Starting a Freelance Legal Practice

By Chelsea Beser

Experienced lawyers are increasingly turning to freelance work as an alternative to traditional practice.  Unlike traditional contract attorneys, freelance lawyers assist other lawyers and law firms with substantive, and often high-level, work.   Moving to a freelance practice has its challenges, and Emerald Gratz’s article in the Lawyerst – How to Start a Freelance Practice – lays out some very helpful tips on things to consider when getting started.   Her article addresses malpractice insurance, a written freelance work agreement, technology, marketing strategy, and having a financial plan.

Networks of freelance attorneys, such as Montage Legal Group, can also ease the transition to freelance work by connecting attorneys with experienced colleagues in a variety of practice areas, and give them greater access to work and resources.

Visit the full article in the Lawyerist here, or contact Montage Legal Group at [email protected] for more information on freelance lawyering.

Chelsea Beser

Chelsea Beser graduated cum laude from Columbia University in 2003.  She received her Juris Doctor from Fordham University in 2006, where she graduated magna cum laude and Order of the Coif and was an Associate Editor of the Fordham Law Review. Chelsea began her career at the New York office of Heller Ehrman, where she was a litigation associate representing clients in complex commercial litigations, securities actions, government investigations and insurance recovery matters. Chelsea then joined Boundas, Skarzynski, Walsh & Black, where she focused on business litigation and insurance coverage matters involving professional liability insurance coverage, with a focus on director and officer liability.

Chelsea joined Montage Legal Group in 2012 as Lead Attorney for New York.  Chelsea speaks on issues concerning women in the law, contract lawyering, and work-life balance.  Chelsea recently spoke on a panel “Can Women Really Have It All?” for the Women’s Mentorship and Leadership Alliance in New York City and presented a program at the New York County Lawyer’s Association entitled “Alternative and Innovative Approaches to Solo and Small Firm Practice Development.”

To contact Chelsea about a speaking opportunity, or to inquire about using her on a freelance litigation project, please contact Chelsea at [email protected].