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For me, there were two primary factors: professional development and growth, and a lifestyle change. First, I felt the rate of growth I was able to achieve as a senior paralegal in large law firms was slowing down, whereas becoming a business owner/entrepreneur would open up a whole new world of things to learn. I find this quite exhilarating! And second, I wanted more autonomy, more control over my schedule, and the ability to explore my other interests ? not just as hobbies, but as possible additional business avenues as well.

Do you have any suggestions for other paralegals thinking about freelancing?

Do some soul searching, and be quite certain that you need to be in business for yourself in order to be happy, or fulfill your career goals, because it?s tough getting a new business going! Then do as much research as you can, and go for it!

What do you like best about being a freelance paralegal ? and least?

I love the variety of people and variety of cases I encounter, as well as the greater flexibility in my work life. And I enjoy having to flex new muscles -- having to network, market and sell my business. Least favorite things are the anxiety that accompanies those slow periods, and that same marketing and selling ? I admit I have a love/hate relationship with all of that!

Favorite Internet Resource: The sites I use most are Google, Google Reader for my RSS feeds, and Twitter, for all the useful information people share on it. I also do a lot of research on FindLaw and PLoL.

Do you use social media resources, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or blogs, for career and/or case development?
I have a LinkedIn profile, a Twitter account, and I write a blog about my experiences as a new business owner. I?m really enjoying the professional connections I am making through each of those channels. I have a Facebook account as well, but use that for family and close friends, rather than business.

Fun Fact: I have a passion for all things wine and food related. I write another blog related to cooking, wine and entertaining. (http://sonomasip.blogspot.com/) I?m hoping to develop these interests into another small business in the near future.

Favorite Quote: Rather than a quote, it?s a Seth Godin blog post called You Matter: I hung it on my office wall, and read it almost every day.

Professional Links:
Website: http://www.proparalegal.com/
LinkedIn profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnedrescher
Freelance blog: http://sonomafreelance.blogspot.com/
Twitter handle: @DaphneDrescher

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I can't tell you how much I appreciate Daphne and all of the other paralegals who have taken the time to complete Practical Paralegalism's profile questionnaires and share not only their wide-ranging specialty areas and diverse backgrounds with us, but also their practice tips, advice and favorite Internet resources. But I would love to have profiles from more of you. If you're interested in sharing a little about yourself, your job and your experiences with the many legal professionals and students who read this blog, please email me at lynne.devenny@gmail.com.

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