“The Pros And Cons Of Using Freelance Attorneys: Perspectives From A Hands-On User,” by Carolyn Elefant, appeared on Above The Law on January 9, 2018.
The article points out that freelance lawyers, previously known as contract attorneys, have been around for decades. The article credits Montage Legal Group for starting the new wave of freelance lawyer networks in 2009:
But what has changed over the past decade is the ease with which freelance services can now be procured for individualized and smaller scale projects through curated networks on online platforms. Montage Legal, founded in 2009, roughly marks the start of what I call FreelanceLawyer 2.0, but since then numerous companies have followed on Montage’s heels.
The article discusses how dozens of companies launched after Montage Legal started the Freelance Attorney Network trend in 2009, but two of the most prominent companies have already folded. It mentions a handful of companies that still exist today, but after clicking through these freelance networks, many these companies seem to be fully-automated platforms (unlike Montage’s personal network), or seem to include low-rate, low-level freelance lawyers.
Carolyn Elefant also reminds firms that many freelance networks don’t vet their applicants and may provide firms with work product that isn’t up to par. Specifically, the article states, “That said, if you want high-quality, reliable, file-ready work, you’ll want to use one of the more curated sites that vet applicants (like Montage or Now Counsel Network) and you should expect to pay between $125-$200/hour.”
Montage Legal Group has never tried to be “cutting edge.” Rather, we simply strive to do whatever makes the most sense to the attorneys in our freelance network, our law firm clients, and their clients. Our mission sometimes brings us to new technology, and other times we realize that an older method remains superior. But either way, we usually end up with creative ideas that help our law firm clients grow and thrive. We hope to continue this trend with more prosperity in 2018 and beyond.
Thank you to Carolyn Elefant and Above the Law!
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