their “life saver”
and strategic business partner they receive expert bankruptcy petition
preparation for clients. Drafting a Bankruptcy Petition is complex, and a
mistake can be detrimental. The process requires dedication, hard work, as well
as a compassionate understanding of what is at stake.
Because I am a thoroughly trained and certified
virtual assistant who is available on demand 24/7 in a distraction-free
environment, attorneys can focus their time on client service and on firm
growth. They can stop being concerned about an overwhelmed and often untrained
support staff.
My
virtual bankruptcy assistant certification was obtained from 713Training.com
and
the Morgan King Bankruptcy Academy. I am
a member of the NACTT Academy: ConsiderChapter13.org., the South Florida
Bankruptcy Bar Association,, the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy
Assistants (NSVBA), the National Association of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants (NAVBA),
and the Morgan King Bankruptcy Academy.
A native of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, I relocated
to Florida in 1999 with my two children. I hold A Bachelor of Science Degree
from Rutgers University in Business Administration.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Olympic Bankruptcies for Ordinary Families
Olympic Bankruptcies for Ordinary Families
By HELAINE OLEN
“I’m not even embarrassed.”
With that forthright acknowledgement of her financially precarious state when asked by reporters about her recent bankruptcy filing, Natalie Hawkins, the mother of the Olympic gold medal winner Gabby Douglas, might have done as much for people suffering from the economic tsunami of the last several years as her daughter has accomplished for the sport of gymnastics.
Ms. Hawkins, who said she filed for bankruptcy to protect her ownership of her Virginia home, is not the only parent of a star Olympian in severe financial straits. The mother and father of the swimmer Ryan Lochte are also in arrears. They ceased paying the mortgage on their Florida home in 2011, and are now being sued by the banking company that holds their loan.
While a few personal finance reporters have rushed in to point out that training a child for the Olympics is quite expensive, those expenditures are unlikely to be the cause of either family’s money woes. Ms. Hawkins’s bankruptcy filing revealed the single mother was raising her family of four children on about $30,000 annually, most of which came from Social Security medical disability benefits and child support payments from her soon-to-be ex-husband. You probably don’t need me to tell you that this amount of money is not going to go far in supporting a household full of children, even without gymnastics lessons. Not surprisingly, there is no evidence of licentious living, unless you count a $408 orthodontia bill for the future gymnastics star as a luxury item.
If anything, it is likely other mothers and fathers of Olympians are in similar circumstances as Ms. Hawkins and the Lochtes, and we just don’t know it. According to the Federal Reserve, the median household net worth fell by 40 percent from 2007 to 2010. For African-American families, like Ms. Hawkins’s, the numbers were far worse, with CNNMoney, which performed an extensive analysis, asserting those families lost 60 percent of their total net worth during the same period.
There is much personal pain behind those rather dry sounding statistics. According to research, the biggest predictor of bankruptcy is not overspending, but medical woes and unemployment, two factors clearly present in the Hawkins/Douglas household. At least one was also a factor in the Lochte situation. “I just got divorced and I had lost my job,” Ileana Lochte told USA Today, by way of explaining her financial distress. And if you are wondering, research performed by Elizabeth Warren several years ago revealed divorced single mothers have a much higher risk of bankruptcy than anyone else.
Yet despite years of living through the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, the vast majority of us remain reluctant to acknowledge our financial struggles publicly. The shame is immense. The revelations of economic trouble in the households of these star athletes is an “Olympic parents — they’re just like us!” moment. Bankruptcy hits everywhere, and for many reasons. Often that shame is misplaced. Americans, perhaps more so than other cultures, tend to believe all fiscal failure is their own fault.
Almost nothing seems capable of shaking this belief. Not the recent revelation that just under half of Americans die with nothing in the way of assets and not the fact that the majority of Americans approaching the end of their working days have less than $30,000 in their retirement accounts. Perhaps, as the real impact of the last decade becomes unavoidable for more families, we will at least begin to talk about it.
With that forthright acknowledgement of her financially precarious state when asked by reporters about her recent bankruptcy filing, Natalie Hawkins, the mother of the Olympic gold medal winner Gabby Douglas, might have done as much for people suffering from the economic tsunami of the last several years as her daughter has accomplished for the sport of gymnastics.
Ms. Hawkins, who said she filed for bankruptcy to protect her ownership of her Virginia home, is not the only parent of a star Olympian in severe financial straits. The mother and father of the swimmer Ryan Lochte are also in arrears. They ceased paying the mortgage on their Florida home in 2011, and are now being sued by the banking company that holds their loan.
While a few personal finance reporters have rushed in to point out that training a child for the Olympics is quite expensive, those expenditures are unlikely to be the cause of either family’s money woes. Ms. Hawkins’s bankruptcy filing revealed the single mother was raising her family of four children on about $30,000 annually, most of which came from Social Security medical disability benefits and child support payments from her soon-to-be ex-husband. You probably don’t need me to tell you that this amount of money is not going to go far in supporting a household full of children, even without gymnastics lessons. Not surprisingly, there is no evidence of licentious living, unless you count a $408 orthodontia bill for the future gymnastics star as a luxury item.
If anything, it is likely other mothers and fathers of Olympians are in similar circumstances as Ms. Hawkins and the Lochtes, and we just don’t know it. According to the Federal Reserve, the median household net worth fell by 40 percent from 2007 to 2010. For African-American families, like Ms. Hawkins’s, the numbers were far worse, with CNNMoney, which performed an extensive analysis, asserting those families lost 60 percent of their total net worth during the same period.
There is much personal pain behind those rather dry sounding statistics. According to research, the biggest predictor of bankruptcy is not overspending, but medical woes and unemployment, two factors clearly present in the Hawkins/Douglas household. At least one was also a factor in the Lochte situation. “I just got divorced and I had lost my job,” Ileana Lochte told USA Today, by way of explaining her financial distress. And if you are wondering, research performed by Elizabeth Warren several years ago revealed divorced single mothers have a much higher risk of bankruptcy than anyone else.
Yet despite years of living through the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, the vast majority of us remain reluctant to acknowledge our financial struggles publicly. The shame is immense. The revelations of economic trouble in the households of these star athletes is an “Olympic parents — they’re just like us!” moment. Bankruptcy hits everywhere, and for many reasons. Often that shame is misplaced. Americans, perhaps more so than other cultures, tend to believe all fiscal failure is their own fault.
Almost nothing seems capable of shaking this belief. Not the recent revelation that just under half of Americans die with nothing in the way of assets and not the fact that the majority of Americans approaching the end of their working days have less than $30,000 in their retirement accounts. Perhaps, as the real impact of the last decade becomes unavoidable for more families, we will at least begin to talk about it.
Helaine Olen’s book “Pound Foolish: Exposing the Dark Side of the Personal Finance Industry” will be published by Penguin’s Portfolio imprint in
Friday, June 22, 2012
Real Change Takes Time
Real Change Takes Time
Did you hear the one about the country bumpkin who took his family to the big city for the first time? Lost in a strange place, he stopped in front of a multi-story hotel building. Father and son went inside to get some directions.
Standing in the lobby, they were looking around for someone to ask. They spied a kind-looking old man with a cane and started toward him. They drew back, though, when the wall opened up for him! They watched in amazement as the wall closed, numbers above the opening grew larger then smaller, and the doors opened again. Out came a young man in confident stride and business suit. "Son, wait right here," said the farmer. "I'm going to get in that thing!"
All of us could wish change came so quickly and so painlessly. I'd rather lose 20 pounds with a pill than deny myself extra helpings or desserts and begin to exercise. Some people prefer to saddle themselves with debt to buy a house full of furniture rather than buy furniture as they can afford it or to buy a new car they could easily do without. And so the stories go. We want what we want - now.
I even think I see a lot of anger in today's world that is tied to the same thing. Petty people get mad at the good fortune of others. They want immediately what someone else attained over time. Immature people want the recognition and life status other people earned over years, but they want it on a silver platter - today.
We laugh at the bumpkin who thought an elevator was a magic box that made old into young, stooped into sprightly, and plain into stylish. Maybe we should be laughing at ourselves. Going to college doesn't make one wise. Driving an expensive car doesn't confer refinement or personality. Living in an exclusive part of town says nothing about the happiness of the people who live in its newest and nicest house. And going to church doesn't confer spirituality.
Authentic change in looks, lifestyle, and personality takes place over time. If there is an outcome you'd like, the surest way to achieve it is not to waste your money on dangerous pills or to squander it on lottery tickets.
Set a worthy goal…
Identify the incremental steps necessary to get there,
And…
Begin your journey.
Know in advance that the wisdom, discipline, and understanding that come from the journey are equally as valuable as anything at its end.
Rubel Shelly
Rubel Shelly is a Preacher and Professor of Religion and Philosophy located in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Friday, June 15, 2012
The Best Dad
The Best Dad
Years ago I
heard a story of a dad named Paul who gave his young son a small chalkboard to
practice writing on. One evening his son called out from the bedroom, “Dad, how
do you spell best?”
Paul answered
him. Moments later, the boy hollered, “How do you spell kid?”
Finally he
asked, “How do you spell ever?”
When the boy
showed him what he’d written on the chalkboard, Paul expected to see “I’m the
best kid ever.” Instead, the boy beamed as Paul read the message: “You’re the
best dad a kid can ever have.”
Paul recalled
that it was one of the best days of his life. In fact, he had to buy his son
another chalkboard because he wanted to save this message forever and hang it
on his wall. It’s still there.
Feeling
appreciated is enormously important to adults as well as children. So much so
that we often don’t think enough about what we’d most like to be appreciated
for.
Being
appreciated at work is a big deal. Who doesn’t want approval and respect from
one’s boss and coworkers? Beyond the economic value of raises, promotions, and
commendations, praise can be gratifying and motivating. That’s why good
employers look for opportunities to acknowledge and thank employees for their
contributions.
Yet as
meaningful as work recognition is, if you could choose between winning your
child’s “Best Mom/Dad a Kid Can Ever Have” award and being named “Best
Employee,” which would you choose?
The point is not
to belittle the pursuit of approval in your business life but to remind you how
much more meaningful it is to know you’re important to and appreciated by the
people who love and need you the most. Your most important job in life is to be
worthy of that appreciation.
Being the “best
ever” mom or dad, husband or wife, or friend – it doesn’t get any better than
that.
Michael
Josephson
www.charactercounts.org
www.charactercounts.org
Happy Father’s
Day to all Dads everywhere.
Have a wonderful
weekend!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants "Red Envelope"
The National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants would like to send you our “NSVBA Red Envelope."
What is the NSVBA Red Envelope?
The NSVBA Red Envelope if filled with information about NSVBA, its members, and the VBA industry. It is a 6x9 envelope which consists of letter openers, business cards, brochures, flyers and pens.
Tell us where to send your NSVBA Red Envelope.
Email Vikki Watanabe directly at vikki@nsvba.com
Do You Need a Virtual Assistant now?
Attorneys: You can find a qualified VBA (Virtual Paralegal, Virtual Legal Assistant) at the NSVBA All Member Directory at: http://nsvba.com/find-a-vba/vba-member-profiles
NSVBA Offers a FREE Referral Source for Attorneys
If you are pressed for time and would prefer to speak to someone at NSVBA, give us a call today. We’re happy to assist.
We can match you up with a qualified VBA (Virtual Paralegal, Virtual Legal Assistant) to specifically meet your needs. If you are not satisfied with the referral, let us know, we will work to help you find the “right match”.
Disclaimer: National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants is not an employment agency.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
GUEST BLOG POST-Five Essential Considerations When Outsourcing Bankruptcy Support Services
Five Essential Considerations When Outsourcing Bankruptcy Support Services: Finding the “Perfect Fit”
As a paralegal contracting “virtual” legal support services, I am sensitive to the ongoing debate over the pros and cons of outsourced legal support. At the outset, let me say that I have the utmost respect for those firms that oppose the idea; there are legitimate concerns giving rise to that position. But the virtual legal support relationship can prove such a significant asset that it should not be overlooked in any legal support benefit analysis.
Bankruptcy attorneys are among those in the profession to embrace the benefits of outsourced legal support. In re Van Dyke, 296 B.R. 591 (Bankr.Mass., 2003) favorably resolved the issue of the appropriateness of reimbursement for fees paid to an outside bankruptcy paralegal for preparing a modified Chapter 13 plan by first making clear the conditions which must be met when attorneys engage paraprofessionals: The paralegal must be properly trained, experienced, and adequately supervised, can never provide legal advice, and may be delegated work only after the attorney meets with the client and determines the tasks needed to be performed. And when compensation is sought for those services, the paralegal’s work must be itemized in detail and the fee justified.
Whether prospecting for in-house or outsourced bankruptcy support, the obvious single most important task, then, is to find the right support professional and thereafter to provide adequate supervision and make a detailed record of fees for which compensation may be sought. But finding the right support professional within the local pool of available applicants can be hugely frustrating, time consuming, and fruitless. Expanding the search to include virtual legal support professionals can increase exponentially the odds of finding the “perfect fit”.
Five essential areas to consider when seeking outsourced bankruptcy support include the following:
- First, identify the level of support needed in relation to the firm's support budget (purely administrative, Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant, or specialized Bankruptcy Paralegal); itemize weak areas and look for prospects with the ability to fill the gaps (the perfect fit may fill gaps you didn’t know you had!);
- Next consider the background, education, experience, and professional associations of prospects in relation to the level of support you need;
- Ask for references and samples of work product to support the prospect’s stated skill level;
- Inquire into office automation, technologies, and software to confirm compatibility with your existing systems; and
- Most importantly, query the policies and practices in place to protect and secure the private nature of your clients’ personal and financial information.
If I had in front of me each attorney reading this article, I would ask for a show of hands by those who have ever worked closely with a knowledgeable, experienced, and trusted in-house support professional – that one person on whom you confidently rely to assist you in “dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s”. The kind of support person who kindly, capably, and efficiently engages with clients to elicit the information needed to assist you in properly presenting their matters, all the while understanding that you, the attorney, are the sole advisor and decision maker. No micromanagement or over-the-shoulder supervision is required to ensure diligent, focused, and dedicated efforts and top-quality, reliable work product. And with a firm grasp of local procedure and a sufficient understanding of relevant law, there is fostered between you confident dialogue and exchanges of suggestions and brainstorms as unique situations arise.
Those of you have had the pleasure of this kind of working relationship understand the confidence and relief that comes with the involvement of knowledgeable, experienced, and trusted legal support.
Now, put those professionals in a satellite office and consider for a moment just how their “virtual” contributions could and would continue to prove them viable and integral members of your legal teams . . . it can and does work.
Outsourcing, of course, is not for every firm but for those attorneys and legal support professionals who reach out and find that virtual perfect fit – one comprised of mutual respect, appreciation, and trust – the rewards are tangible and ongoing and the relationships dynamic and successful.
Paralegal-Owner, Lynch Legal Support
Specialized Bankruptcy Paralegal Support
http://www.lynchlegalsupport.com
Director of Paralegal Studies,King Bankruptcy Academy
http://www.bankruptcyacademy.com
Advisory Council Member, National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants
http://www.nsvba.com
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Proper Role of Your Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant
Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants have been around for awhile. Some, before the bankruptcy law changed in 2005, others, at the time the law changed due to the high volume of cases being filed before and after the law changed.
Were you aware there is a proper role for the Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant?
Well, there is. Some attorneys (not to mention a few VBA’s) believe a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant can train an attorney in the practice of bankruptcy. Because of this misconception and other reasons; I feel it is important to discuss the proper role of your Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant.
If a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant offers to train you, the attorney; immediately run in the opposite direction. VBA’s cannot and should not train attorneys. This is improper and dangerous. When it comes to your bankruptcy practice and license, don’t cut corners.
Morgan King, Esq. http://morganking.com/academyfolder/indexacademy.html
and
Cathy Moran http://www.bankruptcymastery.com offer excellent training for attorneys and are the only source attorneys should be using.
Bankruptcy is not something an attorney can have a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant, Legal Assistant or Paralegal do for them in total. The attorney must have a command for bankruptcy law. This is not filling out a few simple forms. There is nothing “simple” or “easy” about bankruptcy.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s move on. We’ll discuss the proper role of the Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant (Legal Assistant, Virtual Paralegal) as it relates to the members of NSVBA.
First, you want to meet with the NSVBA member and discuss your current needs and assignments. The NSVBA member will send you a Service Agreement at which time you will review and sign so work can begin.
If you have several cases you which require immediate preparation, the NSVBA member can get started on those cases first.
After you have met with your Client, the NSVBA member can pick up the case from there.
This is another misconception I must put to rest. NSVBA members cannot meet with your Client without meeting with you first. NSVBA members cannot qualify your Client. NSVBA members cannot “help” you qualify your Client. NSVBA members are not a substitute for legal counsel. Don’t risk your license.
Time and again, I have attorneys call me and ask me if I can call and qualify Clients on their behalf. I refused. I lost a few assignments, but I know for a fact there is someone out there who will do this for them.
When the attorney hands over the case summary to the NSVBA member, the NSVBA member will correspond with your Client to gather documents and information. All work is done under the direct supervision of the attorney.
Your Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant will prepare the petition ready for your review and approval.
NSVBA members are trained in bankruptcy case work and basic bankruptcy law and procedure.
NSVBA members notify the attorney if a case should be a 7 and not a 13 or vice versa if; after gathering documents and information the situation changes (because we all know Debtors do not always disclose all their information at the Initial Consultation!). Under no circumstances does the NSVBA member discuss any changes to the case with the Client. All information is given directly to the attorney and the attorney then discusses the change with the Client.
If you’re new to the practice of bankruptcy law then you may not have a full complement of forms and checklists. NSVBA members will gladly share theirs with you, and they can be helpful in getting the administrative portion of a practice up and running. But these are forms only, not substantive educational documents.
NSVBA members cannot take the ECF Training for you. The members of the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC cannot and do not offer this service. There are many non NSVBA members out there who do. Again, don’t risk your license.
Any legitimate, successful VBA and the attorneys they work with will tell you that Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants work well when their services are utilized properly.
So the upshot is this – don’t make the assumption that outsourcing bankruptcy case work is tantamount to offloading your legal and ethic responsibilities to your client and your practice. You’ve got to be well-versed and trained in the field of bankruptcy law in order to do a good job for your clients. The ethical and proper role for the VBA is to support you in your efforts.
Vist the All Member Profiles at the NSVBA website:
http://nsvba.com/find-a-vba/vba-member-profiles
Visit the NSVBA Exhibit Table at the Sacramento Valley Bankruptcy Conference, March 23 and 24, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.
http://sacvalleybf.org/2012conf.htm
Vikki Watanabe and the Members of the
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
Were you aware there is a proper role for the Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant?
Well, there is. Some attorneys (not to mention a few VBA’s) believe a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant can train an attorney in the practice of bankruptcy. Because of this misconception and other reasons; I feel it is important to discuss the proper role of your Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant.
If a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant offers to train you, the attorney; immediately run in the opposite direction. VBA’s cannot and should not train attorneys. This is improper and dangerous. When it comes to your bankruptcy practice and license, don’t cut corners.
Morgan King, Esq. http://morganking.com/academyfolder/indexacademy.html
and
Cathy Moran http://www.bankruptcymastery.com offer excellent training for attorneys and are the only source attorneys should be using.
Bankruptcy is not something an attorney can have a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant, Legal Assistant or Paralegal do for them in total. The attorney must have a command for bankruptcy law. This is not filling out a few simple forms. There is nothing “simple” or “easy” about bankruptcy.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s move on. We’ll discuss the proper role of the Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant (Legal Assistant, Virtual Paralegal) as it relates to the members of NSVBA.
First, you want to meet with the NSVBA member and discuss your current needs and assignments. The NSVBA member will send you a Service Agreement at which time you will review and sign so work can begin.
If you have several cases you which require immediate preparation, the NSVBA member can get started on those cases first.
After you have met with your Client, the NSVBA member can pick up the case from there.
This is another misconception I must put to rest. NSVBA members cannot meet with your Client without meeting with you first. NSVBA members cannot qualify your Client. NSVBA members cannot “help” you qualify your Client. NSVBA members are not a substitute for legal counsel. Don’t risk your license.
Time and again, I have attorneys call me and ask me if I can call and qualify Clients on their behalf. I refused. I lost a few assignments, but I know for a fact there is someone out there who will do this for them.
When the attorney hands over the case summary to the NSVBA member, the NSVBA member will correspond with your Client to gather documents and information. All work is done under the direct supervision of the attorney.
Your Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant will prepare the petition ready for your review and approval.
NSVBA members are trained in bankruptcy case work and basic bankruptcy law and procedure.
NSVBA members notify the attorney if a case should be a 7 and not a 13 or vice versa if; after gathering documents and information the situation changes (because we all know Debtors do not always disclose all their information at the Initial Consultation!). Under no circumstances does the NSVBA member discuss any changes to the case with the Client. All information is given directly to the attorney and the attorney then discusses the change with the Client.
If you’re new to the practice of bankruptcy law then you may not have a full complement of forms and checklists. NSVBA members will gladly share theirs with you, and they can be helpful in getting the administrative portion of a practice up and running. But these are forms only, not substantive educational documents.
NSVBA members cannot take the ECF Training for you. The members of the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC cannot and do not offer this service. There are many non NSVBA members out there who do. Again, don’t risk your license.
Any legitimate, successful VBA and the attorneys they work with will tell you that Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants work well when their services are utilized properly.
So the upshot is this – don’t make the assumption that outsourcing bankruptcy case work is tantamount to offloading your legal and ethic responsibilities to your client and your practice. You’ve got to be well-versed and trained in the field of bankruptcy law in order to do a good job for your clients. The ethical and proper role for the VBA is to support you in your efforts.
Vist the All Member Profiles at the NSVBA website:
http://nsvba.com/find-a-vba/vba-member-profiles
Visit the NSVBA Exhibit Table at the Sacramento Valley Bankruptcy Conference, March 23 and 24, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.
http://sacvalleybf.org/2012conf.htm
Vikki Watanabe and the Members of the
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
Friday, February 24, 2012
AMY UNDERWOOD - IRVINE, CA
NB PETITIONS
NB Petitions is celebrating five years this spring in serving its consumer bankruptcy attorney clients. Located in Orange County, CA the business specializes in preparing chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy petitions on a contract basis to its attorney clients based all over Southern California and has served other clients in parts of the US, from Florida to Virginia and Ohio.
Venturing into a new business always has its challenges however the experience has proved to be well worth the time, finances, and learning curves. Amy Underwood, the sole proprietor of the business is reveling in creating a few new business ideas in order to expand its client base and services.
Due to the demand, the business plans on expanding its services to provide the drafting of pleadings and motions to its current and new clients this year. Bankruptcy attorneys often find themselves in need of these services as well and NB Petitions will help support those needs.
NB Petitions is very grateful for the continued business relationships with their attorney clients and would like to thank them for utilizing their services. They are also very thankful to NSVBA for their marketing support for all five years and the mentors that have helped NB Petitions create an ongoing and satisfied client base.
National Bankruptcy Petitions
P.O. Box 16784
Irvine, CA 92623
760-413-7409-Telephone
949-417-2650-FAX
ATTORNEYS: Visit the NSVBA Exhibit Table at the upcoming Sacramento Valley Bankruptcy Conference in Sacramento, CA; March 23rd and 24th at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Meet the Members of National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
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):
OREGON –
Julie Horton
Julie Horton
WASHINGTON -
Max Novikov
Max Novikov
UTAH-
Dave Snow
Dave Snow
GEORGIA -
Rashida Sheffield
Rashida Sheffield
NEW YORK –
Archna Sharma
Stephen Shalat
Archna Sharma
Stephen Shalat
NEW JERSEY-
Barbara Lee
Maryam Young
Barbara Lee
Maryam Young
DELAWARE -
Jessica Gingery
VIRGINIA -
Renee R. Hamlett
Jessica Gingery
VIRGINIA -
Renee R. Hamlett
COLORADO -
Regina Finstad
Regina Finstad
ARIZONA -
Judy LaBoda
NEVADA-
Hilary Steward
ALABAMA -
Deana Penland
ALABAMA -
Deana Penland
LOUISIANA -
Michelle Ackman
OHIO -
Jean Scott
Lewis T. Beman
TEXAS -
Veronica Jones
ILLINOIS -
Heather K. Smith
Jessica Breeman
Doris Isbell
Jessica Breeman
Doris Isbell
FLORIDA -
Solomon Abercrombie
Patrick Donovan Campbell
Jose Ortiz
Evelyn Jacobson
Felisza Nichols
Solomon Abercrombie
Patrick Donovan Campbell
Jose Ortiz
Evelyn Jacobson
Felisza Nichols
CALIFORNIA -
Warrenetta Lane
Maria Griffin
Peggy Grangetto
Sherri Nash
Dennis Kaczor
Dee Medlin
Gary Ostad
Amy Underwood
Jeannie Lynch
Linda Reichhoff
Betty Gardner
Robert Holzinger
Betty Gardner
Robert Holzinger
We have Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants (Virtual Bankruptcy Paralegals, Virtual Paralegals, Virtual Legal Assistants) in 18 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 http://www.nsvba.com/ and Click on "All Member Profiles".
Until next time!
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
President and the Members of the
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
2100 C West Redondo Beach Blvd., #34
Torrance, CA 90504
info@nsvba.com
vikki@nsvba.com
866-678-8411
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Accountability
When one claims the title of "Industry Leader", one takes on an enormous responsibility.
If you run an organization that includes members, you take on an extraordinary responsibility. Not only do you represent the "industry"; now, your members look to you to represent them. Hopefully, in the best possible light.
Needless to say, relationships become very important. Business and personal.
If the so-called "Industry Leader" behaves in a way that is not professional, everyone within their organization and associated with that "Industry Leader" suffers.
If the so-called "Industry Leader" makes the decision to advise, train, or otherwise encourage its members to extend themselves beyond the scope of their duties crossing that fine line of "UPL" once again, anyone associated with the Industry Leader and the organization suffers.
Not only that, they run the risk of losing their credibility within the industry and with their members.
My feeling is that Industry Leaders do not have the luxury of saying what they want without first considering how their words and actions could affect the industry they represent. One can say they are held to a higher standard.
If one decides they are to be the "Industry Leader", Making claims such as "the only organization that offers their type of service", "no one around is doing what they do"; that "Industry Leader" should carefully consider their actions.
Some will respond by saying, "what the Industry Leader says or does will not affect my Independent business".
If you are part of the organization or associated with an Industry Leader who advertises on the internet as the only game in town, like it or not, you are associated.
Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, Virtual Paralegals, Freelance Bankruptcy Assistants, have worked very hard to get where they're at. Specifically, the members of the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC.
The members of NSVBA, LLC are ethical, responsible, and run legitimate businesses.
The members of NSVBA, LLC understand they do not run the attorneys law firm, they assist. When and if an attorney has a question about "bankruptcy law" and that slippery slope of UPL, the VBA directs the attorney to NACBA and Cathy Moran, Esq.
As a regular Exhibitor at the Northern California Bankruptcy Conference, National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees Convention and NACBA Conventions; National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC has always referred our new attorneys to NACBA, Jay Fleischman, Esq., Morgan King, Esq., and Cathy Moran, Esq., experts in the bankruptcy industry.
To learn more about the VBA industry and the members of NSVBA, LLC visit our Exhibit Table at the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees Convention in beautiful Southern California August 3-6, 2011.
Vikki Watanabe and the Members of the
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
www.nsvba.com
866-678-8411
If you run an organization that includes members, you take on an extraordinary responsibility. Not only do you represent the "industry"; now, your members look to you to represent them. Hopefully, in the best possible light.
Needless to say, relationships become very important. Business and personal.
If the so-called "Industry Leader" behaves in a way that is not professional, everyone within their organization and associated with that "Industry Leader" suffers.
If the so-called "Industry Leader" makes the decision to advise, train, or otherwise encourage its members to extend themselves beyond the scope of their duties crossing that fine line of "UPL" once again, anyone associated with the Industry Leader and the organization suffers.
Not only that, they run the risk of losing their credibility within the industry and with their members.
My feeling is that Industry Leaders do not have the luxury of saying what they want without first considering how their words and actions could affect the industry they represent. One can say they are held to a higher standard.
If one decides they are to be the "Industry Leader", Making claims such as "the only organization that offers their type of service", "no one around is doing what they do"; that "Industry Leader" should carefully consider their actions.
Some will respond by saying, "what the Industry Leader says or does will not affect my Independent business".
If you are part of the organization or associated with an Industry Leader who advertises on the internet as the only game in town, like it or not, you are associated.
Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, Virtual Paralegals, Freelance Bankruptcy Assistants, have worked very hard to get where they're at. Specifically, the members of the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC.
The members of NSVBA, LLC are ethical, responsible, and run legitimate businesses.
The members of NSVBA, LLC understand they do not run the attorneys law firm, they assist. When and if an attorney has a question about "bankruptcy law" and that slippery slope of UPL, the VBA directs the attorney to NACBA and Cathy Moran, Esq.
As a regular Exhibitor at the Northern California Bankruptcy Conference, National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees Convention and NACBA Conventions; National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC has always referred our new attorneys to NACBA, Jay Fleischman, Esq., Morgan King, Esq., and Cathy Moran, Esq., experts in the bankruptcy industry.
To learn more about the VBA industry and the members of NSVBA, LLC visit our Exhibit Table at the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees Convention in beautiful Southern California August 3-6, 2011.
Vikki Watanabe and the Members of the
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
www.nsvba.com
866-678-8411
Monday, May 23, 2011
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant?
A VBA (Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant) is an Independent Contractor who works with Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys providing Chapter 7, 11 & 13 case support and petition preparation.
How much does it cost to start-up a VBA business?
Like any other business venture, the cost of doing business is driven by your own budget. Key costs to operate this business involve hardware (computer systems utilizing current technology), software, training, secure e-services, internet connection, phone, web presence, and marketing, marketing, marketing.
How quickly can I begin to make money?
Like any other business venture, your return-on-investment will not be immediate – regardless of what you hear anyplace else. This is not a get-rich-quick venture and if it was don’t you think everyone would be doing it?? As a small business owner/operator your time, level of commitment, and budget will determine how quickly you make money.
What are the requirements to be a VBA?
You are running (or starting) a Virtual business. NSVBA requires their VBA members who are new to the industry must have a high level of technical experience and know-how. After all, we are talking about ‘virtual services’ which relies exclusively on the internet and SaaS services. In addition, NSVBA will require VBA members who are new to the industry to complete required basic training which is included in NSVBA membership. Each member must set up a Secured Home Office environment, set up a Web presence and continue their education through King Bankruptcy Academy.
Seasoned and experienced VBA’s who are members or are looking to join, are encouraged to provide feedback and support to those who are less experienced. NSVBA members pride themselves in supporting and maintaining a cohesive, professional, and collaborative environment.
What is the NSVBA (National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants)?
NSVBA is a national member organization of Independent Contractors which include Freelance Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Certified Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, Legal Secretaries and other seasoned professionals from various backgrounds.
Can I make a lot of money doing this?
Although, we would all like to make “a lot of money”; one has to keep in mind, this is a legitimate career path. It is also a “business”. It takes time and money.
Again, this is not a get-rich-quick scheme. As a small business owner/operator your time, level of commitment, and budget will determine how quickly you make money. The number of attorney clients and the quality of the services you deliver will determine how much money you can make.
Do I need a legal background?
No. But as with any career, education is important. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot learn this career in one weekend.
What other training is available if I do have a legal background but no experience with bankruptcy?
NSVBA has partnered with King Bankruptcy Academy to offer a discount to NSVBA members. NSVBA members who complete their beginning petition preparation training are encouraged to continue with King Bankruptcy Academy.
Is NSVBA an employment agency? Will NSVBA help me find work?
No. NSVBA is not an employment agency. As an Independent Contractor and business owner/operator, each member is responsible for marketing their own business. NSVBA is the only organization of its kind to be an invited NACBA Annual Convention Exhibitor since 2009. While at the Convention, NSVBA markets its members directly to consumer bankruptcy attorneys.
I just got a call from my first attorney; but, I’m not ready. What do I do?
If you have not completed your training, or do not have your home office set up and an attorney calls, please refer the attorney back to NSVBA. NSVBA offers attorneys a FREE referral source to find a qualified VBA within the membership.
NSVBA members pride themselves in supporting fellow members who need assistance. If you are not ready to take a case, for any reason, you should refer the attorney to another member VBA who is in a position to complete the work. Members have referred attorney clients to other members for many reasons such as availability, preferred bankruptcy software, and back-up support while out on vacation.
I don’t want to refer the attorney back to NSVBA. This is a potential client for me.
NSVBA members pride themselves in supporting fellow members who need assistance. NSVBA membership is not cut-throat or competitive – this kind of behavior is simply not allowed. As a member, you indirectly represent NSVBA through your membership affiliation.
Why can’t NSVBA help me through my first petition so I can keep my first contract?
NSVBA will help every member (new and seasoned) through their first petition. Completing beginning petition preparation and preparing mock petitions will not prepare you for the “real deal”. You will need help. That being said, you must first complete the training and all the requirements.
I don’t have the money to purchase my software (Best Case). Can I ask the attorney to “front” me the money?
No. You are an Independent Contractor. Part of starting a business is having a budget. Unless you’re working with an attorney who uses a different bankruptcy software which licenses attorneys only, can you begin to work immediately.
SUMMARY
The National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC, is a professional organization for Virtual and On-Site Bankruptcy Assistants located in the United States. Established in 2008 and incorporated in 2009, NSVBA exists to promote, educate, market, and support its membership in the field of consumer bankruptcy petition preparation and to be a valued resource for attorneys seeking the services of a qualified VBA. NSVBA continues to cultivate partnerships with other service-centric organizations and remains the only Virtual Bankruptcy Association or Organization of its kind to be an invited NACBA Exhibitor since 2009.
What is a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant?
A VBA (Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant) is an Independent Contractor who works with Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys providing Chapter 7, 11 & 13 case support and petition preparation.
How much does it cost to start-up a VBA business?
Like any other business venture, the cost of doing business is driven by your own budget. Key costs to operate this business involve hardware (computer systems utilizing current technology), software, training, secure e-services, internet connection, phone, web presence, and marketing, marketing, marketing.
How quickly can I begin to make money?
Like any other business venture, your return-on-investment will not be immediate – regardless of what you hear anyplace else. This is not a get-rich-quick venture and if it was don’t you think everyone would be doing it?? As a small business owner/operator your time, level of commitment, and budget will determine how quickly you make money.
What are the requirements to be a VBA?
You are running (or starting) a Virtual business. NSVBA requires their VBA members who are new to the industry must have a high level of technical experience and know-how. After all, we are talking about ‘virtual services’ which relies exclusively on the internet and SaaS services. In addition, NSVBA will require VBA members who are new to the industry to complete required basic training which is included in NSVBA membership. Each member must set up a Secured Home Office environment, set up a Web presence and continue their education through King Bankruptcy Academy.
Seasoned and experienced VBA’s who are members or are looking to join, are encouraged to provide feedback and support to those who are less experienced. NSVBA members pride themselves in supporting and maintaining a cohesive, professional, and collaborative environment.
What is the NSVBA (National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants)?
NSVBA is a national member organization of Independent Contractors which include Freelance Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Certified Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, Legal Secretaries and other seasoned professionals from various backgrounds.
Can I make a lot of money doing this?
Although, we would all like to make “a lot of money”; one has to keep in mind, this is a legitimate career path. It is also a “business”. It takes time and money.
Again, this is not a get-rich-quick scheme. As a small business owner/operator your time, level of commitment, and budget will determine how quickly you make money. The number of attorney clients and the quality of the services you deliver will determine how much money you can make.
Do I need a legal background?
No. But as with any career, education is important. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot learn this career in one weekend.
What other training is available if I do have a legal background but no experience with bankruptcy?
NSVBA has partnered with King Bankruptcy Academy to offer a discount to NSVBA members. NSVBA members who complete their beginning petition preparation training are encouraged to continue with King Bankruptcy Academy.
Is NSVBA an employment agency? Will NSVBA help me find work?
No. NSVBA is not an employment agency. As an Independent Contractor and business owner/operator, each member is responsible for marketing their own business. NSVBA is the only organization of its kind to be an invited NACBA Annual Convention Exhibitor since 2009. While at the Convention, NSVBA markets its members directly to consumer bankruptcy attorneys.
I just got a call from my first attorney; but, I’m not ready. What do I do?
If you have not completed your training, or do not have your home office set up and an attorney calls, please refer the attorney back to NSVBA. NSVBA offers attorneys a FREE referral source to find a qualified VBA within the membership.
NSVBA members pride themselves in supporting fellow members who need assistance. If you are not ready to take a case, for any reason, you should refer the attorney to another member VBA who is in a position to complete the work. Members have referred attorney clients to other members for many reasons such as availability, preferred bankruptcy software, and back-up support while out on vacation.
I don’t want to refer the attorney back to NSVBA. This is a potential client for me.
NSVBA members pride themselves in supporting fellow members who need assistance. NSVBA membership is not cut-throat or competitive – this kind of behavior is simply not allowed. As a member, you indirectly represent NSVBA through your membership affiliation.
Why can’t NSVBA help me through my first petition so I can keep my first contract?
NSVBA will help every member (new and seasoned) through their first petition. Completing beginning petition preparation and preparing mock petitions will not prepare you for the “real deal”. You will need help. That being said, you must first complete the training and all the requirements.
I don’t have the money to purchase my software (Best Case). Can I ask the attorney to “front” me the money?
No. You are an Independent Contractor. Part of starting a business is having a budget. Unless you’re working with an attorney who uses a different bankruptcy software which licenses attorneys only, can you begin to work immediately.
SUMMARY
The National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC, is a professional organization for Virtual and On-Site Bankruptcy Assistants located in the United States. Established in 2008 and incorporated in 2009, NSVBA exists to promote, educate, market, and support its membership in the field of consumer bankruptcy petition preparation and to be a valued resource for attorneys seeking the services of a qualified VBA. NSVBA continues to cultivate partnerships with other service-centric organizations and remains the only Virtual Bankruptcy Association or Organization of its kind to be an invited NACBA Exhibitor since 2009.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC Advisory Council
I’m pleased to announce the formation of the Advisory Council for the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC (NSVBA).
NSVBA Advisory Council is a newly formed group of professionals with backgrounds in all aspects of consumer bankruptcy, education, marketing, and technology. Collectively, this Advisory Council brings over 80 years experience in consumer bankruptcy.
The NSVBA Advisory Council Members are:
Jay Fleischman, Esq. – Partner in the law firm of Shaev & Fleichman, LLP, consumer bankruptcy lawyer in New York, New York co-chair of NACBA, co-founder and past President of the Bankruptcy Law Network, online legal marketing expert and owner of Legal Practice Pro.
Morgan King, Esq. – In law practice since 1971 specializing in consumer bankruptcy and delinquent tax matters in San Francisco Bay Area, author of 7 books on consumer bankruptcy law as well as IRS delinquent tax remedies, Dean of King Bankruptcy Academy, Director of King Bankruptcy Practice, member of NACBA, and Honorary Member-NSVBA.
Sharon Hassler –Founder/Webmaster of GoGetNotary.com. Positions in several prominent ad agencies and land development company in Miami, FL. 11 years with First American Title Insurance Company serving as a Communications Manager. Owner GoGetSites, NSVBA Webmaster, from Prescott, Arizona.
Dee Medlin – Owner Title 11Virtual Assistant with over 4 years experience as a Certified Bankruptcy Assistant plus 27 years experience working in the Tech Sector in various positions from an Executive Assistant to Software Development, NSVBA Member, from Anderson, California.
Jeannie Lynch – Owner Lynch Legal Support, certified Senior Paralegal with over 30 years combined substantive experience in the areas of consumer bankruptcy, Director of Paralegal Training - King Bankruptcy Academy, NSVBA Member, from Temecula, California.
Amy Underwood – Owner National Bankruptcy Petitions with over 3 years experience as a Certified Bankruptcy Assistant plus experience working in various positions from Executive Assistant to owning her Mortgage Signing business, NSVBA Member, from Irvine, California.
The National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC, is a professional organization for Virtual and On-Site Bankruptcy Assistants located in the United States. Established in 2008 and incorporated in 2009,
NSVBA exists to promote, educate, market, and support its membership in the field of consumer bankruptcy petition preparation and serves as a valued resource for attorneys seeking the services of a qualified VBA. NSVBA continues to cultivate partnerships with other service-centric organizations and remains the only Virtual Bankruptcy Association or Organization of its kind to be an invited NACBA Exhibitor since 2009.
The National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants will feature each Council Member with a bio and photo on the NSVBA website.
NSVBA looks forward to working with the Advisory Council to serve as a sounding board for new ideas as we continue to grow the NSVBA not only with benefits of membership (education, networking, mentoring, and marketing) but overall attorney services and associations that would solidify NSVBA as the premier Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant organization. We are proud to have these individuals serve on the Advisory Council.
Vikki Watanabe
President
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
http://www.nsvba.com/
866-678-8411
NSVBA Advisory Council is a newly formed group of professionals with backgrounds in all aspects of consumer bankruptcy, education, marketing, and technology. Collectively, this Advisory Council brings over 80 years experience in consumer bankruptcy.
The NSVBA Advisory Council Members are:
Jay Fleischman, Esq. – Partner in the law firm of Shaev & Fleichman, LLP, consumer bankruptcy lawyer in New York, New York co-chair of NACBA, co-founder and past President of the Bankruptcy Law Network, online legal marketing expert and owner of Legal Practice Pro.
Morgan King, Esq. – In law practice since 1971 specializing in consumer bankruptcy and delinquent tax matters in San Francisco Bay Area, author of 7 books on consumer bankruptcy law as well as IRS delinquent tax remedies, Dean of King Bankruptcy Academy, Director of King Bankruptcy Practice, member of NACBA, and Honorary Member-NSVBA.
Sharon Hassler –Founder/Webmaster of GoGetNotary.com. Positions in several prominent ad agencies and land development company in Miami, FL. 11 years with First American Title Insurance Company serving as a Communications Manager. Owner GoGetSites, NSVBA Webmaster, from Prescott, Arizona.
Dee Medlin – Owner Title 11Virtual Assistant with over 4 years experience as a Certified Bankruptcy Assistant plus 27 years experience working in the Tech Sector in various positions from an Executive Assistant to Software Development, NSVBA Member, from Anderson, California.
Jeannie Lynch – Owner Lynch Legal Support, certified Senior Paralegal with over 30 years combined substantive experience in the areas of consumer bankruptcy, Director of Paralegal Training - King Bankruptcy Academy, NSVBA Member, from Temecula, California.
Amy Underwood – Owner National Bankruptcy Petitions with over 3 years experience as a Certified Bankruptcy Assistant plus experience working in various positions from Executive Assistant to owning her Mortgage Signing business, NSVBA Member, from Irvine, California.
The National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC, is a professional organization for Virtual and On-Site Bankruptcy Assistants located in the United States. Established in 2008 and incorporated in 2009,
NSVBA exists to promote, educate, market, and support its membership in the field of consumer bankruptcy petition preparation and serves as a valued resource for attorneys seeking the services of a qualified VBA. NSVBA continues to cultivate partnerships with other service-centric organizations and remains the only Virtual Bankruptcy Association or Organization of its kind to be an invited NACBA Exhibitor since 2009.
The National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants will feature each Council Member with a bio and photo on the NSVBA website.
NSVBA looks forward to working with the Advisory Council to serve as a sounding board for new ideas as we continue to grow the NSVBA not only with benefits of membership (education, networking, mentoring, and marketing) but overall attorney services and associations that would solidify NSVBA as the premier Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant organization. We are proud to have these individuals serve on the Advisory Council.
Vikki Watanabe
President
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
http://www.nsvba.com/
866-678-8411
Saturday, April 30, 2011
One NSVBA Member's Experience at the NACBA Convention
My name is Dennis Kaczor and I represent one half of Magden Associates. Maria Griffin is the owner and other half of our business.
I wanted to write this article on being an Exhibitor at the NACBA Convention and representing not only the members of NSVBA, but also the NSVBA organization. I had a chance to speak to Vikki one-on-one and I came to understand why I am still a member of NSVBA. Her commitment and her devotion to the organization is to be admired. The work she puts into NSVBA is one thousand percent.
I had never been an Exhibitor and I thought, “I can do this standing on my head”. After all, what is the big deal? What is there to standing and talking to attorneys?
Well, this guy was in for a big surprise. So, any members who, in the future want to be an Exhibitor should read the following and take heed.
We arrived on Wednesday afternoon and settled in. Vikki had made the offer to meet with any NSVBA members on the East Coast. Later that evening, we had dinner with Barbara Lee http://www.713support.com/ and her daughter, Amanda. Barbara was the only member who accepted the offer. Maria and I were very pleased to be able to meet her and her daughter. I would highly recommend that in the future, any VBAs located near a Convention make an effort to meet with Vikki. It is a good experience to do this. It gives any VBA a golden opportunity to talk directly with Vikki and clear up any matters or issues that they have.
On Thursday we proceeded to the Exhibit Hall to set-up the display table. No problem since that same day, Best Case was hosting their cocktail party and I was looking forward to that. Even then; I’m thinking, “This is great; it is Washington D.C. for crying out loud”. Well, as I stated earlier, I got the lesson of my life.
First, you have to be there on Thursday before the actual convention and set up the table. This in itself is hard work. Since we all were not staying at the Convention hotel (not at $255.00 a night!), we had to dress for the convention from the get-go even though we still had to set up the display. Then Vikki instructs us how things should be arranged to make it visible to the attorneys. Trust me; Vikki knows her stuff on how best to set up convention materials. Every item that is sent or that she may still have from the members is sorted out for distribution to the attorneys.
After 4 hours of continuous work, we took a “break” and walked to the cocktail party. But the day is not yet done. After about an hour at the cocktail party, we returned to the Exhibit Hall and talked with various attorneys. Here is where reality sets in. Remember, we’ve been going at this since earlier that afternoon. By the time the Exhibit Hall opens on Thursday night (5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.) you are tired. But; back to the “fun” of being part of the NSVBA Exhibit table.
On Friday you work from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Of course, that means that you have to get up at 5:30 a.m. in order to be at the NSVBA table and ready when the Exhibit Hall opens. The attorneys have a continental breakfast served in the Exhibit Hall so you definitely want to be at your table when they arrive. You are constantly on your feet most of the day. Yes, there are times that you can sit down; but when an attorney passes by, you are up and ready to bring them in. Also, as the helper, when an attorney does approach, your job is to introduce Vikki as the President of the organization. Trust me; attorneys want to speak with the person in charge. At times, there was more than one attorney present; so of course, I would speak to them regarding the virtues of utilizing the services of a VBA. But, in my opinion, the voice they need to hear is Vikki’s.
The schedule is the same thing on Saturday. Up at 5:30 A.M., work from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. A relatively shorter day, if you can call it that. But, just as busy. So now we’ve worked 26 or 28 hours not counting the set up time which included preparing NSVBA envelopes.
Sunday is a half day and it is time to take down all banners and such until the next conference or convention and it starts all over again. By the end of the weekend you are so tired you do not know if you are coming or going.
Another thing I found out is that conventions are very expensive. After talking to Vikki there may be times that we; the members of NSVBA, may have to help pay for the conventions or the conferences. If NSVBA does not attend these functions how are attorneys going to find out about VBA’s and what we do. I spoke to attorneys that said that they follow Vikki on Twitter and LinkedIn and have come by the NSVBA table just to meet her.
In addition to the high cost to NSVBA for having a table at the convention ($2500.00 this year), there is the individual cost, to you, as an Attendee of the Convention. Unless you plan to sleep on the street, there is the cost for the hotel, the air fare, the food, the car rental, and the parking. Yes, you can write some of this cost off on your taxes, but you still have the initial out lay of funds.
Even though we are Independent Contractors and have our own business under NSVBA, when you are at the Exhibit table, you are the organization and thus, working for NSVBA and its members. Only if an attorney specifically asks about your business do you speak about your business. I can attest Vikki is constantly promoting the VBA’s and the organization. This is your job as well. As the organization grows, and more and more attorneys hear about us, I am sure we all will be working. I have always said that none of us is as strong as all of us.
One thing is for sure, Vikki is very serious about representing NSVBA. Vikki arrives on time and stays until the convention is over. It would not be fair for Vikki to have a helper that shows up late or leaves early. Working the Exhibitors table is a tremendous commitment to the organization, yourself, and to the other VBAs in the organization and lastly, to Vikki Watanabe. Vikki was invited by fellow Exhibitors to “step out” on Friday night. She passed up on the invitations. She is fully committed and is in what I affectionately called, “convention mode”. Focused; no nonsense. Don’t get me wrong, we had a great time and a few laughs, but she is a dedicated professional. Vikki is there to work and represent the members of NSVBA.
I have to say thank you to Wayne, Vikki’s husband and Maria Griffin my partner in Magden Associates. They were behind the scenes helping Vikki and myself. The two of them made sure that Vikki and I had all the materials ready to give to the attorneys. Maria would stand in when Vikki or I needed to step away from the table. Our work would have been harder if it was not for their help. Look guys, conventions are exhausting and everybody has to do their part. This includes sponsoring NSVBA through the Sponsorship opportunity NSVBA offers. So, if you have read and digested this account of being an Exhibitor, consider all the hours Vikki puts in to plan for this every year; before, and after the Convention. Vikki is always thinking of ways to get NSVBA “on the map”. As members, we can certainly help her by sharing our ideas and advice. Vikki wants to hear from the members. She recognizes NSVBA exists only because of its members and she is very proud of the membership.
So, the final question is; would I do this again? Oh, hell yes. The feeling of being a part of the organization and helping to get the word out regarding NSVBA far outweighs the hard work, the long hours, the lack of sleep, what I considered to be minor inconveniences.
Dennis Kaczor
Magden Associates, Inc.
35125 Slater Ave.
Winchester, CA 92596
1-951-454-7241 – Mobile
1-888-522-5188 – Office
1-951-926-0986 – Fax
Thank you Dennis for your contribution.
Vikki Watanabe
President, National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
866-678-8411
http://www.nsvba.com/
info@nsvba.com
Monday, April 11, 2011
Featured VBA - Faye Johnson - Maryland
FAYE JOHNSON
Professional Information
I have 20 years extensive experience specializing in bankruptcy. I first started out in this field working for a bank in New York as a Relationship Manager ,and my job was training bankruptcy Trustees on the case management software that the bank provided to them. I traveled extensively to various Trustee's offices and trained them and their staff. The software helped them to manage their bankruptcy cases. After doing that for several years, I left that position because I was away from my family 3 weeks out of the month traveling. After leaving that position, I went to work for one of the Trustees and then the Bankruptcy Court in New York. I eventually left those positions, and moved to Maryland where I now reside. Since moving here, I have worked for several bankruptcy Trustees and I am currently still working for a Trustee whose firm also does consumer bankruptcy, so I have the best of both worlds.
I have experience working with bankruptcy trustees, debtor/creditor attorneys, and the bankruptcy court. I have prepared and managed thousands of bankruptcy petitions over the years and attended and assisted at 341 Meeting of Creditors for years. In other words, I have worked all sides of bankruptcy.
I have a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Paralegal Certificate and I have been a Notary Public for 20 years. My goal now is to leave the corporate world and branch out on my own so that I can have more control and flexibility over my life. Last year I launched my virtual bankruptcy business called "Bankruptcy Office Solutions". The website is www.bankruptcyofficesolutions.com. I currently have one attorney client that I am working with and I am looking forward to working with many many more attorney clients on a full time basis.
Personal Information
I have been married for 22 years and have two wonderful, smart and beautiful children. A girl and a boy. My daughter is in her 2nd year of college and my son is in elementary school. My hobbies and favorite things to do are traveling, going to the movies, dancing, reading, going to the spa to get pampered, entertaining in my home and just living my life to the fullest the best way I can.
Attorneys, you can contact Faye Johnson at:
Phone: 410-286-1651
Email: info@bankruptcyofficesolutions.com
Thank you Faye,
Vikki Watanabe
President
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
866-678-8411
http://www.nsvba.com/
Professional Information
I have 20 years extensive experience specializing in bankruptcy. I first started out in this field working for a bank in New York as a Relationship Manager ,and my job was training bankruptcy Trustees on the case management software that the bank provided to them. I traveled extensively to various Trustee's offices and trained them and their staff. The software helped them to manage their bankruptcy cases. After doing that for several years, I left that position because I was away from my family 3 weeks out of the month traveling. After leaving that position, I went to work for one of the Trustees and then the Bankruptcy Court in New York. I eventually left those positions, and moved to Maryland where I now reside. Since moving here, I have worked for several bankruptcy Trustees and I am currently still working for a Trustee whose firm also does consumer bankruptcy, so I have the best of both worlds.
I have experience working with bankruptcy trustees, debtor/creditor attorneys, and the bankruptcy court. I have prepared and managed thousands of bankruptcy petitions over the years and attended and assisted at 341 Meeting of Creditors for years. In other words, I have worked all sides of bankruptcy.
I have a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Paralegal Certificate and I have been a Notary Public for 20 years. My goal now is to leave the corporate world and branch out on my own so that I can have more control and flexibility over my life. Last year I launched my virtual bankruptcy business called "Bankruptcy Office Solutions". The website is www.bankruptcyofficesolutions.com. I currently have one attorney client that I am working with and I am looking forward to working with many many more attorney clients on a full time basis.
Personal Information
I have been married for 22 years and have two wonderful, smart and beautiful children. A girl and a boy. My daughter is in her 2nd year of college and my son is in elementary school. My hobbies and favorite things to do are traveling, going to the movies, dancing, reading, going to the spa to get pampered, entertaining in my home and just living my life to the fullest the best way I can.
Attorneys, you can contact Faye Johnson at:
Phone: 410-286-1651
Email: info@bankruptcyofficesolutions.com
Thank you Faye,
Vikki Watanabe
President
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
866-678-8411
http://www.nsvba.com/
Sunday, March 6, 2011
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC and the King Bankruptcy Academy
NSVBA is proud to announce its association with Morgan King, Esq. and Jeannie Lynch of King Bankruptcy Academy.
As a member of NSVBA; you can enroll with a 25% discount off the regular tuition of $599. NSVBA members pay only $459. And, the current book upon which the course is based, King's Fundamentals of Consumer Bankruptcy Practice, is available to enrollees through NSVBA for a 50% discount on the book price.
NSVBA has an exclusive arrangement with the Academy and is currently the only professional bankruptcy assistant/paralegal association providing its members with these substantial tuition reductions.
For more information, or to enroll, go to http://www.bankruptcyacademy.com/, then select the "PARALEGALS" tab at top right of screen.
Then click on "CLICK HERE TO ENROLL" in the red box at upper left.
In order to receive the special "Coupon Code", you must be a member of NSVBA, but, the training is available to anyone interested in advancing their education in bankruptcy.
You may also order the book on that same page.
The Academy will promptly email you instructions and the password for viewing the video classes for this course.
This is a resource that has been lacking for a long time, and we are proud to be associated with Morgan King, Esq. and Jeannie Lynch, Director of Paralegal Training Program (who is also an NSVBA Member!).
Go to King Bankruptcy Academy and start your training now!
Wishing you wildly successful days!
Vikki Watanabe
President
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
http://www.nsvba.com/
vikki@nsvba.com
As a member of NSVBA; you can enroll with a 25% discount off the regular tuition of $599. NSVBA members pay only $459. And, the current book upon which the course is based, King's Fundamentals of Consumer Bankruptcy Practice, is available to enrollees through NSVBA for a 50% discount on the book price.
NSVBA has an exclusive arrangement with the Academy and is currently the only professional bankruptcy assistant/paralegal association providing its members with these substantial tuition reductions.
For more information, or to enroll, go to http://www.bankruptcyacademy.com/, then select the "PARALEGALS" tab at top right of screen.
Then click on "CLICK HERE TO ENROLL" in the red box at upper left.
In order to receive the special "Coupon Code", you must be a member of NSVBA, but, the training is available to anyone interested in advancing their education in bankruptcy.
You may also order the book on that same page.
The Academy will promptly email you instructions and the password for viewing the video classes for this course.
This is a resource that has been lacking for a long time, and we are proud to be associated with Morgan King, Esq. and Jeannie Lynch, Director of Paralegal Training Program (who is also an NSVBA Member!).
Go to King Bankruptcy Academy and start your training now!
Wishing you wildly successful days!
Vikki Watanabe
President
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
http://www.nsvba.com/
vikki@nsvba.com
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
NSVBA in 2011
Hello! and Happy New Year!
2010 was an awesome year for NSVBA; it's Members, and the attorneys they work with.
Attorneys are realizing the benefits of working with a qualified, well trained Virtual Assistant who specializes in the preparation of consumer bankruptcy petitions.
NSVBA members recognize the importance of continuing education in the field of bankruptcy to better support their attorneys.
To that, we were proud to partner with King Bankruptcy Academy and Max Gardner's Bankruptcy Boot Camp in 2010. Our members started and have plans to continue their education with both, King Bankruptcy Academy and Max Gardner's Bankruptcy Boot Camp in 2011.
NSVBA members begin their education in petition preparation in Chapter 7 and 13 through Online Seminars (Webinars).
NSVBA is attending two Bankruptcy Conferences this year.
The first, in February. The Northern California Bankruptcy Conference in Sacramento, CA.
In April, we travel to the NACBA Annual Convention in Washington, D.C.
We look forward to meeting the attorneys who currently utilize the services of a Virtual Assistant and meet those attorneys who would like to know more about the Virtual Assistant's role in their bankruptcy law firm.
Attorneys can go to the NSVBA website to find qualified Virtual Assistants.
http://www.nsvba.com/
Click on "All Member Profiles"
If you have any questions, or would like assistance finding a VBA, contact me directly at
vikki@nsvba.com or
866-678-8411
Until next time,
Vikki Watanabe and the Members of the
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
2010 was an awesome year for NSVBA; it's Members, and the attorneys they work with.
Attorneys are realizing the benefits of working with a qualified, well trained Virtual Assistant who specializes in the preparation of consumer bankruptcy petitions.
NSVBA members recognize the importance of continuing education in the field of bankruptcy to better support their attorneys.
To that, we were proud to partner with King Bankruptcy Academy and Max Gardner's Bankruptcy Boot Camp in 2010. Our members started and have plans to continue their education with both, King Bankruptcy Academy and Max Gardner's Bankruptcy Boot Camp in 2011.
NSVBA members begin their education in petition preparation in Chapter 7 and 13 through Online Seminars (Webinars).
NSVBA is attending two Bankruptcy Conferences this year.
The first, in February. The Northern California Bankruptcy Conference in Sacramento, CA.
In April, we travel to the NACBA Annual Convention in Washington, D.C.
We look forward to meeting the attorneys who currently utilize the services of a Virtual Assistant and meet those attorneys who would like to know more about the Virtual Assistant's role in their bankruptcy law firm.
Attorneys can go to the NSVBA website to find qualified Virtual Assistants.
http://www.nsvba.com/
Click on "All Member Profiles"
If you have any questions, or would like assistance finding a VBA, contact me directly at
vikki@nsvba.com or
866-678-8411
Until next time,
Vikki Watanabe and the Members of the
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
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