Chapter Five
Required Equipment
Office space. While office space may not technically be labeled equipment, it is essential that you have office space from which to conduct your business. That doesn’t mean you have to go out and rent an office. However, if you’re going to run your business from home, you must have a separate space to do your work. You may convert a spare bedroom into your home office, or you might cordon off a section of your family room to use as your office. Just make sure you have a designated space to do your work and a secure place to keep all of your files and other important information.
Computer. You’re going to need a reliable computer from which to run your business. Desktop computers are often less expensive, but laptop computers allow you the ability to work from anywhere. Before purchasing a computer, make sure you research to find the one that best fits your needs.
Software. Software is one of the most important things you’ll need to effectively run your paralegal business. In addition to using programs like MSOffice and Quattro Pro, paralegals use such software as:
- Time Matters is a software package that will allow you to schedule your work load and your deadlines. You can also use Time Matters to manage your contacts, and the software is easy to integrate with Microsoft Word. It also allows you to manage your accounting and to create any forms you may need. You can go through a free demo of the program by clicking here, and every purchase comes with a 60-day money back guarantee.
- Timeslips by Sage is a software package that allows you to keep track of your employees’ work hours. While you likely won’t have any employees in the beginning, you should still know what type of software is available should you decide to expand your business and hire employees.
- CT Summation. Popular software used by many law firms, CT Summation helps paralegals keep track of the discovery process and ensure they don’t miss court deadlines. CT Summation allows you to access your files even when you are away from your main computer.
Printer. You can purchase a printer/fax/scanner/copier combination that will save you money, especially if you’re on a tight budget at startup. Otherwise, you can purchase a solid printer for under $100.
Fax. Of course, as just mentioned, you can purchase a printer/fax/scanner combination. However, you can also purchase a standalone fax for under $100. The key is to shop around to find the best deal.
Scanner. If you’re not interested in a combination device, you can purchase a quality scanner for under $100.
Business cards. Your business card is your calling card, so make sure it’s professional. You can purchase professionally designed and printed business cards at your local office supply store. If you’re on a tight startup budget, you can design your own business cards and print them on card stock paper.
File cabinets that lock. All of the work that you do for your clients must be kept confidential, so you’ll need a secure place to keep your files. Make sure only you have access to any printed material.
Additionally, offer to sign a confidentiality or a non-disclosure agreement with each of your clients.
Voicemail or answering machine. You’ll need a second phone line, one that is separate from your home phone line. You can add a second landline, or you may also consider purchasing a cell phone specifically for your business.
Regardless of whether you opt for a landline or a cell phone, make sure you have either voicemail or an answering machine with a professional message stating your business name, when you expect to return the missed call, and any other information you’d like to offer missed callers. Check your messages frequently, and try to return all calls the same business day, if possible. If it’s not possible to answer the missed call the same business day, return the call as soon as possible.
Of course, this is just an overview of what you need to do to kick start your paralegal business. The resources listed in this ebook will also provide you with all the valuable information you need to get your business up and running.
Next: Chapter Six: Tips for Marketing Your Paralegal Business
Previous: Chapter Five: Control Your Career: Starting Your Own Business
Table of Contents for the Paralegal Career Guide:
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