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How to pay a virtual assistant legally as a US business owner?

If you hire through an agency, you simply pay the agency invoice and keep it as a business expense.

By the Virtual Assistant team · · 2 min read

If you hire through an agency, you simply pay the agency invoice and keep it as a business expense. If you hire a freelancer directly, collect a W-9 (US) or W-8BEN (outside the US) and issue a 1099 where required. Ask your CPA if you are unsure.

Below is what a Legal Assistant does, what it costs and how to hire one this week.

Best for solo attorneys, small law firms and legal departments. Typical work includes:

  • Billing and time entry support
  • Records requests and document organization
  • E-filing preparation support
  • Client intake calls and conflict-check forms
  • Court date and deadline calendaring

They already work in tools like Westlaw, Clio, Smokeball and NetDocuments. See the full Legal Assistant page for every task.

Our current monthly prices for a Legal Assistant at the Skilled VA level. They are the same in every state.

  • Starter, 20 hours a month: $320 ($16.00 an hour)
  • Growth, 40 hours a month: $608 ($15.20 an hour)
  • Professional, 80 hours a month: $1,152 ($14.40 an hour)
  • Full-Time Dedicated, 160 hours a month: $2,176 ($13.60 an hour)

A Senior Specialist starts at $432 a month and a US-Based Specialist at $608. Prepay 3, 6 or 12 months to save up to 12%. Build your package to see your exact price.

How to Hire in Four Steps

  • Build your package: pick the role, hours and experience level and see the price
  • Pay the itemized invoice by card or crypto
  • Your account manager contacts you within one business day, and most assistants are matched within 1 to 3 business days
  • Share access through the vault and give your first tasks

For the bigger picture, read our full guide: Is It Safe to Give a Virtual Assistant Access? Passwords, NDAs, Contracts and HIPAA.

Frequently asked questions

Still unsure? Open the chat and ask an account manager directly.

How to pay a virtual assistant legally as a US business owner?

If you hire through an agency, you simply pay the agency invoice and keep it as a business expense. If you hire a freelancer directly, collect a W-9 (US) or W-8BEN (outside the US) and issue a 1099 where required. Ask your CPA if you are unsure.

How much does a Legal Assistant cost?

Legal Assistant packages start at $320 a month for 20 hours at the Skilled VA level ($16.00 an hour). The price is the same in every state, and bigger packages lower the hourly rate.

How quickly can my assistant start?

Most clients are matched within 1 to 3 business days of payment. Add rush onboarding and we start within 24 hours.

Related guides

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