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Paralegal Career Forum
11/16/2007 3:47:22 PM EST
Working at home options for Paralegals

A recent article on Careerbuilder listed paralegal among the top 10 careers for those interested in working out of their home.  For those of you that are home-based paralegals, what are the upsides? Is there a downside to not being in the firm from day to day?


Comments
LisaMeier
Subject: Working at home options for Paralegals
Date Posted: 11/18/2007 12:43:59 PM

In the early 1990's I worked from home as a Paralegal. The attorney was a small solo practitioner specializing in collection actions and personal injury cases. Since then, I've worked primarily in defense litigation with very large firms. The larger firms have never offered the remote or work from home option even where I have shown that productivity is greater without the commute time and office chit-chat that frequently takes everyone away from billable hours.

AaronGershfield
Subject: Working at home options for Paralegals
Date Posted: 3/13/2008 10:31:52 PM

When I was in between jobs last month, I worked from home doing freelance work. For me, the upsides of working at home were being able to keep my own schedule, manage my own workload, and set my own price. The downsides were trying to stay focused and motivated while at home. I am a very social person, so I really missed that aspect of office culture. I am now working for a new Law Firm in Fair Oaks, and I prefer it hands down to working from home. Finding my own clients, having to deal with them directly, and hounding them for payment was often more stressful than it was worth. I am much happier where I am at.

IslandGal
Subject: Working at home options for Paralegals
Date Posted: 4/9/2008 3:49:38 PM

I have been a "contract" paralegal since 1992 and I love it. Thanks to technology, I can take my work where ever I go. I just recently bought a farm in PR and am working from the farm while I am there! The only "downside" if you want to call it that, is being on call 24/7. I have been a paralegal for 27 years and finally I can work from home. I think its great!!

  • Collapse evan625 4/10/2008 10:36:30 AM subject: response to IslandGal
    I have a certficate in Paralegal studies and a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. I have never worked as a Paralegal, I am very interested in Pursuing a P/T career in the Paralegal field. I have worked as a Caseworker and Supervisor for NY City Dept of Social Services for the past 25 years. I have a home based office setup. Any suggestions about the type of Paralegal work that can be done remote. I love paper work. Thanks!
pj
Subject: Working at home options for Paralegals
Date Posted: 4/26/2008 7:40:05 PM

I am very interested in the work at home idea. I have a certificate in paralegal studies program. I live 90 miles due east of dallas, tx. I need to connect with local attorneys and other paralegals that would be interested in or have experience in this type of arrangement.

  • Collapse IslandGal 7/23/2008 10:50:41 AM subject: response to pj
    I started out with a Paralegal Certificate in 1981. In 1992 I decided I would try it on my own. I printed up business cards, got a business license and tradename certificate, and mailed my business cards with a cover letter explaining my background, services offered and benefits of hiring a "contract" paralegal vs. employee. I mailed these to all the attorneys in my area and also put a small ad in the local paper. Walah! I began to get calls...sometimes too many...sometimes not enough..but it all works out. You can somewhat choose your own hours depending on what type of paralegal work you do. I do mostly litigation so am not as flexible as some other areas because of court deadlines etc. Hope this helps!
    • Collapse h.head 12/21/2008 11:13:28 PM subject: response to IslandGal
      IslandGal, did you have any experience as a Paralegal or did you perform any internship after graduating? Many law firms called you? What practice of law were you most interested in? I am interested in Torts and Wills, Trusts, and states because I excelled in these classes. I am in the process of researching how to write letters to law firms to become an intern Paralegal. I would rather work from home because I am a single mom with two girls in school. I like to volunteer at my 6yr. old school 3 times out the week.
    • Collapse RTorres 1/21/2009 11:02:14 AM subject: response to IslandGal
      IslandGal,What information did you put in these business cards and cover letter?
  • Collapse The Prophet Paralegal 12/14/2008 5:32:29 PM subject: response to pj
    My name is Robert Murray and I would like to here more about working at home
wendyohio
Subject: Working at home options for Paralegals
Date Posted: 5/27/2008 8:52:17 PM

Well the upsides to being at home is spending time with your family. Being able to do work around a sick child without having to call off sick, going to the doctor without having to worry about what your missing. I enjoy my job being at home. If you are looking into it you should check out www.LawCrossing.com they have a massive amount of paralegal jobs that is where I found mine. And I am 100% happy.

Felisa
Subject: Working at home options for Paralegals
Date Posted: 9/25/2008 5:45:31 AM

where do you find your attorney when you are working from home as a paralegal.

Indranee Talukder
Subject: Working at home options for Paralegals
Date Posted: 11/14/2008 6:13:32 AM

My name is Indranee Talukder.I wanted to do para legal work from home as i have law degree.can you help me

RTorres
Subject: Working at home options for Paralegals
Date Posted: 1/21/2009 11:14:14 AM

Understanding that the very first tool that I would need is a good cover letter and business cards before I can send out to local firms, what information should I put in the business cards and how do I address why they should opt for a ''contract paralegal''? Any insight is greatly appreciated.

karo25
Subject: Working at home options for Paralegals
Date Posted: 2/3/2009 10:34:05 AM

Hi there:I have just completed an Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies and have a very hard time finding employment. I would appriciate any tips. I work in NYC in a real estate title company but I do not mind starting in a new field as an entry para. Please help.

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