Why It’s a Smart Move to Hire an Independent Paralegal in Texas
By Brandon S. Coppock, M.A.
Senior Managing Partner, Favor Legal, L.L.C.
The Backbone of the Legal System: Paralegals
Most law firms in Texas and throughout the country rely heavily on paralegals to do the brunt of the work. Paralegals are responsible for drafting motions, researching case law, preparing filings, managing documents, communicating with clients, and ensuring that procedural deadlines are met. The attorneys provide oversight, legal advice, and courtroom representation—but the bulk of the preparation? That’s usually the paralegal’s job.
Paralegals are the unsung heroes of legal practice. They are trained professionals who often have degrees, certifications, and years of practical experience. Their work is substantive, detailed, and essential. Yet, in most cases, their name never appears on the pleading.
What You’re Really Paying For When You Hire an Attorney
When you hire an attorney, you are paying for multiple layers of cost:
Bar License – Attorneys must maintain their license with the State Bar of Texas, which includes continuing education and ethical compliance.
Education – Law school tuition can be upward of $100,000. That cost is recouped over years of client billing.
Malpractice Insurance – Attorneys carry liability insurance, which factors into hourly rates.
Office Overhead – Many attorneys operate in high-rent districts with staff to pay and infrastructure to maintain.
Professional Expertise – In complex litigation, high-stakes criminal defense, or constitutional matters, this expertise is essential.
But what if your needs are more basic?
Drafting a will
Preparing a divorce petition
Filing an expunction or nondisclosure
Writing a parole review package
Preparing a pro se motion
Creating discovery requests or responses
In these instances, you may not need the full legal artillery. What you need is competent, accurate, and affordable document preparation—and that’s where an independent paralegal comes in.
Independent Paralegals: Cutting Out the Middleman
Hiring an attorney when you only need document preparation is like hiring an architect when you just need someone to paint your house. It’s overkill. Independent paralegals allow you to go straight to the person doing the work.
At Favor Legal, we focus on:
Drafting custom legal documents
Providing legal information and education (not legal advice)
Working directly with clients to understand their objectives
Staying current with Texas law and procedural rules
Offering transparent, flat-rate pricing
Texas does not currently require paralegals to be licensed. However, many independent paralegals come from rich backgrounds in law—former attorneys, law students, or those with advanced education and practical experience.
Hiring an independent paralegal can reduce your legal costs by 50–80%. For many people, that’s the difference between being able to assert their legal rights or being priced out of justice entirely.
What Paralegals Can and Cannot Do
Let’s be clear: Paralegals are not attorneys. We do not provide legal advice, represent clients in court, or interpret the law in a way that substitutes for an attorney’s expertise.
However, we can:
Draft documents for client review
Assist with forms and filings
Help organize your case
Provide legal information and education
Support self-represented litigants
This distinction is important—and ethical independent paralegals make it clear. At Favor Legal, we tell every client: “We’re not your lawyer, but we can help you navigate the process.”
When It’s the Right Time to Use an Independent Paralegal
There are many circumstances where an independent paralegal is a perfect fit:
Pro Se Litigants – If you’re representing yourself, a paralegal can help you prepare your filings, motions, and court documents.
Low-Income Clients – If you cannot afford attorney fees, a paralegal gives you access to the legal system.
Uncontested Matters – For example, agreed divorces, name changes, or small claims.
Parole Advocacy – A growing field in Texas, where clients need help presenting strong parole packages without attorney representation.
Post-Conviction Relief – Independent paralegals can help draft Article 11.07 habeas corpus applications and organize legal grounds for review.
Why Favor Legal Exists
Favor Legal was founded to fill the gap between unaffordable attorney services and the need for high-quality, affordable legal assistance. We believe that justice should not be reserved only for those who can afford $300+ per hour.
We believe in:
Access – Everyone deserves access to the tools of justice.
Affordability – Fixed prices. No surprises.
Excellence – Even if we’re not attorneys, our work is held to the highest standards.
Transparency – You’ll always know what we can and cannot do.
We’ve helped thousands of Texans file pro se motions, prepare parole packets, draft habeas corpus writs, and navigate a complex legal system—often with better outcomes than if they had gone it alone.
A Note of Caution and Empowerment
As with any industry, not all providers are created equal. Always vet the credentials, experience, and reputation of any independent paralegal you consider hiring. Ask for samples, reviews, and references. Make sure they are honest about their limitations.
But don’t let fear stop you from exploring this path. With the right partnership, hiring an independent paralegal in Texas can be the best legal decision you make.
Conclusion: Practical Takeaways
Know What You Need – If you need legal advice or courtroom representation, hire an attorney. If you need help drafting documents, consider a paralegal.
Ask Questions – A good paralegal will tell you what they can and can’t do.
Stay Informed – You are your best advocate. Understanding your options gives you power.
Budget Wisely – Legal services don’t have to bankrupt you. There are competent alternatives.
Final Thought
If you’re facing a legal challenge, don’t let the fear of cost paralyze you. Know your options. Do your research. And remember: many of the hands doing the work behind the scenes in law firms are paralegals just like us.
At Favor Legal, we’re proud to be the ones doing the work—and doing it well.
For educational purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, consult a licensed Texas attorney.