Paralegals can significantly boost a law firm’s efficiency by handling research, drafting, and routine case prep. Demand for skilled paralegals is rising, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% job growth for paralegals and legal assistants through 2031. In this guide, we’ll walk through the top sources for finding qualified paralegals, from online marketplaces and job boards to specialized legal recruiters. Each option has its pros and cons (cost, speed, vetting, etc.), so combining a few approaches often yields the best results.
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Legal Staffing Agencies & Recruiters
In addition to do-it-yourself channels, specialized legal staffing agencies and marketplaces can simplify the hiring process. These firms maintain rosters of pre-screened paralegals (and attorneys) and can match you quickly. A good example is HireParalegals.com (a Latin America–focused platform). HireParalegals maintains a network of over 10,000 vetted candidates and uses a rigorous screening process to give you a shortlist quickly. They target remote legal support, often at lower rates, and emphasize matching specialists to your needs.
Other well-known legal recruiters include Major, Lindsey & Africa (focused on mid- to senior-level hires), Consilio/LLG Talent (for on-demand legal professionals), and Axiom Law (outsourced legal teams including paralegals). Boutique staffing agencies like Beacon Hill Legal or LHH Legal also connect firms with contract paralegals, particularly in finance or corporate law settings.
HireParalegals.com: By far, one of the best destinations to hire paralegals in 2025, Hireparalegals.com is an online marketplace for outsourced paralegal support, often in Latin America. Hireparalegals.com uses a 4-step vetting and claims a shortlist within 24 hours. Good for cost-effective, long-term remote support.
Lathire.com: Another strong option for hiring paralegals in LATAM, Lathire is a remote staffing marketplace that connects US-based businesses with pre-vetted bilingual paralegals and a wide variety of remote talent across Latin America. Offers pre-screening and skills-matching with flexible engagement models (freelance, part-time or full-time), good for cost-effective, time-zone-friendly remote support and both short-term projects and long-term hires.
Robert Half Legal: A top legal staffing firm. Offers temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct placement. Known for quick turnaround (48-hour screening) and a deep bench of candidates nationwide.
Major, Lindsey & Africa: Well-known legal recruiter for permanent hires (also markets legal assistants). Best when you need full-time, experienced paralegals.
Axiom Law and Priori Legal: These are “legal talent networks” that match lawyers and paralegals with project work. They’re useful if you need specialized help (e.g. high-volume litigation support) on a flexible basis.
Local Law School Career Centers or Bar Associations: Don’t overlook in-person networks. Posting on a law school job board or contacting your local bar’s recruitment service can yield candidates, especially for entry-level or internship-type positions.
Using a staffing agency or recruiter typically costs more (there are placement fees or markups), but it saves time. Agencies handle the initial vetting, background checks, and payroll concerns. They can also ensure compliance with employment laws making them the best places for hiring paralegals in 2025,
Job Boards & Professional Networks
General job boards and professional networks are another rich source of paralegal candidates. Sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter let you post full-time or part-time paralegal positions, or search resumes directly. LinkedIn, in particular, is useful for targeted recruiting: you can search by job title, location, years of experience, and even specific legal skills.
Indeed is the largest job board and often shows hundreds of paralegal openings; its resume database allows you to proactively reach out to potential hires. According to industry experts, LinkedIn and Indeed offer advanced search tools to find candidates with particular skills, which makes them great for narrowing your search to local or specialized paralegals.
In addition, there are job boards focused on remote or legal roles. WeWorkRemotely (WWR) and FlexJobs cater to remote positions; they regularly feature paralegal or legal assistant postings. For example, WeWorkRemotely is one of the most popular remote-job boards, and its listings are filled 90% of the time. Other platforms like LegalJobs (LawCrossing) or state bar/paralegal association boards can also be useful for local hiring. Overall, job boards can give your opening broad exposure and attract both active and passive candidates.
LinkedIn: The largest professional network. You can post jobs or search profiles. LinkedIn’s groups (e.g. state paralegal associations, law practice groups) are also worth exploring for networking. Many paralegals update their profiles regularly, so you can gauge their experience before reaching out.
Indeed/ZipRecruiter/Glassdoor: Major general job boards. Posting here reaches a very large audience. Use keywords and location filters to target legal assistants or paralegals. These sites also have resume databases where you can search for candidates.
WeWorkRemotely (WWR): A top remote-work board. It has a dedicated legal section where remote paralegal and contract attorney jobs appear. Employers often pay more here ($299 per listing) because it boasts millions of monthly visitors and targeted exposure.
FlexJobs: A premium site for remote and flexible jobs. Every listing and employer is vetted, so you avoid spam. Employers subscribe to post unlimited jobs and get access to candidate resumes. FlexJobs tends to attract candidates serious about remote legal work.
Industry/Association Boards: Sites like LawCrossing (legal industry job board) or paralegal association sites (e.g. NALA career center) focus on legal roles. They may have smaller audiences but more specialized candidates.
Many firms find success by combining channels. For example, you might post a job on LinkedIn and also reach out to contacts there, while simultaneously searching Upwork or contacting a recruiter. The key is to cast a wide net and use the strengths of each platform.
Online Freelance Platforms
Freelance marketplaces are an easy way to find paralegal talent on a project or contract basis. Sites like Upwork and Freelancer allow firms to post paralegal jobs and receive bids from qualified candidates.
For example, one industry source notes that on Upwork you can hire paralegal freelancers for roughly $15–$50 per hour, depending on experience. Many freelancers on these platforms are experienced paralegals or attorneys who list their skills and specialties on their profiles. They have built-in ratings and client reviews, which makes vetting candidates straightforward. Law firms can use search filters to find specialists (e.g. litigation paralegals, immigration law paralegals, etc.) and message them directly, making freelance platforms a fast way to fill short-term or part-time needs.
Upwork: The world’s largest freelancing site, home to thousands of legal pros. You can quickly post a paralegal job or invite top-rated candidates to apply. Upwork’s review system is robust (the average paralegal profile is rated about 4.7/5), so you can see how past clients liked a freelancer. Upwork also offers escrow payments and dispute resolution for peace of mind.
Freelancer.com: Another major freelance marketplace. Similar to Upwork, you post a job and get bids from candidates worldwide. It tends to have a very large pool of talent (though quality varies), and you pay only when you’re satisfied with the work.
Fiverr and PeoplePerHour: These sites focus more on fixed-price gigs. You can find paralegals offering specific services (like drafting a contract, conducting research, or document review) at set prices. They are best for one-off tasks rather than ongoing roles.
Project Catalogs: Many freelance platforms (including Upwork’s Project Catalog) let you browse pre-defined “projects.” For example, you might find a fixed-price package for an estate planning document or a legal research task. This can be a quick way to hire for a specific deliverable without negotiating hourly terms.
Online freelance platforms are generally cost-effective and flexible, but they do require you to do the initial vetting (interviews, test tasks, etc.). When using these sites, carefully review profiles, ask for work samples, and set clear expectations. The platforms handle billing and contracts, which simplifies the logistics. For firms new to freelancing, Upwork and Freelancer are excellent starting points because of their size and security features.
Tips for Hiring a Paralegal
Hiring the right paralegal is not just about where you look, but also about how you hire. Here are some quick tips to make the process smoother:
Clarify the role and requirements: Before you start searching, write a clear job description. List the legal specialties needed (e.g. family law, criminal defense), required software skills (Clio, Westlaw, etc.), years of experience, and education or certification preferences. This helps attract candidates who truly fit your needs.
Use multiple channels: Don’t rely on a single source. Leverage professional networks and freelance sites together For example, post your opening on LinkedIn and Indeed and look on Upwork or hire through a recruiter. More channels mean more qualified applicants.
Check credentials and work samples: Ask candidates for references or examples of past work (with confidential info redacted). Verify any listed certifications (like a CP or advanced paralegal certificate). If possible, give them a short test task (e.g. summarize a case file) to gauge their research and writing skills.
Evaluate communication and culture fit: Especially if hiring remotely, ensure the paralegal can communicate well (oral/written) and their schedule aligns with your firm. Discuss preferred tools (email, case management software, video calls) and set expectations on response times. Good chemistry and clear communication style help avoid misunderstandings later.
Have a proper contract: Whether the paralegal is a freelancer or full-time hire, use a written agreement. Spell out hours (or deliverables), confidentiality obligations, and whether the work is supervised by an attorney. This protects your firm and clarifies the relationship from day one.
By following these steps, you’ll streamline the hiring process and be more likely to find a paralegal who becomes a great asset to your team.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned hiring managers make missteps. Watch out for these pitfalls when bringing on a paralegal:
Skipping thorough vetting: The biggest mistake is hiring someone without proper screening. Don’t just go with the lowest bid or the first applicant. Always check a paralegal’s background and references. If hiring via a marketplace, look at prior client reviews or interview multiple candidates. A little extra vetting upfront can save a lot of trouble later.
Violating supervision rules: Remember that paralegals can’t perform tasks reserved for licensed attorneys. Each state has rules on the unauthorized practice of law. Make sure your job post and contract clarify that the paralegal will work under the supervision of an attorney Failing to do so can risk ethical issues.
Neglecting clear communication: Avoid vague expectations. A common error is not establishing check-ins or deadlines, which leads to missed deliverables. Set up a simple workflow (e.g. weekly update calls, shared files) so both sides stay on the same page.
Focusing only on price: Cost matters, but an ultra-cheap hire might cost you more in revisions and delays. Balance budget with quality. Often it’s worth paying a mid-level rate for a highly qualified paralegal than going for the absolute cheapest.
Overlooking integration: If the paralegal is remote, treat them like part of your team. Include them in relevant meetings and give access to necessary software. Isolating the hire can cause misalignment. Conversely, if hiring locally, ensure office space and resources are ready.
Hi, I’m Lucas Leo, an author and writer at AccordingLaw.com. I’m passionate about delivering the latest legal news and updates according law to keep you informed. Join me as I explore and share insights into the ever-evolving world of law!
Disclaimer:The content on According Law is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for professional legal guidance.
