Definition:
A person that performs professional administrative services to lawyers and law firms.
Revenue Range:
$50,000 to $75,000 per year
Education and Training Required:
Minimum of 60 hours of coursework. A two year degree. With a bachelor's degree or higher, your chances of success are greater. Experience and superior organizational skills, a service oriented mindset and a verifiable track record.
Equipment Required:
Office equipment and furniture, legal software, computer printer, office supplies and stationery.
Information on Business:
Basics:
As an independent paralegal you will be helping busy lawyers and law firms that cannot handle all of the specialized admistrative tasks on their own. The support you provide will allow your clients to devote their time and energy into representing their clients while at the same time transferring those savings to their clients.
To Get Started:
You should begin by specializing in a segment of law such as litigation or real estate, you can do this by working temporarily in that segment until you become thoroughly familiar with it and have built track record. You should then network with professionals in the field, advertise in the yellow pages, and become a member of related associations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the American Bar Association (ABA). There will be times when you will be pressed to get things done right away, be prepared for that. Your organizational skills will help greatly with meeting tight deadlines. You service oriented attitude will help you find out the necessary details that are not so obvious in your assignments. You should be able to charge $50 to $70 per hour.
Tips:
This business can be run from home, even though there is much travel to your clients offices. This is an opportunity for people with disabilities. You should not required any assistance unless the business grows. For additional information related to this business do a search for the National Association of Legal Assistants, the American Bar Association and, independent paralegal businesses.
