Juggling Law School, Motherhood, and Freelance Life: A Realistic Guide for Mum VAs

Written By Lyss

Reading Time: 6–7 minutes

Studying law is a demanding journey. Being a mother is a full-time job. Freelancing as a virtual assistant adds another layer of responsibility. Now imagine doing all three—at the same time.

This is my everyday life. And while it isn’t always easy, it is possible—with the right mindset, tools, and support. Whether you’re considering this path or already on it, I hope this post reassures, equips, and inspires you.

Here’s how I manage my life as a law student, a mum, and a freelance virtual assistant.

1. Structure is Survival: Why Time-Blocking Changed Everything

The biggest myth about multitasking? That you can do everything at once. In truth, the only way I stay sane is by assigning specific blocks of time to specific tasks.

Here’s how I structure a typical weekday:

  • 6:30–8:00 AM: Morning routine with my son – breakfast, getting ready, quick play or sensory activity.

  • 8:00–9:30 AM: Study time – I revise case law or watch recorded lectures.

  • 9:30–12:00 PM: Freelance client work – checking emails, social media scheduling, legal admin.

  • 12:00–1:30 PM: Lunch break and housework catch-up. Homeschool with my son (I have a helper to doing with my son).

  • 1:30–3:00 PM: More study or client calls, depending on deadlines.

  • 3:00–7:00 PM: Family time

  • 7:30–9:30 PM: Final study session or light freelance admin.

  • 9:30 PM: Wind down, journal, and prep for the next day.

Having a routine helps reduce decision fatigue. I also leave buffer slots in case something overruns—which, with children, is bound to happen.

2. Motherhood First: Letting Go of Guilt

The legal world often pushes an “all or nothing” mentality. But as a mother, my priorities are clear—my child comes first.

Some days I need to pause a client call to attend to my son. Other times I miss a live webinar because he’s unwell. And that’s okay.

Motherhood teaches you to adapt, empathise, and persevere—qualities that make you a better legal professional. Your experience as a parent is a strength, not a setback.

3. Choosing Clients That Align With Your Lifestyle

As a freelance virtual assistant, your clients can either become your biggest stressors or your strongest allies. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) to set boundaries and only accept work that fits around my study and family life.

Here’s what I look for in ideal clients:

  • They respect deadlines and understand time zones.

  • They value communication but don’t expect 24/7 availability.

  • They align with industries I’m passionate about—law, education, or female-led businesses.

Freelancing gives you the freedom to choose who you work with—use that freedom wisely.

4. Studying Smarter, Not Harder

You don’t need 6-hour study sessions to succeed. You need strategy.

I use the Pomodoro Technique (25 mins focus, 5 mins break) to stay on track and avoid burnout. I also schedule revision during my son’s quiet time, rather than waiting for perfect silence (which rarely comes).

Tools that help:

  • Notion: For organising modules, deadlines, reading lists.

  • Quizlet: Flashcards for quick memory boosts.

  • Google Calendar: Syncs my study, freelance, and family time.

  • Voice notes: For capturing thoughts while multitasking (e.g., folding laundry).

5. Open, Honest Communication

Whether with clients, professors, or family, clear communication is your superpower.

  • With clients, I outline my availability up front and set expectations.

  • With my tutors, I let them know I’m juggling childcare and remote learning, so they’re aware I might need some flexibility.

  • With my family, I ask for support and delegate tasks when needed.

You don’t need to prove you can do everything. You just need to speak up about what you can do—and when.

6. Non-Negotiable Self-Care

I’ve learned the hard way: you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. For me, it’s:

  • 20 minutes of yoga with YouTube

  • A walk around the block after study time

  • A quick scroll through my favourite law memes

  • Journaling when I feel overwhelmed

  • Celebrating even the smallest wins (finished a reading? That’s a win!)

The better I care for myself, the more present I can be—for my child, my clients, and my legal journey.

7. Make It a Family Affair

I include my son in my journey. He sees my textbooks and knows “Mummy’s studying to become a lawyer.” When I take notes, he colours beside me. When I finish an assignment, we celebrate with a movie night.

He doesn’t need to understand every detail—he just needs to feel included.

This also teaches him valuable lessons: discipline, resilience, and the importance of education.

8. Let Go of Perfection, Embrace Progress

Not every day will be productive. Some days I can’t tick everything off the list. That doesn’t mean I failed. It means I’m human.

Studying law while being a mum and freelancer isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistent progress. Even on your worst day, you’re still moving forward.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know this: you are not alone. So many of us are out here—studying case law while prepping dinner, sending invoices between nappy changes, attending webinars in our pyjamas.

You are not falling behind. You are building a future—one carefully balanced step at a time.

Whether your goal is to qualify as a solicitor, build a freelance business, or simply survive the semester—you’re already succeeding by showing up each day.

You are strong. You are capable. And you’re doing something extraordinary.

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Lyss