Thomas Hatherly

Background

I'm a Licensed Paralegal regulated by the Law Society of Ontario and a Notary Public licensed by the Ministry of the Attorney General. Over the past four years I've worked inside law firms and consulting firms, doing the operational and legal support work that keeps a practice running.

That time taught me something specific: most small firms don't struggle with the law. They struggle with the layer underneath it. Billing gets behind. Files get disorganized. Administrative tasks sit on the attorney's desk when they shouldn't be there at all. The back office runs on shortcuts, and eventually the shortcuts cost time and clients.

What I do

I work with solo attorneys and small firms on a contract basis: practice management, billing and accounts receivable, legal research and drafting, and client and administrative support. The work is hands-on and specific to your firm's systems and software.

I've worked across common legal platforms including Clio and Filevine, and I'm familiar with the workflows that solo and small firm practices actually use. I know what an AR aging report should look like, why your docket matters, and what "proofreading with fresh eyes" actually requires.

On Upwork

I work through Upwork, which gives clients a straightforward way to hire, track work, and pay, with Upwork's dispute resolution and payment protection in place. All my engagements are documented there, including the hours, reviews, and job history.

Who I work with

Solo attorneys and small law firms who need reliable legal support without adding a full-time employee. Consulting firms with legal-adjacent work that needs someone with legal training. Clients across Canada.

The right fit is a firm with real, recurring operational needs, not a one-time task. The best engagements are ongoing: regular billing runs, consistent research and drafting support, someone who knows your files and your systems.