I just got my first client for my new legal research and writing business!

[liberalhistorian]

As most of you know, a few months ago, after ten weeks of unemployment and job search frustrations, I landed a great job with a much higher salary than my previous job.

Before I got the job, I had attempted to become an independent paralegal. After I started the job, I decided to continue with my independent business efforts part-time. A couple of days ago, I got an email in response to my ad in a local legal paper; I met with the attorney and will be doing some research and preparing a legal pleading for him. And I even got an advance for it!

I'm excited, also, because, as much as I appreciate the job I have now, it doesn't involve legal research and writing, two of the things I love most about paralegal work. It's strange and somewhat tiring to come home from work and start working immediately on another job, my own independent business work, but that's usually the only way we ever really get ahead short of winning the lottery or marrying into money, neither of which I have been fortunate enough to do yet. If I start getting more work than I can handle, there are several local paralegal students I can hire to help me out.

I've been hoping to get this business started for so long that it's hard to believe it's finally happening! I guess the hours I spent putting a promotional brochure and ads together are finally starting to pay off! I realize it's just one client, but it's a beginning and once he sees the great job I'm going to do he might just spread the word to a few of his colleagues as well.

[NC_Nurse]

1. Congratulations!

It's never a mistake to break out on your own and build your own business. The new job will support you, and maybe over time you can build up your freelance work and not have to worry about being downsized ever again!

[liberalhistorian]

5. Yes, that's exactly what I'm hoping

to do! The only employer you can ever really fully trust is yourself, I've come to believe. Especially after giving one thousand percent loyalty and hard work to my last job, a solo attorney who had to lay me off because he couldn't afford a full-time person anymore.

[FloridaPat]

2. Congratulations. Now that you are an employee AND

self-employed you would count as how many people put back to work under Bush's economic plan?

Best of luck.

[liberalhistorian]

7. LOL!

Knowing this misadministration, they'd probably say three!

[caledesi]

3. Hey LH, where are you located?

Because before my disability I used to do Web site design for the legal community here in Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater and have some really good contacts.

http://www.legalsites.com

http://www.floridalaw.net

I signed the business over to my husband bec I couldn't handle it anymore.

PM me if interested.

[liberalhistorian]

8. I'm in Ohio.

One of the really good things though, is that, thanks to email and the internet, I can do work for out-of-area attorneys and agencies as well. I'd also like to do legal research/writing for non-profit groups as well.

[Aristus]

4. That's terrific, libhist!

I'm happy for you! I know you will do a wonderful job. :thumbsup:

[benddem]

6. That is terrific

n/t

[XanaDUer]

9. That's great news.

I love to hear when libs succeed.

[liontamer]

10. congrats

I'm glad things are going well for you!

[Senior citizen]

11. Word of mouth is the best advertising.

I think you will do well. Congratulations!

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

12. Congratulations!!

Legal research and writing skills are absolutely crucial to attorneys, but unfortunately, many attorneys lack these skills (or the time to utilize them). You will be an enormous asset to some fortunate attorneys. It's a bonus that you love doing this! Good job, and best wishes!

[liberalhistorian]

13. Thanks! I know all too well about the poor

research and (especially!) writing skills of too many attorneys. Many times I've seen letters, documents and pleadings that I couldn't believe were written by professionals with years of college and graduate education. And that includes my previous boss.