The Freelance Paralegal.

Started in the 1960s, the paralegal profession is made up of people who have undergone specialized training in the field of law to provide assistance to lawyers. Over time, some paralegals wanted to work on an as-needed basis for a variety of attorneys, rather than just one lawyer. Thus, the freelance paralegal profession was born, and it has been popular ever since.

Different Types of Freelance Paralegals 

This type of job is characterized by various structures. For example, one may own a paralegal business and contract out relevant services to law firms, corporations, and the government. Some professionals, each of whom specialize in a different area of the law, may partner to form a business. Others will retain their day jobs and occasionally provide services to other lawyers.

There are employment agencies that specialize in placing these professionals in law firms for a defined period of time or on a project basis. The freelance paralegal is employed by the placement firm and may work for several different law firms or lawyers over the course of a year. This is a great way for undecided professionals to discover the area of law that they most enjoy.

Document Preparer

This person performs responsibilities without oversight from an attorney. The duties tend to be more clerical in nature, and the end result is delivered directly to the consumer. The responsibility of a form practitioner is very different and usually is not regarded as involving the same level of legal knowledge.

Things to Consider

There are business, tax, and additional legal guidelines that pertain to someone who works within the profession on a contract basis. In some situations, a freelance paralegal will be classified as an independent contractor, and thus be required to pay federal, state, and local employment taxes. Therefore, it is important that you consult with a tax professional prior to entering this line of work in order to get a full picture of the financial aspects.

Flexibility

Those who engage in freelance paralegal work often do so because of the flexibility it offers in terms of hours. They can schedule their work around family responsibilities or even another job. As well, some find great satisfaction in being their own boss and having the freedom to determine the type of projects they take on. There are many possibilities when it comes to being a freelance paralegal, and it can identify a career in an area of law that was previously not considered.

Freelance paralegal work can be quite rewarding, both financially and professionally. The individual may be a business owner or partner or may work for someone else. The type of work ranges from broad to very specialized, and the number of assignments within a given period can vary widely. The common thread is the ability to incorporate flexibility into an otherwise regimented occupation.