How I Got My First Remote Paralegal Job While Living in Okinawa, Japan

Written By: Glenda Kastning

Being a military spouse comes with a lot of challenges—especially when it comes to building a career. In 2022, I was living in Okinawa, Japan, trying to figure out how to put my paralegal certificate to use. I didn’t have any legal experience, and I honestly didn’t know where to start. Fast forward to today, I’m working part-time as a remote family law paralegal for a law firm based in Los Angeles. And trust me—it didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. Here’s how I got started, and how you can too.

Starting From Scratch

I have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, and later I earned my paralegal certificate from Arizona Western College with the help of MyCAA. But like a lot of people, I finished the program and didn’t know what to do next. I didn’t have any experience working in law. I just knew I wanted a job that was flexible, remote (because, military life), and something that could grow into a real career. That’s when I found Legal Reinforcements LLC.

Getting Support from Legal Reinforcements

I reached out to Lindsay at Legal Reinforcements LLC, and honestly, that was the turning point for me. She helped me polish up my resume, gave me tips on how to talk about my skills even without direct legal experience, and connected me with attorneys who were open to hiring remote paralegals. The support made a huge difference—not just in landing interviews, but in believing that I had something to offer.

My Current Role
I now work part-time as a remote family law paralegal for Andrea Merrell Caster Law Office located in Los Angeles, CA. I help with drafting documents, organizing case files, researching, attend remote hearings and work directly with clients. It’s all done from my home, which means I’ve been able to build a career that actually works with my life as a military spouse.

What I’ve Learned & Tips for You

If you’re in a similar spot—living somewhere remote, maybe overseas, and trying to figure out how to use your degree or certificate—here’s what I’d say:

 Don’t wait for the “perfect” time to start. It’s okay to start small or with part-time work. It’s still a step forward.

 Lean into your transferable skills. Military spouses are adaptable, organized, and resourceful—all things attorneys look for.

 Get help when you need it. Working with someone like Lindsay gave me the direction and confidence I didn’t even realize I needed.

 Be open to learning. Every role teaches you something. You don’t have to know everything before you begin.

Final Thoughts

Military life can make career paths feel unpredictable—but remote work in the legal field is one area where we can build something sustainable. I’m so glad I took that first step, even when I didn’t feel “ready.”

If you’re thinking about doing the same, go for it. You’re more qualified than you think—and you’re not alone.

✨ Interested in learning more? Reach out to Legal Reinforcements LLC for guidance on getting started as a remote paralegal.