Why Hire A Freelance Attorney?

 

 

      Those who have used freelance attorneys in the past are undoubtedly aware of the many ways they can benefit a busy law practice.  For those who have not employed freelance (or "contract") attorneys before, here is a list of ways in which using a freelance lawyer can enhance your practice: 

 

                                                                    Time Management  

 

      One of the main benefits of using a freelance attorney is that it allows you to more effectively manage your caseload. For example, if you have a case that is about to go to trial, you may not have time to respond to discovery requests or answer a complaint. Similarly, if you are preparing for or attending an important deposition, time constraints may prevent you from drafting an important motion due the following week.  By outsourcing discrete legal projects, you will be able to devote your time and talent to the most pressing matters at hand without sacrificing your clients' expectations.

 

                                                                     Increased Profit

 

        Did you know that law firms can ethically profit from using a freelance attorney?  ABA Formal Opinion No. 00-420 specifically states that: "a lawyer may, under the Model Rules, add a surcharge on amounts paid to a contract lawyer when services provided by the contract lawyer are billed as legal services..." In fact, the ABA opinion states that there is not even a duty to disclose the surcharge to a client "when the work of the contract lawyer is supervised, or absent supervision, when the work of the contract lawyer is adopted as the work of the retaining lawyer."  Importantly, when discussing contract lawyer services, ABA Formal Opinion No. 00-420 recognizes that "[i]t is implicit in Formal Opinion 93-379 that profit from providing legal services is expected and appropriate, as long as the total fee is reasonable."

 

                                                                 Reduced Client Costs

         

       Another significant benefit of using a freelance attorney is that it allows firms to remain competitive from a cost perspective and to keep cost-conscious clients as clients.  Freelance attorneys generally charge rates that are less than the rates charged by brick-and mortar firms. There are several reasons for this, one being that freelance lawyers work independently and do not incur the same overhead costs as traditional law firms. Involving a freelance attorney when handling matters for cost-sensitive clients can truly be a win-win situation for both the client and the attorney. The attorney can delegate to a freelance attorney certain portions of the case that are often time-consuming and expensive, such as discovery and brief writing, while maintaining control over hearings, depositions, and trial, thereby reducing overall costs.    

 

                                                                    Reduced Overhead  

 

      It is not unusual for small firms and solo practitioners to experience variances in their workflow. Solos and small firms often cannot afford to hire a full-time associate when their workflow is unsteady or unpredictible. Nevertheless, when the workload suddenly increases, these types of firms are often left scrambling.  This can present a significant challenge to attorneys who strive to provide their clients with excellent legal representation without negatively impacting their bottom line. Utilizing the services of a freelance attorney, however, allows small firms to tap into human capital on an as-needed basis without incurring the significant costs involved with hiring an associate, such as payroll taxes, benefits, and office space, to name a few.     

 

                                          More Time for Business Development  

 

     Every lawyer knows that business development is imperative for the continued viabiliby of any kind of practice, but the realities of modern day law practice often make it challenging to devote time to bringing in new clients while simultaneously meeting the demands of an existing caseload. Outsourcing some of your legal work to a freelance attorney will allow you to dedicate more time to building relationships, networking, and meeting with potential clients without neglecting your current clientele.

 

                                          Achieving a Better Work/Life Balance 

 

     Being an attorney can be stressful.  Being a litigation attorney can be even more stressful. It is often challenging to find time for other priorities, such as family, maintaining friendships, and pursuing other personal interests and hobbies.  Delegating your overflow legal work to a freelance attorney can allow you to achieve a better balance of your personal and professional life. While you are enjoying your child's sporting event or taking that much-needed vacation, a freelance attorney can be researching important legal issues, drafting a motion, or preparing the outline for your next deposition, all while you earn a profit!