Your First 90 Days as a Freelance Paralegal - What to Focus On
So, you finally took the leap and decided to become a freelance paralegal. First of all — congratulations! 🎉 That’s a huge (and brave) step toward building a career on your own terms.
But now what? You’re out of the law firm, you have your laptop, maybe a shiny new home office — and probably a mix of excitement and a whole lot of nerves.
The first 90 days as a freelance paralegal are crucial. This is your foundation phase: a time to set up smart systems, find your first clients, and get comfortable wearing all those new business-owner hats.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what to focus on during those first three months so you can build a strong, successful freelance paralegal business (and avoid feeling completely overwhelmed).
Why the First 90 Days Matter
Your first three months as a freelance paralegal are all about laying the groundwork.
This period will shape your workflows, help you figure out how to market yourself, and give you confidence that you really can do this. It’s easy to get caught up in perfectionism or feel stuck waiting for everything to be “ready” — but taking action is what will set you apart.
Think of these 90 days as your training ground for freedom and flexibility.
Month 1: Set Up Your Business Foundation
✅ Legal and Administrative Setup
Before you start reaching out to clients, make sure your business is set up properly.
Choose your business structure: Many new freelance paralegals start as sole proprietors, but you might also consider forming an LLC for liability protection.
Register your business name: If you’re using a business name other than your own, you’ll likely need to file a DBA ("doing business as").
Get an EIN: This is your Employer Identification Number from the IRS. Even if you don’t have employees, it’s useful for tax purposes and opening a business bank account.
Open a business bank account: This keeps your business and personal finances separate — and makes taxes way easier.
Get professional liability insurance: Protect yourself in case of any claims or disputes.
✅ Create Your Service Menu and Pricing
Decide what services you’ll offer and at what rates. You might choose:
Hourly rates: Common for legal research, drafting, and ongoing support.
Flat fees: Great for discrete projects (like preparing discovery responses or drafting a specific document).
Retainers: Clients pay upfront to reserve a set amount of your time each month.
Research what other freelance paralegals in your area or niche are charging — but don’t undervalue yourself. Remember: you’re not just selling hours, you’re selling expertise and reliability.
✅ Design Your Client Contract
This is non-negotiable. Having a solid contract protects you and sets clear expectations. Your contract should include:
Scope of work
Payment terms and schedule
Deadlines and deliverables
Confidentiality clauses
Termination terms
If you’re not sure where to start, consider working with an attorney to draft or review your template.
Month 2: Build Your Brand and Start Marketing
✅ Build a Simple, Professional Website
You don’t need anything fancy at first. A one-page site can do the trick! Include:
A brief about you and your experience
The services you offer
Who you help (solo attorneys, small firms, corporate legal departments, etc.)
A way to contact you easily (contact form, email, or scheduling link)
Don’t forget to include keywords like "freelance paralegal," "remote paralegal services," and your practice areas to help with SEO.
✅ Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is a goldmine for freelance legal professionals. Update your headline to clearly say you’re a freelance paralegal and list your services.
Post about your transition, share helpful legal tips, or repost articles relevant to your niche to stay visible.
✅ Reach Out to Your Network
It might feel awkward at first, but it’s one of the fastest ways to find clients. Reach out to:
Former colleagues and attorneys you’ve worked with
Law school or paralegal program connections
Friends and family who might know attorneys needing support
You can simply say:
"Hi [Name], I wanted to share some exciting news — I’ve launched my own freelance paralegal business! If you know any attorneys or firms looking for remote support, I’d love to connect."
✅ Join Legal Groups and Associations
Be active in local bar associations, paralegal organizations, and online legal forums. Attend events (even virtual ones), introduce yourself, and start building relationships.
Month 3: Land Your First Clients and Streamline Your Workflow
✅ Pitch and Proposal Practice
Now it’s time to actually pitch yourself! When you find opportunities or referrals, be ready with:
A short, clear description of your services and expertise
A sample proposal or scope of work document
Your polished contract ready to go
Don’t worry if you feel nervous — pitching gets easier with practice.
✅ Onboard Your First Clients
Once you land your first clients, create a smooth onboarding process. This might include:
Sending a welcome email outlining what to expect
Reviewing and signing the contract
Collecting any necessary documents or logins
Scheduling a kickoff call
A good first impression builds trust and sets the tone for a successful relationship.
✅ Set Up Your Systems
As you start working, you’ll quickly learn what systems you need to stay organized.
Key tools to consider:
Time tracking software: Like Toggl or Clockify.
Invoicing and payment tools: Like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or even Wave.
Secure document storage: Google Drive (with security measures), Dropbox, or a legal-specific platform.
Project management tools: Like Trello or Asana to track deadlines and deliverables.
Creating clear processes now saves you headaches later.
✅ Ask for Feedback
After completing a project, ask your client for feedback. This not only helps you improve but also opens the door to testimonials you can use on your website and LinkedIn.
Sample ask:
"I really enjoyed working on this project with you! If you have a moment, I’d love to hear any feedback you have or a short testimonial I can share on my website."
Common Challenges in the First 90 Days (and How to Handle Them)
😅 Feeling Overwhelmed
It’s normal! There’s a lot to learn and do. Break your tasks into small, manageable steps and celebrate each win.
💸 Worrying About Money
You might not have steady income right away, and that’s okay. Keep marketing consistently and remind yourself that building a client base takes time. If possible, have a financial cushion saved to reduce stress.
🙋♀️ Imposter Syndrome
You might question whether you’re “good enough” to go solo. Remember: you already have valuable skills — and now you’re learning new ones as a business owner. Confidence grows with experience.
🤝 Balancing Multiple Roles
From legal work to marketing to bookkeeping — it can feel like you’re wearing 10 hats at once. Focus on the most important things first: serving clients well and marketing consistently.
The Power of Taking Imperfect Action
Here’s a little secret: No one has it all figured out in the beginning.
Your first 90 days aren’t about perfection — they’re about progress. Every proposal you send, every connection you make, every client you serve helps you learn and grow.
Instead of waiting until you feel “ready,” take messy, imperfect action. You’ll be amazed how much clarity comes from simply doing.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Your first 90 days as a freelance paralegal might feel like a whirlwind, but they’re also a time of exciting growth and new possibilities.
Focus on building your foundation, marketing yourself confidently, and delivering great work to your first clients. Before you know it, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come — and wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re serious about making your freelance paralegal dream a reality, I’ve got you covered.
👉 Download my free “First 5 Steps to Start Your Freelance Paralegal Business” guide link here It will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
You’re on your way to building a business that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. And I’m here cheering you on every step of the way! 🎉
