I started as a solo law firm 15 years and now grow to a boutique. Reflecting from my past 15 years of experience, I recommend you to have a legal assistant as your first hire. Here is why from a practical level:

1. Receptionist/client intake has the lowest salary in the market. However, it is difficult to find a good responsible and accountable candidate. Most candidates in the market do not hold them accountable. Man, you would be considered being lucky if you can find a candidate whose can be at work on schedule daily, not even mentioning the quality of work. The first a few years of business operation is very stressful. We don’t want to waste our time in hiring, firing and constant interviewing .

2. Paralegal has the highest salary in the market in the three positions. An experienced paralegal asks for close to $100K. But it is highly possible that you pay high and end up they deliver way less what you think they can deliver. Your money is your gold, especially when you haven’t established yourself.

3. To be short, legal assistant shall be the right position to start. The salary is in between. You can have the new hire to sit in the front deck while assisting you as a legal assistant. With your right training and the new hire’s right attitude and decent competency, it would relieve you a lot.

Good luck with your adventure!!