Darling Hill

Ever wish you were your own boss?  Maybe so you could set your own schedule and never miss a dance recital or swim meet?  Well, you can be. 

How?  Become a freelance lawyer.  Freelancing lawyers (also sometimes referred to as "contract lawyers") can find and take on project-based work (e.g., a specific part of a case, such as drafting an appeal), either by way of connecting with other attorneys who need extra help or through contract lawyer placement organizations.   For lawyers seeking ultimate flexibility, keep in mind, that traditional contract lawyer placement projects, such as document review projects, may be onsite and closely resemble traditional "associate" structure, hours and rigidity, than other types of freelance legal work and projects.   

For lawyers thinking about starting their own firms, picking up "freelance" work along the way can help get business rolling, by getting the word out about your availability and generating referrals.

To get started on what just may your dream path in the law as a freelance lawyer, you may want to check out these resources:

-Susan Cartier Liebel and Carolyn Elefant offer their free teleseminar on Going Solo today (June 9th at noon).  You can find more info here.

-Gregory Bufithis, founder of The Posse List, has a great read on Trends in the Contract Lawyer Market, including a discussion on how solo media /blogging is good for freelance lawyers or budding solos.  Freelancers/Contract Lawyers-to-be will also want to sign up for The List.

-National Association of Freelance Legal Professionals, an organization that aims to help freelance lawyers and legal professionals, offers members monthly telecoffees.  

-PinkSlips, Detours & Re-Entry:  Restart, Recharge or Reinvent Your Legal Career on Your Own Terms (Washington, D.C. - June 24th) -  Carolyn Elefant and I are hosting this workshop again for lawyers who want to create their ideal career paths, get back into the law, or jump-start a transition.  You can register here. 

Oh, and in case you're wondering... you don't have to be a seasoned attorney with years and years of experience to embark on the freelance life.  Freelancing can be a viable career path for new law school graduates, as well as stay-at-home lawyer moms or dads who have taken a career detour or lawyers looking to gain more control over their own work/life balance. 

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Follow on Twitter:  @darlinghill

Julie 

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