In today’s dynamic legal and economic landscape, many solo lawyers, law firms and in-house legal departments are facing fluctuating and unpredictable workloads. When work is inconsistent it is hard to justify hiring a full time associate or counsel to assist with busy periods, especially when that work may not last. One solution is to have a freelance lawyer assist you with your legal work on a flexible project basis. While there are numerous benefits to working with freelance lawyers, it is also crucial for law firms to consider several key factors before you start.
In this blog post, we explore three important considerations for lawyers and law firms before engaging a freelance lawyer:
1. Experience
Hiring lawyers should assess the candidate’s experience and substantive knowledge of the law. It’s essential to evaluate whether the freelance lawyer has the necessary skills relevant to the specific project at hand or if a substantial amount of training or hand-holding will be required. Before signing a contract, consider the freelance lawyer’s track record in similar cases or projects and determine if their abilities align with your firm’s requirements. If a law firm can find the right freelance lawyer, they can develop a long-lasting working relationship through which the freelancer can bring helpful insights, ensuring high-quality legal work for your firm and successful outcomes for your clients.
2. Professional Reputation, Licencing & Insurance, and References:
You should also confirm the freelance lawyer’s professional background and licensing / insurance requirements (check the relevant law society website to see if they are in good standing or if they are associated with any disciplinary matters). Freelance lawyers should be prepared to provide references from previous clients or law firms they have worked with so hiring lawyers can gain insight into their work ethic, reliability, and ability to meet deadlines. This due diligence will help ensure you hire a freelance lawyer who aligns with the firm’s values and will do a great job.
3. Availability and Workload Management:
The freelance lawyer’s availability and workload management capabilities are also important factors to consider. Does the freelance lawyer have the bandwidth to take on the project effectively and meet the required deadlines? Clear communication is vital to ensuring a successful working relationship. Both the hiring lawyer and the freelance lawyer should be prepared to discuss and understand the scope of the project, project timelines, and expected deliverables and be prepared to give and receive effective feedback and communicate timely project updates.
Conclusion
Hiring a freelance lawyer to assist with project-based legal work can offer solo lawyers and law firms greater flexibility. However, it is essential to carefully consider these three factors before making this decision. Evaluating the freelancer’s experience, professional reputation, availability, communication skills, and commitment will help ensure a successful partnership. By taking these considerations into account, law firms can harness the advantages of engaging a freelance lawyer while safeguarding their reputation, protecting client interests, and achieving positive project outcomes.
Too busy to find a great freelance lawyer? At Flex Legal we have over 80 freelance lawyers who have at a minimum 5-10 years post call experience earned at reputable law firms and/or as in-house counsel. Interested in connecting with one of our pre-vetted freelancers? Fill out our HIRE US form today.
