Paralegal Power Blog
A Blog for the Legal Professional
Your time & support are appreciated!
Reading our blog and clicking on the links in our posts make this blog possible.
Know Your Stuff
Probably the biggest question other paralegals ask me aside from consumer law questions would be, “What is it like being a contract paralegal?”
My fellow paralegals are usually intrigued and often interested in switching their statuses to that of a contract paralegal as well. But before you trade your W-2 in for a 1099, make sure you do your research.
I absolutely love what we do and who we serve. I truly do. Having said that, I am going to give it to you straight, I don’t really recommend too many paralegals switch to contract paralegalling.
Most paralegals are attracted to what appears to be a way to make money in your field on your terms and your schedule. However, in reality, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Contract Paralegal Firm
This is our first blog of many about the pros and cons of being a contract paralegal. First of all, if you are going to try this you really have to know your stuff.
You must be able to truly provide a valuable service to your attorney and be an expert in the area of law that you are attempting to venture into as a contract paralegal.
Be Leary Of Those Who Say This Is For Everyone
Now a lot of people will tell you that this is not necessary. But if you expect an attorney to entrust his cases to you on a contract basis, possibly working on them at times that the attorney is not at the same location as you, you better believe that your prospective attorneys are going to expect to see something that shows your services are credible.
But don’t be discouraged. Right now is a GREAT time to be a paralegal. There is more access to paralegal education now than ever. Paralegal Power has you covered. We have created an amazing resource of FREE legal education as well as paid training where you can earn CLE credits.
Keep Your Saw Sharp
Whether you decide to venture out into the crazy world of solo paralegalling or not, continuing your education should always be a part of your life. And it obviously is or you wouldn’t be reading this blog.
Having said that, if you are going to make it as a paralegal-for-hire you are going to need a lot more education than your counterparts working in firms. Larger firms have the support of a larger team with varied experience, an arsenal of old pleadings for you to reference, and much more.
You won’t have this on your own, yet you will be expected to perform at the same level, if not better.
Legal Education On Your Dime
You will also be solely responsible for the cost of this education. Additionally, your time to further your education will be another investment that you must factor into the costs of doing business as a contract paralegal.
Most paralegals see contract paralegalling as a way to have more control over their schedule and a way to maximize their pay. However, I still would not recommend going at it alone.
Use Your Paralegal Power Wisely
Especially since we have established:
- Paralegal Power Company
- the Paralegal Power Blog
- Free Resources
- Free Legal Education
- Paralegal Power Academy AND
- A Business Formation Package that will get your paralegal firm legally formed within 24 hours.
Consider Joining Us
If you want to have more autonomy in your position without all the work of creating your own paralegal firm, try applying to join our paralegal firm. We provide support and education to our staff of qualified paralegals and respect them as individuals.
We are always looking for bright, self-motivated, passionate paralegals to join our paralegal firm. If this sounds like something you are interested in, contact us.
You Are Paralegal Powerful
But if you know you have what it takes to run your own amazing, successful paralegal firm, you have Paralegal Power on your side! Scroll down to find our other blogs on operating a contract paralegal business.
That means you qualify for the 10% Friend of the Firm Discount on all of our business formation packages.
Lorman Offers All This Professional, Accessible Paralegal Education And So Much More
Every blog post you read and link you click on in our blog keeps the paralegal power on.
Check out our previous blogs.
If you enjoyed this blog post, you might like these ones as well.
About the Author
Valentina Zapata Harris
Mother | Advocate | Blogger