Total Attorneys

Total Expert Radio Recap - Law Firm Staffing Alternatives: Contract Lawyers

On October 15, I hosted Total Attorneys’ monthly Total Expert Radio show with a discussion on how to use contract lawyers as a law firm staffing alternative. Our featured guest for this show was Lisa Solomon, an expert in legal writing and contract lawyering. This show was filled with useful tips, but here are a few highlights in case you missed it:

• You don’t have to think of outsourcing as “sending your work to India.” There are many attorneys right here in the U.S. that you can hire on a contract basis.
• If you are a true solo, you many not want to hire any employees but you man want to hire a contract lawyer to help you pick up the slack during busy seasons, to assist you in research when you are under heavy deadlines or to make court appearances for you when you need to take a week off from the office.
• Hiring a contract lawyer can be profitable. In most states, attorneys can mark up rates for contract lawyers, thus making a profit. Just be sure that the rates you charge clients are fair and reflect the contract attorneys’ experience and level of expertise.
• If you need guidance regarding ethics and contract lawyers, take a look at ABA Formal Opinion 08-451 or your state rules. In most cases, ethics rules that would apply to associates in your law firm also apply to contract lawyers.
• Solomon suggests looking for contract lawyers who bring a little something extra to the table. To help cut overhead costs, try to work with contract lawyers who carry their own malpractice insurance, have their own research tools and have their own office or home office.
• Finally, don’t forget the contract. When working with a contract lawyer, you should have a written agreement that includes terms such as confidentiality, fees, disbursements and choice of law in the event of a dispute.

For more information, you can listen to the full show here or download Lisa’s guide on using contract lawyers by visiting her website at www.questionoflaw.net.

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