Ever feel like your day is consumed by legal tasks that keep you busy—but not necessarily impactful? When contracts, intake emails, and admin pile up, it can be hard to focus on the bigger picture. That’s the daily reality for many in-house lawyers who are constantly juggling high expectations with limited time and resources. It’s also why more legal departments are turning to freelance legal support for in-house teams as a smart way to reduce the overload and regain control.
In a recent conversation, Berlinda Bernard, an experienced freelance paralegal and founder of her own legal consulting practice, shared why this model works so well for today’s legal teams. Berlinda started her career in a law firm, then moved into in-house legal departments before launching her freelance business. Along the way, she gained a unique perspective on how freelance legal professionals can provide meaningful, strategic support without the overhead or long-term commitment of a full-time hire.
Watch the full conversation with Berlinda Bernard here:
How Freelance Support Adds Real Value
Berlinda explained that freelance paralegals are more than just extra help. When you find the right fit, they can step in like a trusted team member—handling research, preparing legal documents, managing intake, and taking on administrative work that too often lands on a lawyer’s plate. That gives in-house counsel the breathing room to focus on the high-impact work only they can do.
The flexibility is key. Whether your team is small and lean or part of a larger legal department, freelance legal support for in-house teams offers a way to scale up when you need to—without overextending your internal resources. Berlinda noted how helpful this can be during seasonal workload spikes, special projects, or when unexpected matters pop up and your team needs backup fast.
The Key to Making It Work
Of course, not every freelancer is the right fit. Berlinda emphasized the importance of working with paralegals who understand the unique pace, demands, and expectations of in-house legal work. The best ones don’t need hand-holding—they bring experience, self-sufficiency, and the right mindset to plug into your workflow with minimal friction.
Technology also plays a role. Freelance paralegals need access to secure platforms, cloud-based tools, and legal research databases to work efficiently. When those systems are in place, collaboration becomes seamless—and the work gets done right the first time.
A Smarter Way to Operate
Ultimately, freelance legal support for in-house teams isn’t just about saving time—it’s about running your legal function more effectively. It allows in-house lawyers to shift out of survival mode and into a more strategic role. As Berlinda put it, the goal is simple: let go of the busywork, so you can focus on being the legal leader your organization needs.
And these days, that kind of focus isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 3, Episode 16 ( Berlinda Bernard )
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