Let’s be honest—freelancing as a paralegal means wearing all the hats. Researcher? That’s you. Drafting machine? That’s you too. Office manager, deadline keeper, snack curator? Yep—still you. And when something techy breaks? Guess who’s suddenly the IT department?
You are.
But here’s the thing: while you are your own tech support most days, that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Having a trusted IT company in your corner is one of the smartest investments you can make as a freelance paralegal. Seriously—it can save you hours of stress, keep your client data secure, and help you stay up and running without skipping a beat.
You’re Your Own Tech Department… Until You Shouldn’t Be
When your Wi-Fi glitches during a Zoom deposition or a document won’t open five minutes before a deadline, it’s usually on you to figure it out. That’s why having a solid laptop, cloud backups, and some good old-fashioned troubleshooting know-how is essential.
But let’s be real—there’s a limit to what you can (or should) DIY. Having an IT company on standby means you’ve got backup for bigger issues—like email encryption, system crashes, or making sure your security setup is actually doing its job.
Clients Are Counting on You to Keep It Secure
We work with sensitive stuff. When you’re handling contracts, evidence, or confidential client files, there’s no room for guesswork. That’s where strong security—and a pro IT team—comes in.
You can start by using tools like Sync.com for encrypted file storage and 1Password to keep your logins under lock and key. But pairing that with a professional IT provider ensures things like virus protection, firewall settings, and data loss prevention are actually working behind the scenes.
Bonus: It also shows clients that you take their privacy seriously. And that builds trust.
Delays Are Costly, and Tech Can Slow You Down
Tech hiccups? They cost you time. And time is literally money when you’re billing by the hour.
Programs like Clio or MyCase can help keep you organized and on task. But if your system crashes or your software won’t update, having an IT team to call can save your day—and your deadline.
Smart Communication = Happy Clients
From Zoom calls to sending drafts and updates, your tech is how you stay connected. When everything runs smoothly, you look professional, responsive, and dependable.
Tools like Trello, Zoom, and Slack help you keep that flow. But again, if things start glitching, your IT company is your lifeline.
Being Tech-Savvy Is a Competitive Advantage
The best freelance paralegals aren’t just good at the legal work—they’re also easy to work with. And nothing makes you easier to work with than reliable tech.
Even basic tools like DocuSign for e-signatures or Foxit PDF Editor for redactions can set you apart. But when you’ve got the right support behind you—like an IT team who helps with secure logins, system optimization, or remote setups—you level up your entire operation.
Final Thoughts
Being a freelance paralegal means you’re a one-person powerhouse—but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Yes, you’ll always be your own tech department to some degree. But having a reliable IT company behind the scenes? That’s a game-changer.
It’s peace of mind. It’s protection. It’s one less thing to worry about in a day that’s already packed with responsibilities.
So go ahead—be the paralegal rockstar. Just make sure your tech (and your IT team) are backing you up every step of the way.
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