Self-Taught, Tech-Savvy, and Ready to Work
- Kristy Mclaren
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 17

Yes, I Can Use That Program — The Power of Being Self-Taught in Legal Tech
Hi Everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal.
I wanted to talk with you today about computer programs.
Today, I want to talk about the importance of legal tech in legal support — the ability to learn new software quickly and independently.
As a freelance law clerk with over 20 years of experience, I have seen firsthand how integral good legal tech is, and how there is always new tech being developed. While formal training has its place, the truth is that much of what I know about legal software, I taught myself. Adaptability in legal tech has become one of the most valuable tools in my freelance journey.
Learning by Doing — And Doing It Well
From Day One of launching Clearly Legal, I have been diving into programs that I did not use before Clearly Legal; they were not a part of my “formally trained” background. Because when a client asks, “Can you work in [insert software here]?” — I want to be able to say, “Yes, I can.”
Here is a short list of platforms I have taught myself to use confidently through hands-on application:
CosmoLex
Clio
PC Law
Zibbet
Adobe Acrobat Pro
SharePoint
Google Drive & Gmail
Microsoft Outlook
CaseLines
Calendly
One-Key / Judicial Services Online
ACL (Automated Civil Litigation)
Goodfact
More recently, I have been working to add DivorceMate and Estatably to that list — both introduced to me through client work, and I am quickly mastering to meet the client needs.
Why This Matters for You
When you hire someone like me, you are not just hiring for experience — you are hiring for adaptability. That means:
No need to train me from scratch
Faster onboarding into your systems
Confidence that I will figure out your platform, if I am not already comfortable with it
Flexibility across traditional and cloud-based tools
If there is a program you use and it is not on my list yet, chances are that I can learn it quickly and start working in it effectively right away.
Why Work With Me? With over 20 years of experience, I know how to navigate motions and applications efficiently and effectively. My expertise ensures that filings are accurate, deadlines are met, and nothing gets overlooked — saving you both time and money.
📩 Let’s Connect. You’re a lawyer, paralegal, or firm looking for support with motions or applications, let’s talk. I’d love to share how my skills and background can streamline your practice.
👉 Email me directly at kristy@clearlylegal.ca to get started.






