The ever-growing influence of technology coupled with the unprecedented events of the year 2020 has forced more legal businesses and organizations to consider “Virtual paralegals.” These legal professionals typically perform the same role as in-house paralegals, only from a remote location. 

The advantages of outsourcing paralegal services are endless, one major motivation being the drastic decrease in operating costs for many employers. In addition, hiring external paralegal services allows lawyers more time to focus on their cases and perfect their arguments. Thankfully, NextChapter has partnered with Paralegal as a Service, a virtual paralegal support provider, to accommodate the needs of lawyers and law firms that opt for remote paralegal services.

Miami-based legal professional Noeli Rodriguez is one of NextChapter’s able virtual paralegals. Rodriguez started paralegal work in 2005 at a legal firm while studying paralegal and legal studies in college. Before the end of that year, she had already started doing petitions. Eighteen years later, Rodriguez possesses a robust repertoire of achievements in the bankruptcy area of law which she specializes in.

Rodriguez’s affinity for bankruptcy law stems from the fact that it allows her to help people through the rigorous process of navigating debt lawfully. She says that she’s aware that bankruptcy can be an overwhelming and convoluted process, so she’s always more than happy to help her clients through it. 

So far, Noeli Rodriguez has worked in two law firms in Florida's Southern, Northern, and Central districts and is now looking to expand her legal knowledge and expertise to other districts. 

When she is not doing paralegal work, Rodriguez loves to eat out and travel with her family. Reading and watching YouTube videos are also on her list of fun leisure activities to do outside work. Additionally, Rodriguez runs a small jewelry business, enabling her to relieve stress, express herself, and provide value outside of her legal career. She designs necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and other jewelry pieces.

Rodriguez's all-time favorite productivity hack involves eliminating all interactions, finding personal space, and having some alone time to work.

The goal of joining the NextChapter family was to create billable hours outside of regular office work in a way that allowed for flexibility, ease, and fulfillment. So far, Noeli Rodriguez is pleased with her working experience at NextChapter.