Currently Browsing: Freelancing and Ethics

Ethics Series Part 4: To Bill or Not to Bill: 3 Ways Law Firms Can Manage Costs of Hiring a Freelance Attorney

Law firms have several options for managing freelance attorney costs. First, the law firm may simply absorb the cost of the freelance attorney, perhaps in a contingency fee arrangement. Second, the law firm may treat the costs as a direct expense to the client where no markup is taken. Or third, recognizing...

Ethics Series Part 3: Understanding Malpractice Insurance for Freelance Attorneys

Understanding legal malpractice insurance coverage is critical, especially for freelance attorneys who may rely upon a hiring law firm for coverage. Although malpractice insurance is not ethically required, the practical reality is that freelance attorneys are only protected from malpractice claims if they...

Ethics Series Part 2: Informing Clients When Hiring Freelance Attorneys

As part of MFAN’s continuing discussion on potential ethical issues involved in the hiring of freelance attorneys, we next turn to the question of when must a law firm inform the client that a freelance attorney is assisting on its legal matters. At first glance, this seems like an easy question. After all,...

Ethics Series Part 1: Managing Current and Future Conflicts of Interest When Hiring Freelance Attorneys

In this economic climate, law firms are paring down the number of new hires each year and managing their caseload with a very lean workforce. When cases heat up unexpectedly or when a law firm accepts a complicated new case, the firm may seek immediate outside assistance. Emerging trends in hiring show that...

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