Delegating a Project to a Freelancer
Attorneys, let’s just say you have too many projects on your desk. Having work is good; being overwhelmed is not. A freelance attorney can help.
If this is the first time you have considered hiring a freelancer, it doesn’t take long to learn about the insurance, billing and ethical considerations, and prepare your practice to use a freelancer. But even if you have a project that needs urgent attention, you can still use a freelance attorney. Here’s how:
1. Select a project that you can assign to a freelancer. Research and writing projects are good places to start. Litigators can delegate many components of their work. If you have a transactional practice, start with outsourcing the preparation of a particular document.
2. Locate a qualified freelance attorney. Ask questions about their qualifications and business practices. Use good delegation practices from the outset to ensure a successful relationship with your freelance attorney.
3. Inform your client of your intent to hire temporary help on their case. Assure them that you will be supervising the freelance attorney and that you, not the freelancer, will be the one making the judgment calls. Advise your client how the cost of the freelancer’s time will be passed on to them.
4. Agree on contract terms that define the relationship between you and the freelancer. In order to streamline any future assignments, it can be helpful to use a master agreement and discuss project specifics by email.
5. Disclose client and party names to your freelancer to allow for a conflict check.
6. Discuss project details and deadlines. Set a deadline for the freelancer’s work to be returned to you, giving yourself adequate time to review and revise.
7. Make file materials available to your freelance attorney. Pay attention to current best practices within your jurisdiction for sharing electronic data. In general, it is best to transfer materials to your freelancer with the security precautions that you use to ensure confidentiality in client communications.
8. Be sure to review your freelancer’s work; you are ultimately responsible for the decisions made on behalf of your client. The amount of supervision necessary will be based on your freelancer’s level of experience and your own judgment.
Now, relax, enjoy your newfound increase in workload capacity, and experience the freedom and flexibility that a freelancer can bring to your practice.
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