Project attorneys have become a viable asset to the legal community. Law firms use these temporary professionals to assist with their short term needs in specific matters. Many firms see these lawyers as an economical alternative to hiring new associates. In this post we will discuss some advantages of project attorneys, so you can consider whether contracting is a feasible option for your practice.
Who are these attorneys
Contract attorneys come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are seasoned professionals, who have retired from a law firm or their own practices. They may use contract opportunities to bring in some extra income from time to time. Many contract attorneys are new lawyers who have not yet found a permanent place within the legal marketplace. They have passed a state bar exam, but the crowded workforce makes contract work their most attractive option. The last group are not attorneys at all… they are JDs. They have earned their law degrees, but have yet to pass a bar exam for one reason or another. These workers are limited in the tasks that they are allowed to complete, based on the rules of the state bar.
Hiring contract attorneys
A huge case walks in the door. You know your attorneys have the knowledge and experience to successfully handle the matter, you just need a little bit of manpower to handle the influx of documents and related tasks. Though you consider hiring a new associate, you realize that it is not financially feasible. This is the perfect scenario for bringing on a project attorney.
An article by Hire An Attorney discusses the advantages of contract attorneys. One pro is the ability to create a specialized team for specific matters. For example, your criminal law practice has the opportunity to handle an extremely lucrative tort matter. With project attorneys, you can assemble a team of professionals who specialize in civil law, and even the particular controversy of the case. The result is an extension of your normal practice areas and the opportunity to expand your firm.
Contracted lawyers can also free you to handle the most pressing matters by handling smaller tasks that you either don’t want to do, or the tasks that yield smaller financial returns. Those contracts that need to be edited… let a contract attorney handle that. Do you need to redact personal information from a stack of documents… another job for a project attorney.
Project attorneys can be useful and valuable assets for your law firm. Whether you are seeking to expand your practice or just need some extra hands on deck, consider whether contracting can provide the help you need.
About Erika Winston:
Erika Winston is a Virginia based writer with a passion for all things legal. As a former domestic relations attorney, she understands the challenge of determining the best fee structure for your practice. Erika is a regular contributor to TimeSolv and a variety of other publications.