As a professional paralegal, I do anything an attorney does except what is specifically prohibited by law: I do not provide legal advice, sign legal documents, or appear in court (although, with regard to court appearance, times are changing and paralegals are beginning to be allowed to appear in some venues). With these exceptions, I participate in the full range of legal actions typically involved in managing a case from inception to close.

EDUCATION | I hold a BA Degree from the University of California. I studied Fine Arts and Psychology. Since graduation, I have taken courses in Marketing, Literature, History, and Law at UC and California Western School of Law. I hold a Paralegal Certificate with Honors from the University of San Diego, an ABA-accredited program.

HOW TO GET STARTED | I recommend first earning a BA Degree from an accredited college or university. The practice in research, structured thought, and effective writing associated with college study is excellent support for effective work in this field. For those lacking specific prior law office experience, you must search for a firm willing to train, usually a smaller firm or solo practice. You should obtain your paralegal certificate from an accredited program at some time during or before your first law office job. Some firms require the certificate as a condition of consideration for a position.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | First, you must desire independence, and want to create your own structure of success. Then, to realize your dream, you must be energetic, enthusiastic, disciplined and structured, outgoing and empathetic. You must be able to snap back from disappointment, and deal creatively with all the uncertainty involved in building and maintaining a client base. You will stay calm and focused in the face of unpredictability. Above all, since you are in a service business, you must be willing to tie your success in part to helping others achieve their goals as legal professionals.

how I got started | Prior to entering law, I had significant office administrative experience. This proved useful when I contacted a small law firm that wanted to hire a legal assistant, and was willing to train someone without specific law office experience.While employed there, I obtained a Paralegal Certificate from the University of San Diego. Then I decided that I wanted to risk being on my own, so I started Paralegal Associates in order to provide independent professional support nationwide.

why this job?| Life in my profession is active and exciting. I may be in a local attorney's office this morning after an early conference call with one of my East Coast clients. In the afternoon, I may respond to another client's request for support on an issue that just came up, while preparing documents for another out-of-town client with a local case. In the evening, I might respond to a request for an article on "virtual", paralegal challenges, or write a blog post. Also, there is the daily need to respond to relevant Twitter comments and E-mails of interest.

why I love this job!| Each day offers fresh challenges and opportunities.  Nothing becomes "stale" or routine in the life of a contract paralegal with national clientele.

my typical day| I'm up early to check messages and make any necessary East Coast contacts. I review the daily calendar. I'll then make local contacts and office visits as my schedule dictates. Later in the day, I'll work on projects for electronic transmission to clients. Then I respond to late messages, work on things I may be preparing to publish, and transmit marketing pieces advertising my company's services. My day is busy and interesting.

what they are | As an independent contractor, I have full responsibility for my success. Nobody pays me to be at an office in case there is work to do; nobody buys my so-called "health insurance" or contributes to a savings plan. This means I have to manage the flow of work, and maintain a client base sufficient for success. Projects ebb and flow. So time management and strong calendaring are required to ensure that work gets done and client satisfaction maintained. I must also make new contacts so I can maintain a group of prospective clients offering new business. Another key challenge is to maintain professional knowledge.  This requires continuing education in the law, staying abreast of changes that impact professional competence, and keeping up with developments in technology that may enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

all about growth | A professional paralegal career offers growth potential for those willing to obtain education and training. Since a paralegal can do much of what an attorney does, there is significant scope for increased responsibility as one's knowledge and experience increases. Experienced paralegals often manage cases front to back. For those willing to risk independence, the move from employee to contractor can be quite satisfying as the business prospers and grows. Of course, an obvious career step is to become an attorney. My ambition is to build my virtual paralegal business into a long-term success. I also want to go to law school and build a solo legal practice.

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