So you’ve developed a “why”. Why not go freelance? why am I doing this still? why am I not making more money? Whatever your “Why” is, it has brought you to a feeling of “Why not” try something different. Being a paralegal is not easy. To say, deciding to go the unconventional way of freelance adds another level of difficulty to your paralegal career but believe me, it is all worth it.

While i hear different whys for different people, the main reason remains the same. The desire for change in one way, shape or form is stronger then staying in the position they are at. Deciding to go Freelance requires more business knowledge on top of your legal knowledge so keep that mind when you start. So here are 5 steps to start your freelance paralegal career.

1. Decide: Make the decision. It’s not easy like i said but if you want it enough you follow your dream and not give up. I find alot of paralegals stay on the fence of wanting to be inhouse and going freelance. You can do both but know it will be taxing and sometimes requires a lot from you. Remember you are one person. If you have decided to commit to a career as a freelance paralegal, take it serious.
2. Create your business: Now that’s you’ve made the decision and want to commit to a freelance paralegal career, it’s time to create your business. Remember, you are now your business. When you worked in house for a lawyer you worked under their name and protection. Going freelance now means you are the business and there should decided if you are an LLC, Inc., Sole Proprietor etc. Once that decision is made register your business in your state. You can find the steps for this by going to your state’s secretary of state website and they will give you instructions. Or ask your legal friends to assist. Going freelance does not mean you can not speak with your attorney friends and ask them to assist you on your join.
3. Be Equip: Please take this seriously. Being equipped with the right technology and programs is very important. Once you have decided where you will be conducting your business, whether it be at home, on the go or at a office, make sure you have the equipment needed. This includes a computer, monitor(s), strong wifi, a scanner, printer, adobe, WORD, paper, stapler etc. A major part of being freelance is being able to operate virtually. Being hardwired is always best because having a strong connection is a must. Working off of wifi is ok as long as it works for you. Having access to IT is always a bonus. You don’t always have the bandwidth to figure everything out and having an IT Company that you can call and they can assist swiftly is plus.
4. Obtain clients: Now it’s time to get out there and market yourself and your business. Attend legal events, join paralegal associations, and leverage LinkedIn to connect with attorneys who may need your services, create valuable content. showcasing your knowledge can help you draw in clients.
5. Grow your knowledge: Freelance paralegaling isn’t just a job; it’s a continuous learning process. Stay ahead by taking continuing education courses. Keep your skills sharp and your certifications up-to-date. You can also seek feedback from other’s in the field. Don’t shy away from asking clients for reviews or constructive criticism to improve your services. As your business grows, you might diversify your offerings, such as providing training for other paralegals or branching into legal consulting.