Step-by-Step Guide to Outsourcing Remote Paralegals

Let’s talk about something every entrepreneurial lawyer knows all too well: the grind. Whether you’re drafting briefs, meeting with clients, or prepping for court, running a small or solo practice often feels like a juggling act. You’re managing every aspect of your firm—legal work, admin tasks, client communication—while still trying to grow your business.

Running a law firm means you’re always spinning plates—balancing client needs, case deadlines, and the never-ending stream of admin tasks. If you’re a small or solo practice, it can feel impossible to get everything done without burning out. That’s where outsourcing comes in.

But wait—what exactly do we mean by outsourcing?

Outsourcing is about delegating specific tasks or roles to skilled professionals who work remotely, often through a staffing partner like us. At Find Staff, we specialize in connecting law firms with remote paralegals who handle everything from drafting documents to managing client communication.

Outsourcing isn’t just about saving money (though it does that, too). It’s about working smarter—building a team that supports your practice without adding overhead or unnecessary complexity.

And, we get it. Robyn, one of our co-founders, grew up surrounded by lawyers. Her dad was a rockstar attorney who transitioned from ADA to running his own criminal defense practice. She saw firsthand the late nights, the budget constraints, and the constant hustle to build a successful firm. And looking back, she knows he could have used a remote paralegal to lighten the load, save money, and free up time to focus on what mattered most: serving his clients.

If you’ve ever wished for an extra pair of (highly skilled) hands, outsourcing a remote paralegal could be the game-changer your practice needs. Here’s everything you need to know to get started, without the legalese or buzzwords.

What’s an EOR, and Why Does It Matter?

If you’ve never heard of an Employer of Record (EOR), here’s the gist: an EOR is a third-party company that legally employs workers on your behalf. Think of it as hiring without the hassle—we handle payroll, compliance, and taxes so you don’t have to navigate the legal maze of employing someone directly.

Here’s how Find Staff takes the EOR model to the next level:

1. We Do the Recruiting for You: Unlike a traditional EOR, where you find the talent, we source, screen, and present you with highly qualified candidates.
2. End-to-End Support: From recruitment to onboarding to payroll, we’ve got you covered.
3. Top-Tier Talent: Our reputation as a fair and reliable employer attracts 500+ applications per job posting, so you get access to the best paralegals in the business.
4. Client-Centric Approach: We’re small business owners, too, and we built this company with your unique challenges in mind. We don’t just provide a service—we partner with you every step of the way.

Why Outsource Remote Paralegals?

We’ll be honest: outsourcing can feel like a leap of faith. You’re used to keeping everything in-house, maybe even local, because it’s what you know. But remote paralegals aren’t just a cost-saving strategy—they’re a smart way to streamline your practice without sacrificing quality. Outsourcing a remote paralegal is like adding a superpower to your practice. It saves you time, reduces costs, and gives you access to a talent pool you wouldn’t have locally. Plus, it frees you up to focus on the parts of your job that truly matter—like strategizing for clients or growing your

Here’s why outsourcing remote paralegals is a game-changer:

• Save Money: Remote paralegals typically cost 30-50% less than hiring in-house.
• Scalability: Need more support during a busy season? Scale up without the commitment of full-time hires.
• Access Top Talent: Tap into a global pool of experienced paralegals with specialized skills in areas like litigation, real estate law, or corporate filings.
• Specialized Skills: Access paralegals with expertise in your practice area, from real estate law to intellectual property.
• Free Up Time: Offload routine tasks and focus on the big-picture work that grows your practice.

And with Find Staff, you’re not just outsourcing tasks—you’re adding vetted professionals who feel like an extension of your team.

Step 1: Assess Your Needs

Before diving in, take a step back and figure out where you need help the most.

Ask Yourself:

• What’s eating up my time? (Think: document prep, legal research, or managing client inquiries.)
• Do I need someone with expertise in a specific area of law?
• Is this an ongoing need, or do I just need short-term project support?
• How much time will I realistically need them—20 hours a week or full-time?

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t wait until you’re completely overwhelmed. Bringing on a remote paralegal early can prevent burnout and set your firm up for long-term success.

Step 2: Find the Right Partner

Hiring a remote paralegal shouldn’t be another full-time job. That’s where we come in. At Find Staff, we handle the heavy lifting—from sourcing candidates to managing payroll and compliance—so you can focus on your clients.

What to Look for in a Staffing Partner:

• Experience with Law Firms: You want a partner who understands the unique needs of the legal industry.
• Vetted Talent: Look for a rigorous screening process to ensure you’re only working with top-notch professionals.
• End-to-End Support: Bonus points if they manage payroll, taxes, and onboarding for you.

💡 Why Choose Find Staff? Our talent pool is unmatched, with 500+ applications per job posting. We vet every candidate so you get the cream of the crop.

Step 3: Prep for Remote Work

If you’re new to working with remote team members, don’t worry—it’s easier than you think.

What You’ll Need:

• Cloud-Based Legal Tools: Platforms like Clio or LexisNexis for secure collaboration.
• Communication Channels: Tools like Slack or Zoom for regular check-ins.
• Data Security: Encryption, secure file-sharing systems, and confidentiality agreements to keep client information safe.

💡 Real Talk: We’ll help you set up the right systems so you and your remote paralegal can hit the ground running.

Step 4: Review and Interview Candidates

This is where the magic happens. We’ll present you with a shortlist of highly qualified candidates, and you’ll choose the one that fits your firm best.

What to Look for:

• Relevant Experience: Do they have expertise in your area of law?
• Strong Communication: Can they clearly and professionally interact with clients and colleagues?
• Proactive Mindset: Are they resourceful and quick to learn your processes?

💡 Pro Tip: Ask for a sample work product or conduct a quick skills test, like reviewing a case file or drafting a simple motion.

Step 5: Onboard Like a Pro

Onboarding is your chance to set the tone for a productive working relationship.

How to Do It Right:

• Introduce them to your team and explain your workflows.
• Provide access to tools, documents, and any training materials they’ll need.
• Set clear expectations for communication, deadlines, and deliverables.

💡 Pro Tip: Schedule regular check-ins during their first month to make sure everything’s running smoothly.

Step 6: Reap the Benefits

With a skilled remote paralegal on your team, you’ll start noticing the difference right away:

• Faster turnaround on case prep and filings.
• More time to focus on client relationships and strategy.
• Significant cost savings compared to hiring in-house.

💡 Example: One of our clients, a small family law practice, reduced their overhead by 40% by outsourcing document prep and client communication to a remote paralegal.

Why Choose Find Staff?

We get it—outsourcing is a big decision. But at Find Staff, we make it easy by combining personalized service with a deep understanding of small business challenges.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Built by Small Business Owners: We’ve faced the same hiring headaches you have, and we built Find Staff to solve them.
• Top Talent Guaranteed: Our candidates include paralegals with advanced degrees, years of experience, and certifications in legal software.
• Full-Service Support: From recruitment to payroll, we handle it all so you don’t have to.

FAQs About Outsourcing Remote Paralegals

1. What tasks can a remote paralegal handle?

Legal research, document drafting, e-discovery, case management, client communication—you name it.

2. How much can I save?

Most firms save 30-50% on staffing costs by outsourcing to regions like the Philippines or Serbia.

3. What about confidentiality?

We enforce strict NDAs and use secure systems to protect sensitive client data.

4. How do I know if a remote paralegal is the right fit for my firm?

A remote paralegal is a great fit if you’re looking to reduce costs, streamline routine tasks, or access specialized skills. To ensure compatibility, define your needs upfront, review their qualifications, and conduct a skills-based interview. Clear communication and expectations will also help them integrate seamlessly into your workflow.

5. What legal tasks can remote paralegals handle?

Remote paralegals can assist with:

• Drafting legal documents (motions, contracts, affidavits)
• Legal research and case law analysis
• E-discovery and document review
• Managing court filings and deadlines
• Client intake and communication
• Maintaining case files and organization

They can also specialize in specific areas like family law, corporate law, real estate law, or intellectual property.

6. How do I manage and communicate with a remote paralegal?

Managing remote paralegals is straightforward with the right tools and processes:

• Use project management tools like Trello or Asana for task tracking.
• Hold weekly check-ins via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
• Leverage secure, cloud-based systems like Clio or LexisNexis for collaboration.
• Set clear deadlines and communicate expectations upfront.

Regular feedback and touchpoints will ensure smooth collaboration.

7. Is outsourcing remote paralegals secure?

Yes, outsourcing can be secure if you take proper precautions:

• Work with a reputable staffing partner that enforces strict confidentiality agreements and NDAs.
• Use encrypted communication channels and secure file-sharing platforms.
• Ensure compliance with all local and international data protection regulations, including HIPAA or GDPR if applicable.

At Find Staff, we prioritize data security and confidentiality to protect your firm and your clients.

8. What are the benefits of outsourcing over hiring locally?

Outsourcing remote paralegals offers benefits such as:

• Cost Savings: Lower labor costs and no overhead expenses.
• Access to a Global Talent Pool: Find specialized skills not always available locally.
• Scalability: Adjust your team size based on workload.
• No Long-Term Commitments: Avoid the complexities of full-time hiring.

That said, if you’re looking to hire locally, we also offer retained search services to help you find the perfect on-site paralegal.

9. What’s the difference between a remote paralegal and a legal assistant?

A paralegal typically performs substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney, such as drafting legal documents, conducting research, and managing case files. A legal assistant often handles administrative tasks like scheduling, billing, and client communication. Remote paralegals can often do both, depending on your firm’s requirements.

10. How do I ensure the quality of a remote paralegal’s work?

To maintain quality:

• Set clear expectations for deliverables and deadlines.
• Establish a communication plan with regular check-ins.
• Review their work early on to provide feedback and ensure alignment.
• Partner with a staffing company that rigorously vets candidates and guarantees a high standard of talent.

At Find Staff, we connect you with paralegals who have the experience, skills, and professionalism to meet your firm’s needs.

Ready to Lighten Your Load?

Outsourcing isn’t just about saving money, although that IS a benefit —it’s about working smarter. Let us connect you with the perfect remote paralegal to support your firm, so you can focus on what matters most: serving your clients and growing your practice.

Contact Find Staff today and take the first step toward a more efficient, cost-effective legal practice. Let’s make your life easier, together.