We all know lawyers work within a structure, more so, on-one interaction add different dimensions to a legal environment. But now, technologically advanced many legal professionals can work from home.
So the question here is, can paralegals work from home?
Remote paralegal positions let you be able to put your feet up, which is made possible through online paralegal classes and special case management software. It goes to show that there is a way to carry out legal jobs without physically going to the office.
The pandemic has prompted many professionals in the legal sector, such as law clerks, legal assistants, and paralegals, to consider telecommuting as an option. With advancements in technology as well as virtual tools, it is slowly becoming possible.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about paralegals.
Content
- 1 Can Paralegals Work From Home?
- 2 What Do You Need To Work From Home As A Paralegal?
- 3 What Advantages Come with Being a Virtual Paralegal?
- 4 FAQs
- 4.1 Do I Require Certain Qualifications To Become A Virtual Paralegal?
- 4.2 Whatโs The Main Difference Between A Virtual Paralegal And A Paralegal?
- 4.3 How Do I Contact My Team Work As A Virtual Paralegal?
- 4.4 Will I Have A Stunted Career Progression If I Decided To Work Remotely?
- 4.5 What Remote Para Legal Positions Are Available?
- 5 Conclusion
Can Paralegals Work From Home?
Itโs a yes! Para labels can work from home. A legal assistant performs a variety of duties in a law office, including compiling case documents necessary for filing and carrying out legal research. Some firms however prefer paralegals to be in the office because of such duties. However, with COVID-19, there has been in practice a wide range of changes. Now numerous law firms support the concept of paralegals being employed from home.
This is great if you want to be a paralegal and can work from your house. But even if you are telecommuting, thereโs still a chance youโll have to go to the office to meet with clients or do some tasks at the court.
But that hardly happens with the people working from home. It is essential to know this while seeking for a remote job. Make it clear to yourself what your responsibilities are likely to be as soon as you are employed in a remote position in a law practice.
Experience of being a Remote Paralegal
A virtual paralegal has the same roles and responsibilities as an office paralegal but the difference is he/she works from their home or any other place. Some virtual paralegals are self-employed and operate freelancing businesses of their own. So what do they do, and how does one become one?
You are basically doing the same thing but there is no workplace to commute to. Here, the authority figures who can monitor your work, usually lawyers, are not in the same room as you. Your work entails reviewing case files, researching cases, drafting legal documents, and communicating with customers.
The primary distinction is that one does so over the internet featuring various online tools, looking if it is essential to meet face to face or if a video call is going to be enough. This provides you some degree of convenience but self-discipline, excellent time management, and organizational skills are non-negotiable.
Realistically speaking it can be challenging at times particularly if you tend to lose focus easily, but many remote employees appreciate the flexibility it affords them.
What Do You Need To Work From Home As A Paralegal?
Family lawyers and paralegals are navigating through the work-from-home model. There are cloud applications that help firms create, control and effortlessly communicate legal documents with each other. It enables working relationships that are quite effective. Becoming a paralegal with such opportunities allows the employees to have a smoother transition into dealing with work hours that are reduced.

Retired individuals or housewives looking for employment can appreciate the fact that paralegals can work independently. There are courses that are offered to those wishing to become paralegals allowing them to manage their schedules. Such opportunities allow them to prepare for the lucrative paralegal positions that are available, which provide good compensation for working from home.
Let us dive into the things that are needed to work at home as a paralegal:
Dedicated Work Space
Other than that, it is a good idea to have a space in your house where only work is done. This is to ensure that you can conduct business meetings with clients and store important documents in a safe way. You certainly do not want your pet to be chewing and your toddler sitting and scribbling on those documents!
Safe Place for Documents
While a lot may be done digitally, there are still certain instances when you will have to print something, such as important documents. Furthermore, you do not want private information to be compromised. So, when you have to print, ensure you are placing the papers inside a locked cabinet or drawer. You do have to remember for future use.
Good Internet Connection
Letโs move on to the internet. A reliable and robust connection is a must for you to get your job done efficiently and promptly. Thereโs nothing worse than losing an internet connection when on call for important business discussions as it can be quite irritating to the customer and unprofessional to you.
Ensure that your connection is reliable for the tasks at hand. If itโs possible, try and connect the device with a wired connection rather than using wireless connectivity as itโs more dependable. In case it is not possible, check if the wireless connection is enough for your requirements. Sometimes, a Wi-Fi booster can help.
Getting Ready for Online Meetings
Set everything in order prior to the online meeting, it always helps. You would prefer not to be rushing to adjust your internet or look for a better location to make the call. Try out your equipment, have a look at your background, and check your connection. This way you will not only look the part, but also your meeting will go on without a hitch.
What Advantages Come with Being a Virtual Paralegal?
There are many good things when you decide to become a virtual paralegal, not only for you but for your clientele as well. Here are some of the notable advantages:

Lower Costs
As an employee of a large law firm, you donโt have to spend as much on overworking because hiring someone else who does work in their firm would require them to provide a high-cost assurance. There is no need for stuff like insurance and getting desks for everyone. They also do not have to provide you with any form of pension contributions or deduct tax from any of your payments.
You will have to find your own private medical coverage but itโs much easier and much less expensive than ever before because the Affordable Care Act is in place. When working as a self-employed person you can write off several expenses such as home offices that would save you some money on your taxes.
More Work
Several law offices and lawyers prefer outsourcing specific non-core tasks like completing some legal documents or exercising discretion to people like you. In this arrangement, the lawyer and his firm can save quite a bit of money as it would have cost less to have someone literally working from home than employing someone in the office full-time on payroll with full-course benefits.
Flexibility
The primary reason why people opt to be virtual paralegals is they have the freedom to decide on their working hours. If you have children or other commitments, this job will free up more of your time for such commitments.
Lawyers indeed tend to be flexible too. In some instances they only require some legal assistance for a short duration of time, therefore if they wish to hire you, they can do so on an occasional basis as it is not a compulsory requirement. This is effective for them in allocating time.
Earning More
As a virtual paralegal, you probably will be able to charge more than when you held office in a law firm. There are several expenses that the clients incur such as parking fees or buying of supplies which are no longer applicable so, in turn, the clients can reimburse you for any work-related expenses incurred.
Most virtual paralegals charge fees for their service before commencing employment. This means that for every new client that comes in, there is an opportunity to make more money because the clients are likely to pay more than the clients before them.
FAQs
Do I Require Certain Qualifications To Become A Virtual Paralegal?
No, a single certificate is not mandatory; however, most employers prefer you have either a paralegal certificate or a two-year degree in paralegal studies. You should also possess adequate skills in legal research and writing as well as good communication skills. It is also necessary to have some knowledge of legal practice management software as well as practical experience in the field you wish to practice.
Whatโs The Main Difference Between A Virtual Paralegal And A Paralegal?
The main difference is the place of work. Whereas, virtual paralegals, work from their homes and communicate with their teams virtually. Regular paralegals on the other hand work in law firms with other paralegals the major difference is that they do not work alone but as a team. In order to perform these aspects effectively, self-discipline and time management will be needed.
How Do I Contact My Team Work As A Virtual Paralegal?
Even though you are staying at home, you can remain connected with your colleagues through video calls, messaging, and other online collaboration tools. You can also register for webinars or subscribe to some legal hierarchies to stay active while working.
Will I Have A Stunted Career Progression If I Decided To Work Remotely?
Not at all! Numerous sources provide effective training for virtual paralegals which include; webinars, online classes, and training sessions. Also, seeking counsel from virtual paralegals or paralegal lawyers practicing for years will be helpful.
What Remote Para Legal Positions Are Available?
There are a lot of places where one can find remote paralegal job opportunities. For instance, Indeed, FlexJobs, LawJobs.com, Legal professionals on LinkedIn, Cheking websites of law firms, etc. For instance, Indeed, FlexJobs, LawJobs.com, Connecting with legal professionals on LinkedIn, Cheking websites of law firms, etc.
Conclusion
Yes, paralegals can work from home! A job as a paralegal working virtually allows one to enjoy a flexible lifestyle, have a healthy work-life balance and still engage in fun-filled legal activities. If you possess the skills needed and can operate a home office, becoming a virtual paralegal is a great option.