How to Do Paralegal Work From Home

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By Andrew Skinner
eHow Contributing Writer

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While most paralegals work in an office with attorneys and other paralegals, you may be able to do paralegal work from home. Depending on your educational background, contacts in the legal field and willingness to market yourself in order to maintain a steady client base, there are opportunities to perform paralegal work from your home office. If new to the paralegal field, you may find it more difficult to find these opportunities than you would if you had more experience.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Do Paralegal Work From Home

Step 1

Complete coursework in paralegal studies. Look for paralegal programs that are approved by the ABA (American Bar Association). Most paralegal programs require that you have a bachelor's degree upon entering the program.
Step 2

Complete an internship with a local attorney. This may lead to a permanent, work-from-home position.
Step 3

Contact local attorney and government offices to see who's hiring. You may have to work in the office first before you will be allowed to work from home.
Step 4

Become a freelance/contract paralegal. Market your services to attorneys, government agencies and paralegal staffing services.
Step 5

Gain experience in different areas of the law. This will allow you to market your services to different types of attorneys.

Tips & Warnings

Be flexible with your time. Some lawyers may require you to attend weekly briefings or work in the office a few days during the week. Others will expect to be able to reach you during business hours if you work from home. Draw up an employment contract that includes your preferred method of payment. Some paralegals bill by the hour, while others offer a flat fee for their services.