"[So] if you're considering using BELAY, it's because you have a need – no shame in needing help; most people do. And if you feel like you could benefit from virtual assistance, make sure you maximize your chances for success. Don't try to hire someone yourself; rely on experts that will make sure you get the right person!"
— Ernie Svenson, Commercial Litigator / Attorney
The Challenge
Ernie Svenson spent 15 years as a commercial litigator at a large New Orleans law firm before striking out on his own to found The Paperless Chase — a lean, paperless practice designed to run with maximum efficiency. For a while, it worked beautifully. Then the weight of small but relentless administrative tasks began to erode the independence he had worked so hard to build.
Despite his streamlined systems, Ernie found himself constantly pulled away from the high-value legal work that demanded his full attention. Every petty task that crept onto his plate wasn't just a time cost — it was a source of genuine frustration, chipping away at his productivity and focus.
He had considered hiring a virtual assistant before, but past experiences gave him pause. He worried about finding someone truly capable, about getting the working relationship off on the right footing, and about repeating mistakes he had already made. He hadn't had great success with other VAs, so he had a lot of apprehensions.
The Solution
Through BELAY, Ernie was matched with Jheri, a virtual assistant whose skills and professionalism quickly put his concerns to rest. The onboarding process — something he had quietly dreaded — went far more smoothly than he expected, and Jheri hit the ground running.
With Jheri managing the smaller but nevertheless important tasks that had once hijacked his schedule, Ernie found himself with the mental bandwidth to focus on work that truly required his expertise. But what stood out most was Jheri's proactive approach — she didn't wait to be told what needed doing.
"Jheri has been a godsend. She's smart, resourceful, and proactive."
Ernie grew to trust Jheri so thoroughly that he now relies on her judgment even more than his own for the tasks she handles. And the support didn't stop at the match — months into the engagement, his BELAY relationship manager continues to check in, ensuring everything is going well.
"Jheri has been a godsend. She's smart, resourceful, and proactive."
— Ernie Svenson, Commercial Litigator / AttorneyThe Impact
The transformation in Ernie's work life has been significant. He admits to being astonished at how much more work he is able to accomplish — and how much more enjoyable the work has become now that he isn't bogged down by tasks that belong off his plate.
The path wasn't without its challenges. Finding the right fit took effort, and Ernie is candid about that. But BELAY's commitment to his success meant the team did whatever it took to make sure he had the right support in place — and that persistence paid off.
"[So] if you're considering using BELAY, it's because you have a need – no shame in needing help; most people do. And if you feel like you could benefit from virtual assistance, make sure you maximize your chances for success. Don't try to hire someone yourself; rely on experts that will make sure you get the right person!"
For Ernie, working with BELAY didn't just solve a productivity problem — it restored the sense of freedom and momentum that led him to build The Paperless Chase in the first place.