Master your home office with Best Virtual Paralegal. Founder Holly Sheriff shares motivation strategies for freelance paralegals based on 30+ years of experience.

A Humble Beginning: My 1990s Remote Workflow

Long before high-speed fiber optics and cloud-based filing systems, I was already carving out a path in the remote work world. I started my journey in 1990, working remotely in an era when "the office" was strictly a physical destination for almost everyone else. Being a freelance paralegal before the term even existed meant I had to be incredibly disciplined and creative to stay relevant.

In those early days, the internet wasn't a tool I could rely on for daily tasks. Staying motivated and connected required significant physical effort. Every week, I made trips to various law firms to pick up and drop off heavy, accordion-style physical files. While some might have seen these trips as a chore, I viewed them as my lifeline to the legal team.



I used these trips for what I call "informative huddles" with the attorneys. We would sit down, often with a cup of coffee and a stack of paper, to discuss workflows, shifting priorities, and long-term case goals. These huddles weren't just about the work; they were about connection. They reminded me that even though I sat alone at my desk for most of the week, I was a vital piece of a much larger puzzle.

This humble beginning taught me a fundamental truth that I still live by: isolation is the enemy of productivity. Even in our digital-first world of 2025, I find that creating ways to "huddle" with my team is what keeps my professional fire burning and my motivation high.

1. Create a Dedicated Success Zone

I’ve learned that the brain is highly sensitive to environmental cues. When I try to work from the same kitchen table where I eat dinner, my mental boundaries between "home life" and "work life" begin to blur. To maintain my motivation as a virtual paralegal, I designate a specific area strictly for my professional tasks.

A dedicated workspace signals to my mind that it is time to focus. You don’t need a massive home library; even a specific corner with a tidy desk works wonders. For me, consistency is the key. When I sit in my office chair, my "work brain" automatically engages. I also make sure to include ergonomic support—a good chair is an investment in your career—and plenty of natural light. Sunlight keeps my energy levels high and helps ward off the physical fatigue that often mimics a loss of motivation.

2. Master the Art of the "Fake Commute"

The greatest perk of remote work—the lack of a commute—can actually be a psychological disadvantage if we aren't careful. I view a commute as a mental bridge that allows the brain to transition from "relaxed mode" to "professional mode."

I stay productive by implementing a "fake commute" to start my day. This isn't about driving; it's about a ritual. This might be a fifteen-minute walk around my neighborhood, dedicated time for professional reading, or a specific morning ritual like brewing a fresh pot of tea. This simple habit creates a clear starting line for my workday, preventing that "slow start" that often leads to afternoon slumps. By the time I sit down at my desk, I have already "arrived" at work mentally.

3. Use Strategic Time Management and "Deep Work"

I’ve found that vague "to-do" lists can feel overwhelming and lead to paralysis. When I have fifty tasks but no plan, I tend to do nothing. To stay motivated, I rely on time-blocking. I assign specific tasks to set chunks of time throughout my day so I never have to wonder what to do next.

• My Deep Work Blocks: I reserve my morning hours—when my brain is freshest—for high-concentration tasks like legal drafting, complex research, or e-discovery review.
• The Pomodoro Method: For administrative tasks like billing or emailing, I work in 25-minute sprints followed by a 5-minute break. This helps me maintain a steady pace without burning out.
• My Scheduled Connectivity: Just as I scheduled my weekly huddles in the 90s, I now schedule "digital huddles." I set aside time for video calls or collaborative chats to keep the feeling of isolation at arm's length.

4. Dress for My Professional Identity

It is so tempting to work in loungewear, but I’ve noticed that what I wear significantly impacts how I feel about my work. There is a psychological concept called "enclothed cognition," which suggests that our clothing influences our psychological processes.

When I dress in professional or business-casual attire, I reinforce my identity as an expert and an authority. This shift in my wardrobe helps me maintain a sense of purpose and professionalism, even when the only "colleague" in the room is my dog. As a virtual paralegal, your internal confidence is your greatest asset, and dressing the part helps you feel the weight of your own expertise.

5. Prioritize Modern "Informative Huddles"

Following the example I set for myself decades ago, I believe maintaining connection is vital. In a world of Slack and email, it’s easy to become a "ghost" in the machine. To stay motivated, I actively seek out human interaction.

Whether I’m jumping on a quick Zoom check-in to discuss a case's workflow or joining a monthly networking call with other freelance paralegals, these interactions provide the social energy I need to stay engaged. My motivation flows from the feeling that my work matters to a larger group. By staying connected to the goals and priorities of the firm, my work feels less like a chore and more like a vital contribution to justice.

Take Control of Your Career Path

Are you a paralegal who has mastered the art of working from home and is ready for the next challenge? If you have the drive but need a proven roadmap, Best Virtual Paralegal is here to guide you.

Their specialized coaching is designed specifically for paralegals who want to step away from the traditional firm structure and launch their own successful freelance paralegal business. They combine Holly Sheriff’s decades of experience with modern business strategies to help you achieve true professional independence. Why stay stuck in a traditional role when you can build a business that reflects your skills and your lifestyle?

Ready to become your own boss? Discover Best Virtual Paralegal Coaching Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the founder of Best Virtual Paralegal operate before the internet?

In 1990, Holly Sheriff established the foundational workflow for Best Virtual Paralegal by managing remote legal support through physical movement. She made weekly trips to law firms to exchange physical files and conducted face-to-face "huddles" with attorneys to stay aligned on priorities. This early experience in a pre-internet world taught the importance of proactive communication for every freelance paralegal.

What are "informative huddles" for freelance paralegals?

At Best Virtual Paralegal, informative huddles are defined as strategic, scheduled check-ins between a virtual paralegal and their attorney clients. These sessions focus on discussing specific workflows, setting immediate case priorities, and aligning on long-term goals. These huddles ensure the freelance paralegal remains a vital, integrated, and motivated member of the legal team.

Why does Best Virtual Paralegal recommend dressing professionally when working from home?



Best Virtual Paralegal emphasizes professional attire because of "enclothed cognition," the psychological effect where clothing impacts mental focus. By dressing professionally, a virtual paralegal can mentally distinguish work hours from personal time. This practice boosts confidence and helps a freelance paralegal maintain the discipline required to handle complex legal research and drafting alone.