Has anyone been hired as an independent contractor vs the more traditional FTE? Curious how common that was and if there is anything I should be aware of before accepting such an offer. Small company and 2-person legal team (I’d be the second hire.)

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

On top of SRC1’s comment, you’d also be responsible for paying the full amount of FICA. That’s another 7.65% you’d lose in tax (whereas for W2s, the EE/ER each pay 7.65%)

like

That's not normal at all. You're not a hire if they are trying to make you a contractor. You probably can't pass the test to be a contractor if you are actively working there full time so the first thing you would be doing is telling them they are violating a basic law that bites companies constantly. And you do not want to be a contractor, as an attorney, without malpractice insurance.

Bottom line: unless they are paying you extremely well (enough to cover malpractice insurance, health insurance, other benefits, plus way above market pay to cover no bonus or stock) don't do it. Also, are they going to let you work remotely, whenever is convenient for you, and let you take other clients?

like

And you wouldn't partipate in any benefit plans.

like

Yeah…that’s called being retained as outside counsel…

likefunny

No PTO and if company is off for a paid holiday, you typically lose a day of pay unless they let you work during.

like

Thanks for all the comments! This matches my concerns too. I think they want me to be an IC due to budget concerns, but I am requesting to be brought on as a FTE.

like

Related Posts

So a friend shared this pic & as soon as I saw it,the words that came out of my mouth were: “This is so pretty,I wish I was there”.There was awkward silence in the room & I had to read the text below😨

Post Photo
like

Walmart Hi Fishes! I am currently working in walmart as a product Analyst and am in the last round of interview for some other companies. Could you guide me with the compensation I should be asking from these companies? Current TC: 36lpa
Fixed: 28lpa
YoE: 7years 4months

like

Been in content creation for a tax research biz for ~6 yrs (last 2+ managing team of 7) analyzing law & creating material for other profs. Any tips on leveraging that into a return to practice?

like

Hi all,
I'm a Software Engineer with 14 months of work experience. I want to move on to Product Management as my current job doesn't align with my long term career aspirations. I'm pretty confident in the tech aspects of my job and am undergoing a course in Business Foundations.
Any suggestions on what career steps I should take?

like

May not be the right bowl but I need insights. Guy likes me and vice versa, was over at my place helping with something, had a huge erection but said or did nothing. I can’t figure out why..

like

Are there any SAP developers (UI5/ABAP) roles available in the big 4?

like

$1000 says this didn’t happen. 🤣 😂

Post Photo
funnylike

Should I negotiate job title for an offer that’s been presented to me? Currently a Consultant at a partner firm with an offer to move to industry as a Business Systems Analyst. Thoughts?

How do I stay relevant in the Salesforce ecosystem?
I am 24 year old Salesforce Developer with 1.5 Years of Experience. Coming back to Salesforce, I have worked on Salesforce Implementation of Small to Mid Level Businesses which required me to have an all-around knowledge of Salesforce(Admin + Development) on both Sales and Service Cloud. But I wish to specialize in one Salesforce Skill/Path and become an absolute master of it (CPQ, Vlocity, Pardot or tablu,Mulesoft). What path should I choose?

like

Happy to inform that this bowl is now 1000+ times stronger! 1.2K members and counting! 😀

like

Any TCS manager? Need some insights.

like

Hi Fishes,
I have 7yoe. 4 years as consultant and 3 years as SAP TESTER. Now i have a SAP testing opportunity at Mexico on the other hand i am preparing to switch as consultant again. Which is better for long term in terms of money and career? SAP TESTING at mexico or SAP consultant for long run. Thank you all in advance.

like

Privacy fish - Anyone taken the CIPM and can share what the exam is like?

Content outline seems like application of standard consulting approach, so how do they test it on an exam?

Anybody know anything about the Cyber Strategy team at JPMorgan? Recruiter reached out to discuss a senior strategy role.

like

Any Penn Testers in the U.S looking for freelance work? Please dm

like

Anyone at Protiviti in their Cybersecurity consulting practice willing to chat? Looking to inquire about pay, culture, etc. Thanks!

like

Slowly reflecting my way through Zaretta Hammond’s book and wanted to see what you all thought about the listed “trust generators.” Anything missing? What do you prioritize?

Post Photo
like

Could anyone speak to what it’s like to work for HHS as an attorney advisory? Culture, substance of the work, would be interested to hear anything really. Thank you.

What are some in-style sneakers (for exercise, casual wear, etc) for men

like

So anyone Opting In??

like

Additional Posts in In-House Counsel

How far do you require depts be with negotiating commercial contract terms before your legal review? I’m talking routine low value and risk contracts (e.g., vendor services), where Legal terms won’t kill the deal. My clients blindly forward contracts. I say “are you sure this term is ok?” And often get “no.” They’re surprised because they never read them. Checking the temp to see what others experience, what might be normal. I feel contract training in my clients’ future...

like

Anyone going to the security/privacy conference in DC this week?

Any tips for moving up in a medium/large-sized legal department, aside from switching companies? I work in a collegial environment with plenty of opportunities to create more value, but the management level is fairly crowded and it seems the clearest path to get one of those roles is to be hired into it. What has been your experience? Thanks!

like

I have the option to leave Biglaw for in-house position at Fortune 100 for 320k TC with 10 YOE in HCOLC. This is my first in-house role and so I wanted others' thoughts on TC range for my level.

like

Been interviewing for two months for an in-house position. Is this standard?

like

For those who work in-house, did you submit a cover letter with your application?

like

In house counsel who were ip litigators, what do you do now? When did you go in house and how is your total comp in house? How is work life balance?

like

Has any obtained an associated GC position (general) from a big law specialty position such as tax? Any recommendations on how to present yourself as competent?

like

Outside counsel has been prepping company witnesses for a trial in August. It is my subject area so I am supervising outside counsel. I did not, however, choose the counsel. He is doing a really awful job. Co counsel is better, but not great either. Higher ups love the firm… I do not want to micromanage, but I have genuine concerns about outside counsel’s ability to try this case. Trials are rare, and I just don’t think these guys have actually tried many cases. Cont. below…

like

Looking for advice on business trips. My boss kindly asked me if I want to go meet a client out of state along with business folks. It will be my first visit to a client. What do you think are the benefits of these trips? I’m fairly new in my career and in-house so would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks!

like

Has anyone here worked in-house for a startup and also in-house at an established company? What has your experience been like? What did you like/dislike about each? What was the difference in wlb?

like

Small life sciences company. Seeking reccos for internal IP Docketing Service/Platform. Anyone have any reccos.

like

Does anyone have any insights on pay @ oracle? I hear on average it’s below market? Thanks!

likesmart

Considering joining a small 50-person company as the only attorney (prior attorney is retiring). (I am currently in-house at a F50). For others who have done the same path, what surprises did you have when moving from a large company to a small one?

For example, it sounds like I should not expect a document management system, based on a prior post in this bowl. I’m guessing expenses like state bar fees and cell phone are not reimbursed.

Any advice on things to expect (or not expect)?

like

I applied to Microsoft and a recruiter reached out saying I’m being moved forward. I was asked to fill out a written questionnaire, which I submitted about a month ago. I’ve heard nothing since. My status online still says in review. Is it time to give up hope on this one?

like

What are your thoughts on job stacking while being remote?

Either doing one full time and a few part time jobs or 2 full times

like

Would you strongly advise against going in-house right after a state court clerkship? (No law firm experience in law school either). I don’t know if I want to become an in-house forever. Would it be difficult to get a law firm job at a later time?

like

I am far along in the interview process for a job I want (meeting with Chief Legal Officer next week), but am still accepting other interviews until I have a formal offer. However, I have an interview scheduled for early this week where, after further research, I don’t think I would be very happy. Should I let the recruiter know that now, or just do the interview for more “practice”? Thanks!

like

Have interviews set up at FAANG co and getting good signals, for a position that was posted widely (all across US) but not remote. Haven’t broached the subject of location yet. Would you (1) early on clearly state that you’re not open to relocation but that you would be open to visiting a big office once or twice a month; (2) not say anything now and wait to get an offer and ask for an exemption; or (3) something else?

like

What are some companies that hire attorneys fully remote with 3-5 YOE? Even if there are not openings currently, I am curious to know so I can keep my eyes peeled for openings that may come up.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal