Today’s legal climate is perfect for solo attorneys and small law firms. Lawyers and those seeking legal services are flocking to legal freelance websites more than ever before. Companies like Hire an Esquire, UpCounsel, LegalBee, Lawclerk, Aggregate Law, Lawyer Exchange, and several others were formed to specifically connect freelance attorneys with law firms and companies. UpCounsel alone claims that 25,000 attorneys and more than 18,000 businesses have joined the site.
Law firms and companies alike can’t get enough of freelancers. “Buyers are increasingly driven to purchase legal services online, decoupled from traditional institutions, to access quality and convenience without the high costs,” co-founder of UpCounsel Mason Blake says. “With the increasingly high number of lawyers choosing to work outside of the traditional firm or corporate legal department, there is a large supply of talent to meet the growing demand.”
There has to be some reason (or reasons) as to why lawyers are freelancing in droves. If you’re thinking about freelancing or if you’re thinking about hiring freelancers, we have you covered! Keep reading to understanding the many advantages afforded to law firms, so that you can better understand the motivation behind the movement from a business perspective.
It’s Easy to Hire a Freelance Attorney
You can easily hire an attorney with just a few clicks. Websites like those mentioned above, allow firms to review resumes, writing samples, and other documents that are important in their hiring decision. Furthermore, firms are able to read reviews to get a better glimpse of the attorney’s capabilities and quality of work.
Freelance Attorneys Are More Accessible
There are thousands of freelancers across the country and the world. You can find attorneys in each time zone working around the clock. Regardless of your deadlines, you can find an attorney any hour of the day to handle your firm’s needs.
Growing Law Firms Can Garner More Revenue
Having full-time employees is costly! By hiring freelancer attorneys, firms can “profit on freelance lawyers the same way” they would an associate. With freelancers, a firm can pay as they need work done without all of the strings attached that would normally be associated with employees. For example, you could save on taxes, insurance, office space, non-health benefits, and more.
In addition to saving money, freelancers are just as qualified and eager to work just as anyone else. The less amount of money spent on personnel means more profit for the firm.
More About the Influx of Freelancers
Senior corporate counsel at Caterpillar Inc. Byron Buck said, “As the workforce changes and younger attorneys become more interested in taking time off to start a family or pursue other endeavors, the freelance model will likely grow.” It’s safe to say that this project is correct and will continue to be proven true.
Legal Talk Network has a great podcast episode titled “Thinking Like a Lawyer.” If you’re curious to learn more about this niche area of the legal industry, give the podcast a listen.
