Lawyer for hire—is contract work for you?

It’s an especially tight market for legal employment. With recent law school graduates finding fewer immediate job prospects and staff layoffs at firms both large and small, many are looking at contract law work as a necessary and rewarding alternative to full-time employment.

In "Lawyer for Hire: Freelance Contractors Change the Marketplace," author Hannah Hayes provides real examples of lawyers who have made the switch to doing contract work. Some eschew the rigorous schedule of a big firm lawyer that often requires close adherence to the billable hour. For Kimberly Alderman choosing contract work enabled her to do her work from "a remote cabin in Alaska." Like Alderman, many others cite the advantages of a flexible work schedule, independence and variety. Cofounder of the National Association of Freelance Legal Professionals, Amanda Mineer, says it's about a "balanced life, whether you want to raise a family or play tennis and golf, and be involved in your church."

The benefits of contract work can be great, but there are some pitfalls as well, including the burden of paying self-employment taxes, and taking personal responsibility for health and disability insurance.

One possible route to contract work is going through an agency, especially attractive now with the often-high cost of electronic evidence discovery and new discovery regulations that burden contract lawyers with limited resources. Some agencies even provide health benefits and 401(k) plans, explains the article.

Among specific pointers in getting contract work, according to Hayes:

• Network. Hayes suggests joining a local bar association or the National Association of Freelance Legal Professionals.
• Market yourself as a freelancer. Let others know you're interested in that kind of work.
• Think of yourself as a small business owner, and treat yourself like an entrepreneur. Consider such things as insurance and competitive pricing; maintain professionalism at all times.
• Define your objective. "If one aspect of legal work appeals to you most, focus on your expertise," writes Hayes.

"Lawyer for Hire: Freelance Contractors Change the Marketplace" can be found in the winter 2009 issue of Perspectives, a publication of the Commission on Women in the Profession about issues that are relevant and important to women in the legal profession. ABA members may opt in to receive the electronic version of the publication at no additional cost as a benefit of their ABA membership. Both members and nonmembers may subscribe to the print version, which costs $35/year for four quarterly issues. Click here to learn more or to subscribe.

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