How to Start a Freelance Paralegal Service in Florida
In Florida, freelance paralegals are experienced individuals who attorneys hire to work for them on a case-by-case--or sometimes even a task-by-task--basis. If you have a solid background as a legal assistant, it is not difficult to start a freelance paralegal business in the Sunshine State. After you have established your business, move on to marketing your services directly to attorneys.
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Things You'll Need
- Business license
- Computer with Internet access
- Print marketing materials
- Stamps
Instructions
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Consult a tax or business professional to determine which entity will be best for your new company. Decide what type of legal entity your company will be. If you are a sole paralegal offering your services and don't plan to grow a great deal, then consider operating as a sole proprietor or an LLC. Consult a tax or business professional to determine which entity will be best for your new company.
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Go to the website of Florida Professional and Business Regulation and apply for a new business license. You can do this directly online, and there is a small fee associated with it. Freelance paralegals are not formally regulated in Florida as the state bar expects the attorneys they work for to regulate them. However, any business in the state must have a license.
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Create a simple website that details your paralegal experience, the types of services you will be offering to local attorneys and a list of fees. It's a good idea to include a link to your resume and to a list of lawyers and firms for whom you have worked in the past.
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Design some simple print marketing materials. At the very least, you will need letterhead and business cards with your company name and contact information. Make sure that a link to your website is provided on all your print materials. Design is not as important as clear, concise communication of the services you offer. The overall look of your marketing media should be conservative and formal.
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Join the paralegal section of your state bar association and get involved on a committee. This is an excellent way to market yourself to a wide range of attorneys. Additionally, use the Internet to research attorneys and firms in your area that could use the services that you offer. Send a letter of introduction and a business card to every attorney on your target list.
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Consider running a small advertisement for your freelance paralegal services on the Florida bar website or in a local legal newspaper that serves your community. While you do not want to spend a lot of money advertising your company, it's a good idea to keep your name in front of attorneys on a regular basis.
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Tips & Warnings
To find out the going rate for Florida freelance paralegals, do some research on the Internet. Your rates should be in line with those of established freelance legal assistants.
Freelance paralegals in Florida must be careful not to break any unauthorized practice of law statutes.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit business woman image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com legal pad and mechanical pencil image by alpy7 from Fotolia.com
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TO Florida Paralegal Service.
