Augusta Virtual Assistants, LLC

Professional Overview

Lisa Kolb is the co-owner of Augusta Virtual Assistants, LLC, which is based in Augusta, GA. Augusta Virtual Assistants are passionate about supporting attorneys and entrepreneurs by utilizing their resources and time more effectively. This allows the business owner to focus on what's important while expanding their business. Augusta Virtual Assistants' key objective is customer satisfaction. They guarantee that your business needs as well as your sensitive information will be handled professionally and confidentially. Lisa has been devoted to successfully running her business in Georgia since 2011.


Prior to founding her company, Lisa served as a licensed Realtor for thirteen years and has worked for several agents as a licensed assistant. She has an excellent work ethic and is very detail-oriented. Lisa possesses the knowledge and expertise needed to work in the real estate field, which puts her in the position to help other agents by increasing their productivity.

Born in Augusta and raised in southeast Georgia, Lisa is married and has three children and four grandchildren. When the businesswoman isn't working, she enjoys riding on horseback, sailing, spending time with her family, and reading. One of her favorite authors is John Maxwell, and she is currently reading Eric Savage's How To Break The Barriers.

Lisa's Successful Business

Why did Lisa decide to establish Augusta Virtual Assistants? While she worked as an assistant to one of the agents in her firm, Lisa discovered a need for individual office assistance by other Realtors. Some of them did not have an office big enough for themselves and an assistant. Others needed help on an occasional basis and not full or part time. Lisa's real estate coach encouraged her to become a VA so she could assist multiple real estate agents at the same time from her own home office. The Augusta Virtual Assistants team includes a paralegal, real estate assistant, graphic designer, accountant, social media manager, event manager and a website designer/online marketer. Lisa currently has ten team members.

How many paralegals work with her? "Right now, just Isabel Mallar."

What is the best part of Lisa's job? "The best part of my job is helping business owners flourish by giving them the assistance they need without having to pay overhead costs like payroll tax, benefits and even office space. We succeed when they succeed. It's a collaborative effort."

Why do you appreciate working for yourself? "I love the flexibility that comes with running my own business. I have the ability to create a schedule for myself that works for my clients and my family."

Lisa discussed what she is known for professionally. "Business owners appreciate my commitment to confidentiality. Intellectual property or information about my clients is handled with the utmost care."

Where does Lisa see herself in five years? She said she would like to expand her company to surrounding major cities such as Atlanta and Savannah, GA, as well as Columbia, SC.

If she weren't running her company, what would she be doing? "I can't imagine doing anything else."

Lisa's Mentor and Mentoring Others, Volunteer Activities, Her Goals and Final Thoughts

Does Lisa have a mentor? Is she a mentor? Lisa's mentor is Martha "Pete" Tanner. Miss Pete is a member of the Augusta Virtual Assistants leadership team along with Lisa's co-owner and daughter, April Green. She considers Miss Pete a mentor because of her experience as a Realtor and coach. Lisa is a mentor to her team members.

Is she involved with any volunteer activities? Lisa volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization, which builds simple, decent, and affordable housing in partnership with people in need. She also volunteers as a crisis counselor at the Augusta Care Pregnancy Center where women in a crisis pregnancy can find resources, counseling and classes on parenting and relationships.

Does Lisa have goals? "Professionally, to expand my business to other cities; Personally, to be debt free in 2014. I also plan to retire near a lake and visit Italy with my husband."

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself professional or personally? "Augusta Virtual Assistants is a full service team of professionals. We specialize in working with businesses to become more successful and productive. Our paralegal enjoys working with attorneys on obtaining discoveries, depositions and a host of other legal assistance. If an attorney doesn't necessarily need an assistant in the office, or could utilize an extra paralegal on a virtual basis for a large case, we may be the right fit."

Virtual Paralegal Isabel Mallar

Isabel Mallar is a virtual paralegal who specializes in personal injury. She has been working for Augusta Virtual Assistants for more than a year. Isabel earned a certificate in paralegal studies and has four years' experience in several law firms in the CSRA, dealing with workers compensation, personal injury, domestic, and criminal cases. She has strong organizational and interpersonal skills and is able to multitask a variety of responsibilities and challenges. Isabel's duties have included preparing, drafting, processing, notarizing, filing, picking-up/delivering essential forms and time-sensitive legal documents. In addition, she is a Spanish court interpreter.

Isabel was born in Philadelphia, PA, and raised in Augusta, GA. She is the oldest of three children. Isabel's oldest brother is a senior at the University of Georgia and her younger brother is a freshman at Georgia Regents University.

When she isn't working, she enjoys martial arts, working out, cooking, and traveling. Isabel is also a salsa dancer instructor and she loves trying all kinds of food. She is a frequent visitor of Jeju Sauna in Duluth. Isabel is currently reading Richard Webster's Spirit Guides & Angel Guardians.

Isabel's Successful Career Path

What is the difference between a virtual paralegal and a traditional paralegal? Isabel explained that a virtual paralegal isn't working in an office for one attorney. "I work for many attorneys and I am not restricted to one location."

Is there a trend towards more virtual paralegals or traditional paralegals? Isabel didn't say there was a trend towards more virtual paralegals, but she acknowledged that virtual paralegals were cost effective and were not bound by one location. She claimed, "An attorney can be in Augusta or Atlanta, but I will always be available." Isabel continued to say that a traditional paralegal works in an office and will meet clients face to face. She noted that whether you are a virtual or traditional paralegal, the work gets done no matter what. Isabel added, "There are multiple paralegals for different reasons. It depends on the need of the attorneys and what their target is. But there is more flexibility with virtual paralegals."

Why did Isabel decide to become a paralegal? "I thought about becoming an attorney, but I didn't want to go to the court room. I applied to become a paralegal and I found it to be rewarding because my clients trust me for the work I do."

Isabel used to handle domestic cases. What is the number one reason why people get a divorce? "Lack of communication will drive couples apart, and some will commit adultery to fill the void they feel with their spouse."

When asked if she transitioned into law, Isabel stated that prior to becoming a paralegal, her first job was at a young age as a data entry clerk for her father's business.

What is the best part of your job? "I am satisfied when the loose ends of a case are tied up and everyone is relieved."

Why does Isabel appreciate working for Lisa Kolb? "Because she is honest and she is easy to communicate with. We also connect well."

What is she know for professionally? She jokingly said for her smile. "I am detailed orientated and I proofread. I also like to organize each case. Attorneys appreciate my work."

How does being bilingual help Isabel as a virtual paralegal? "It helps me incredibly. There are many opportunities to help people who can't speak English. They are not in their own country and they are looking for someone to trust. Their cases would be stagnant if I didn't translate."

What does Isabel think about the virtual paralegal field in Augusta, GA? "It's still booming. It's in the beginning stages. However, virtual paralegals are essential and the field is rapidly increasing."

What would she change about the field? Isabel pointed out that she would like attorneys to utilize more virtual paralegals. "When attorneys leave their offices, traditional paralegals also go home, but not virtual paralegals."

What advice would Isabel give to new and recent paralegals? "Reliability and time management are crucial. Arriving early and properly prioritizing your tasks (as well as always looking professional) says a lot about you."

What is her advice to students who want to become a paralegal? Isabel replied:

"Experience is key. If your schedule permits, it's a good idea to intern at a law firm or seek out a position as a 'runner,' an errand runner basically. Attorneys are constantly under tight deadlines so often they need someone to deliver time sensitive documents to be signed by other attorneys and filed at the court house the same day. Seeing the confidential contents and having first hand experience in the progression of each case will give you a better understanding of the legal process."

Where does Isabel see herself in five years? "Hopefully married with children."

If Isabel were not in this profession, what would she most probably be doing? "I would travel around the world and teach salsa dancing."

Isabel's Mentor and Mentoring Others, Volunteer Activities, A Rewarding Position and Her Goals

Does Isabel have a mentor? Is she a mentor? Isabel's mentor was attorney Christopher J. Hudson. She served as a paralegal for three and a half years for Mr. Hudson. During that time, Isabel specialized in personal injury and workers compensation. She stated, "He was the first attorney I worked for and he helped me get a good feel for the law." Isabel is a mentor for her family and friends.

Is she involved with any volunteer activities? Isabel used to assist a pet organization. "I have a soft spot for animals. We have to be their voice. All they want is to be loved and cared for."

Why does Isabel find her position rewarding? "It permits me to work while I travel and I don't have to ask for time off of work to help take care of my grandparents in Florida when they need me."

Is there a downside to her position? "I get phone calls at 8:00 PM and I have to have my work done by the next day."

What are Isabel's goals? "To travel more and contribute to various organizations."

*** Lisa Kolb and Isabel Mallar are not attorneys and they can't give legal advice. ***