Employees across many industries are looking for jobs where they can work from home; attorneys are no exception. Fortunately, many jobs in the legal sector can be performed from home. Finding one doesn’t have to feel like looking for a needle in a haystack! 

Take a look at these common jobs that an attorney can perform from home, the best platforms for finding remote legal jobs, and how to make the most of those opportunities. 

What Positions Can Attorneys Perform Remotely?

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There are several legal jobs that you can perform from the convenience of your own home office. Let’s look at a few of the most common before we highlight platforms where you can find remote positions.

In-House Attorneys

Many organizations are looking for in-house legal support. They need their own attorneys, but those attorneys don’t always need to be in the office. Often, in-house lawyers can perform many of their functions from a virtual or home office.

Businesses and corporations may need anything from full-time in-house counsel to part-time or contract work.

Legal writing is a growing field in the legal industry. Legal writing may include things like creating contracts and writing briefs as well as crafting blogs, articles, or summaries for legal websites.

Many legal writers are freelancers, which can provide the benefits of a remote position plus the ability to work on your own time. Look into legal writing opportunities that will allow you to make the most of your knowledge and skills.

Document Reviewer

Contract and document review are an extremely important part of many attorneys’ jobs. This kind of work is also in high demand.

Law firms often hire contract attorneys for document review projects. Likewise, businesses and corporations frequently hire document review attorneys on a contract or full-time basis. 

Truly, this kind of work can be done from anywhere — making it perfect for attorneys looking for remote work.

Freelance Lawyer

Many lawyers want to control their schedules and the projects they take on. Accordingly, attorneys are frequently working on a freelance basis for law firms, businesses, and anyone else who requires their services.

There are a number of platforms where you can sell your services as a freelance lawyer.

Full-Time Attorney

Thanks to modern technology, it’s now possible to take on many of the responsibilities of a full-time attorney from a remote environment. In many cases, lawyers can even attend client meetings and court hearings from a virtual setting.

Many law firms are offering their attorneys the ability to work remotely. Others offer a hybrid, where attorneys spend a couple of days in the office but work the rest of the time at home. 

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Are you looking for a remote legal job? Whether you’re looking for a full-time job or part-time work to supplement your income, there are several platforms that can help you find the job you need. 

Some platforms are geared toward connecting lawyers with potential freelance work that they can perform remotely. Other platforms offer temp-to-hire or potential full-time remote legal positions. 

Here are the best platforms for attorneys who are looking for remote jobs:

LawClerk

LawClerk is an online marketplace that connects lawyers and law firms with virtual associates and freelance lawyers.

Hire an Esquire

Hire an Esquire is one of the leading legal hiring marketplaces. It is used by over 12,000 vetted legal professionals and registered AmLaw 200 firms, boutique firms, and in-house legal departments. 

Legably 

Legably is a staffing platform that connects law firms with licensed and vetted attorneys for short-term projects or cases.


LawCrossing 

LawCrossing is a job aggregation service that consolidates jobs from more than 250,000 websites and posts them on their site. 

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is still one of the best platforms for those looking for legal positions. Here, you can find contract positions and part-time or full-time remote work.

As a bonus, you’ll be able to use your LinkedIn as an extension of your resume and check out the LinkedIn profiles of the companies to which you intend to apply.

Indeed

Indeed is probably the most well-known job site in the world. While it may not be as legal-heavy as some of the platforms listed above, there are still loads of terrific remote roles on the platform. 

Finding the right remote legal job can feel challenging. However, with so many platforms out there geared toward helping lawyers and other professionals find remote jobs that fit their criteria is easier than ever.

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Finding and securing a remote legal position can be challenging. However, there are several steps you can take to increase your odds of securing a virtual position in the legal field.

1. Hone Your Tech Skills

If you’re interested in working in a remote position, you need the technical skills that will enable you to complete that position effectively. 

You may need to know how to use several vital types of technology, including:

  • Virtual court reporting software
  • Virtual case management software
  • Video conferencing platforms
  • Cloud storage
  • Time-keeping tools
  • Legal billing tools
  • E-signature platforms

If you aren’t familiar with the latest digital technology and tools in the legal field, it may be time to update and build those skills. Take a look at what classes are available online or what roles might help you build those skills.

Working as a freelancer, including working on document review or legal writing, could help you build this skill set. 

2. Build Your Online Presence

As a lawyer working for a local practice, you might have relied on word-of-mouth advertising and professional connections to help build your reputation.

As a remote lawyer, on the other hand, you may need to establish an extensive online presence to help build your reputation. 

There are several strategies you can use to help establish your online presence so that interested companies can find you.

  • Build up your LinkedIn profile. This is particularly important if you’re planning to use LinkedIn as an extension of your resume or if you want to work as a freelancer.
  • Build a website if you intend to work as a freelance attorney. Your blog is an important tool for helping interested clients find you. It can also help showcase your expertise.
  • Do some legal writing (with a byline) for other platforms and websites, if possible. Getting your name out there can make you more recognizable and increase the odds that a client will hire you. 
  • Build your online reputation. Word of mouth still prevails in the legal industry, even online. If you’re looking for a full-time position, consider doing some freelancing, from document review to actually freelancing as an attorney. Your project may lead to relationships and reviews that help you get your remote job.

Your online presence is a critical marketing tool. Just as you need to market a law firm to the right potential customers, it’s critical that you continue to market yourself as you look for a remote legal position. 

3. Know How to Conduct Yourself in Online Interviews

Your hiring opportunity may come at any time–and that means you have to be ready for it. Be prepared for the likelihood that you will need to appear on camera for an interview. 

That may mean:

  • Updating your professional attire, especially if you haven’t recently updated your wardrobe.
  • Finding a blank backdrop in your home that you can use for a video call, including a neutral room or space.
  • Practicing with your webcam and/or microphone and speakers to ensure that everything is in working order for a potential interview. While snafus may happen, you will create a more professional appearance if you’re prepared for any tech challenges that could come your way–and have worked most of them out ahead of time. 
  • Determining what ambient noise could pose a problem during your interview and taking steps to make sure that it doesn’t interfere.

Keep in mind that an interview gives your potential employer a chance to see what it might be like to work with you virtually.

If you have a distracting or unprofessional backdrop or you’re constantly struggling with your technology, it might create the wrong impression with an interviewer.

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Once you secure a remote legal job, you want to make sure you’re in the best possible position to make the most of your new position. Make sure you consider these key best practices so that you’re ready to step into your new professional environment. 

1. Set Up Your Workspace

Ideally, since you may find yourself working with privileged and private client information, you need a space that is entirely dedicated to work.

If you don’t have space in your home for an office, set up a workstation that is away from the rest of the family and free from potential distractions. 

  • Create a permanent backdrop for video calls and conferences. Make sure that it’s as professional as possible. Test out lighting at different times of the day. 
  • Invest in good communication equipment: headphones, a webcam, good speakers, etc.
  • Make sure you have the tools you need to handle your daily work. Do you need a second monitor? An external keyboard or mouse if you’re working from a laptop? A good office chair? Invest in your home office to help set you up for success.

As you work in your remote legal position, you may discover that you have additional needs. Your office or workspace will grow as you get more comfortable working from home.

2. Integrate with the Team

Integrating with a new company is often challenging. Integrating with a new team when you’re working remotely, on the other hand, can be even more difficult. Some companies will naturally be more communicative than others.

As you move into a new position, take the time to communicate and work directly with the team. 

That may mean:

  • Participating in a variety of meetings and activities
  • Chatting with coworkers through your preferred communication channel
  • Sending out regular emails
  • Taking calls
  • Working with the members of your new team on projects

The more you work together with your new team, the more you’ll feel like you’re part of it–and the easier it will be to showcase your accomplishments. 

3. Create a Routine that Sets You Up for Success

Your work-from-home routine can prove incredibly important. Try not to get in the habit of rolling out of bed and heading straight for your office in your pajamas. Instead, create a routine that will make you feel better prepared for whatever the day might bring. 

Try:

  • Putting on business casual clothing when you wake up to help you transition into the workday
  • Eating breakfast and lunch, not just munching at your desk
  • Getting up for a walk around the block in the middle of the day
  • Turning off your work equipment at a specific time each evening

Making the transition to working full-time from home can be challenging, but it’s also well worth the effort and investment to maintain work/life balance. 

Getting a remote legal work position is a big step–and one that can help change the balance of your life. With these strategies, you can find the right remote legal position for your needs and set yourself up for success once you’ve moved into that position.

If you want to establish a virtual law firm, you will definitely need top-notch legal marketing to get your name out there and set your self apart from the competition.

LawRank can manage all aspects of your legal marketing. Contact us to learn more about our law firm SEO services for the most competitive keywords — in the most competitive geographic areas — in the legal industry.