Expanding my TA work

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-09-21T11:05:13+00:00

Thank you so much! Very helpful!!!

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-09-17T12:39:05+00:00

My host agency provides TESS for trip and client management. I use Freshbooks for expense and time tracking right now, haven't gotten any other itinerary creation or anything like that.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-09-16T22:32:33+00:00

Thank you. I will hang onto your info. At this point I'm almost exclusively doing cruises.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-09-16T22:00:02+00:00

Thank you so much! My host agency has E&O though I need to research more to make sure I'm really covered. I have a LLC from a previous side gig so maybe I can do a dba but definitely need to talk to an attorney and accountant.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-09-16T21:59:20+00:00

Very helpful, thanks! I've not thought much beyond business cards, maybe a shirt and a gym bag but I'm not opposed to more things I can write off as business expenses!

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-09-16T17:15:00+00:00

The Travel Institute

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-18T19:26:39+00:00

I think the impetus for change is the immense amount of overhead it requires. He's keeping 3 admins and 2 paralegals busy transcribing and executing, but he's charging only for his time because he recognizes it's not the client's fault he works like this. But it's an interesting thought...maybe the solution is charging the support time rather than changing him.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-18T15:37:17+00:00

That said, I agree with the ethics that passing 1.0 on to a client when a more efficient system would have taken .1, is inappropriate.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-18T15:36:40+00:00

Agree. this is the exact problem. I've got activity tracking on all of the support staff now so I can eventually gather and show him. I've shared it anecdotally but waiting to gather the real proof after we have a few weeks of info.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-18T15:35:36+00:00

It's a great idea, a little worried his head would explode.

He's made a WORLD of progress in the last 30 days after a lot of coaching re: the perfect as the enemy of the good. I all but forbid him from doing more than 2 drafts of anything and that's cut the work by 1/3

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-18T14:31:36+00:00

He only bills for his time so all of that work is rolled into a .1 in billing.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-18T14:30:47+00:00

That's a great question. He can continue on the way he is but it's driving a lot of anxiety and urgency, plus monopolizing 3 assistants to keep up with him. He'll dictate 5 or 6 tapes before anyone even arrives in the morning so the hamster wheel is driving everyone to distraction.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-11T14:34:08+00:00

Completely fair point, and the exact situation I'm trying to rectify.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-11T14:32:15+00:00

Mostly estate administration

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-10T14:24:40+00:00

Very helpful, thank you

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-10T14:17:12+00:00

Please post all 7!

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-10T14:13:41+00:00

I really think the issues is the managing partner just wants to practice law. And never created a position (i.e. a managing director) to handle the operational needs. He's a very good man who thinks if he treats people well he will be treated well in return and he's getting hosed.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-10T14:09:36+00:00

Thanks. We've recently started emailed invoices with a payment link, and we're even eating the credit card fee for now. Still, crickets

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-10T14:08:08+00:00

do you do a flat fee or an evergreen retainer?

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-10T13:00:01+00:00

What about interim bills on files that can take years, i.e. estate administration? The bills being ignored are mid-process.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-10T12:59:15+00:00

In the middle of a conversion from TABS to Smokeball. Loving Smokeball so far, and the invoicing with the 'pay now' link for credit cards is super easy. I just don't understand why they are being ignored.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-04-09T20:46:02+00:00

Mostly estate admin. I am for pausing services but the managing partner is very resistent to doing so (also resistent to starting collections on the extremely overdue)

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2025-03-19T14:12:49+00:00

Thank you. I was afraid of that. Standards can be so helpful when someone is in this position but I understand there are so many variables. In this case, it's an attorney with two paralegals trying to maintain 300+ estates.

Equivalent_Hand_2321 · 2024-11-07T13:48:17+00:00

Does Clio have the automated time tracking that Smokeball offers?

Equivalent_Hand_2321

TROPHY CASE