Can a Legal Assistant Work Remotely? What You Need to Know

Many people, especially those with busy schedules, seek more job flexibility. If you consider becoming a legal assistant, you might wonder whether you can work from home. The good news is that working at home as a legal assistant is an option, but there are critical things to remember. 

Law firms and businesses still need organized and qualified employees, even if they are online-based. Understanding the downsides and benefits of working at home can allow you to decide whether it is best for you. Read on to discover what it takes to succeed as a legal assistant working at home!

What is the Role of a Legal Assistant?

Legal assistants play an essential role in the smooth running of a law firm by keeping the lawyers organized and on schedule. Their responsibilities involve:

• Preparing legal documents such as contracts, affidavits, and pleadings.
• Researching laws, regulations, and case precedents.
• Scheduling, appointments, and court filings management.
• Communicate with clients and other legal representatives.

Where many of these tasks were traditionally required within the office, technology can now enable legal assistants to perform most of their duties outside the office.

Can Legal Assistants Work Remotely?

The answer is yes; legal assistants can work from home, which is becoming increasingly common. Documents, research, and communication can be prepared from any available internet access.

Upwork, the world’s most significant work marketplace, released its second 2020 Future Workforce Pulse Report, which surveyed over 1,000 U.S. hiring managers. The report determined that by 2025, 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely—an 87% increase from pre-pandemic levels. Remote and hybrid work models are becoming more common in most industries, including legal services, as businesses continue to address changing workforce trends.

As telecommuting becomes more common, legal assistants have more opportunities than ever to build home-based careers. Staying aware of these trends can help you adapt to this evolving job market and make successful career choices.

What Tools are Used by the Remote Legal Assistants?

There are specific tools and software that a legal assistant uses to help effectively work from home or any other remote location. These include:

• Document Management Systems: Tools like Clio or Google Drive help organize and share files securely.
• Legal Research Databases: Westlaw and LexisNexis provide access to case law and statutes.
• Time and Billing Software: Tools like TimeSolv track billable hours for client invoicing.
• Video Conferencing: Virtual meetings are a piece of cake with platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
• Security of Communication Tools: Information is kept secure by using email encryption and client portals.

Knowing how to utilize these tools will make you a proficient candidate for any remote legal assistant job.

Advantages of Working at Home as a Legal Assistant

Working as a legal assistant from home comes with several advantages, including:

• Flexibility: It allows you to make a work schedule to balance with your personal life.
• Work-Life Balance: Working from home saves commuting time, which can be utilized for family and hobbies.
• Broader Scope of Job Opportunities: You can work for law firms even out of your location, thus opening up more avenues.
• Cost Savings: Saves money on transportation, meals, and work attire while staying home.

Working remotely is a very alluring niche career with prospects for new legal assistants.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While remote work has many benefits, it also comes with challenges. Here’s how to address them:

• Organization: With digital calendars and task management apps, stay on top of deadlines.
• Communication: This means keeping your team and clients current to the status so all are on the same page.
• Privacy: Follow best practices in handling sensitive legal information from secure networks and using secure tools.
• Distractions: Eliminate them by setting up a dedicated workspace for focusing and being productive.

You can be a successful virtual legal assistant if you are prepared for these challenges.

Ready to Start Your Career as a Legal Assistant?

If you’re excited about the flexibility and opportunities of remote work as a legal assistant, Northwest Career College has got you covered. Our Legal Assistant Program is a student-oriented, flexible program with a blended online model, offering one on-campus class per week. You’ll receive practical training from working legal professionals and can graduate in as little as nine months.
With financial aid available and career opportunities in law firms, government agencies, and corporate law offices, the time to start is now. Visit our website today to learn more and take the first step toward your career in law!