Hey all, recently passed the BAR and looking into freelance websites such as UpWork to pick up some extra projects on the side. Does anyone have experience with any freelance work platforms like that? Just confused as most of the job postings are in other states where I am not admitted… don’t want to get debarred immediately lol.

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

F

like

To the extent your freelance work would be legal work, probably your biggest obstacle (assuming you don’t have an employer that prohibits moonlighting) is going to be conflicts. Most states allow temporary practice if it’s not work that requires pro hac admission but you’ll need to consider that on a case by case, state by state basis. I serve as outside General Counsel to solo and small law firms, drop me a DM if you’d like to chat. Good luck!

like

Hey! So I’m throwing this out here because I’m wondering who might have suggestions based on this thread - I work for a small/mid size firm that has more work v not enough associates with enough experience to do the work. We’re at a point where we think it’s a good idea to look for attorneys who are somewhat seasoned(maybe have done some time in big law) and are wanting a more remote / gig based / freelance type of opportunity. Based off this thread I’m just wondering if you may have suggestions on how to make those connections?! Open to some ideas right now and thinking there’s got to be people who would also benefit or prefer to work like this but stuck on where to start without having to vet and filter through tons of applications especially when we are so busy

I do some but have never had luck on Upwork, I kinda gave up on that one awhile ago, seemed a little sketchy. The best one is lawclerk in my opinion, but it does suck cause you really have to comb through the ads to find which jobs fit for you. Hire an esquire and montage are good too. If you do (or want to do) document review there’s other good sites for those.

like

Sorry just seeing this I have a good amount of expenses and bar dues are no joke.

Extra projects on the side of what, your job? You're worried about getting disbarred from doing unlicensed work but not moonlight work? Am i understanding...........

Signifiant business expenses? I have software, insurance, bills to pay, etc

Apart from real or potential conflicts of interest, exposure to malpractice is also a big concern, and you need to be open with your employer and get their authorization to do side work in the legal industry. Most firms will not authorize such work because their malpractice insurance either disallows it or would not provide coverage. I would steer clear of side-work involving the practice of law. If you want to make extra money maybe become a bartender or a real estate agent. Or better yet, invest all this extra time you think you are going to have in “killing it” at your firm.

While this is very much an issue it’s also a very solvable one. I have my own malpractice insurance that clearly exempts any work I do at my full time firm. My full time firm has malpractice insurance that clearly exempts my personal work. It’s all covered just under a different umbrella. And I’m very careful about conflicts. So long as everyone know about it and you do it above board it’s not so scary. I’m sure bigger firms wouldn’t authorize you to.

likesmart

Related Posts

Any consulting fish preparing for a PE exit willing to chat about prep and what to expect from the interview process?

like

How long does it take EY GDS to hire? I've applied for some positions (bcom fresher) on June last week. For 2 positions (Core AMS- Staff & GDS.SaT_VME_BVals_Analyst) it's showing "we'd like to progress you to the next step in our recruiting process" since July 1st. It's been 10 days, but no update/email/phone calls. Can somebody help?

like

HCOL audit SM looking to leave big 4. What should be my comp expectation?

like

Does the concept of local and high value role exist is Deloitte, Accenture or PWC?... been consulting for 13 yrs

Long drive tomorrow. Does anyone know of any on demand CFP continue education courses out there? I’d love to knock out 15 hrs of CE on this drive, if able. 🤦‍♂️🔫🤢

like

Does PHR certification help in India, as this is globally recognised how much valuable is this currently in indian job market.

Do we got some good offers or its another certificate just to add to CV after so much of investment & time I don't want to get this wasted !!

Need suggestions ??

like

is it worth joining as a test consultant in Microsoft Dynamic 365 CRM team? Currently working as QAE 1 in Amazon. I am getting 50% hike there.
#Microsoft @Microsoft
Location: Bangalore

How to check bench ageing in Virtusa?

like

Nah there was a legit cultural march today

Would like some insights on Accenture's salesforce practice. Considering a functional manager/senior manager position. What should I know about? How is the leadership? How is the team? Compensation ranges? Anything else that one should know?

like

How much time Accenture takes to come back after some one clears the tech round?

Its already a week, please help.

Should i reach out to them in case they did not?

like

Thinking about switching in house jobs from one bank to another. Current job is great for work life balance but no promotion prospects and pay is below market. New job offers a better title and better pay but work life balance is a bit of an unknown. What kind of questions would you pose to the new employer/team when trying to ascertain what work life balance awaits? Any tips of setting boundaries early on without inviting judgment? Need flexibility to pick up my kids from childcare every day…

like

Does anyone else feels like the job market today is like the 2013 Real Estate Market? It is a buyer’s market. It’s saturated with jobs, but no one wants to work. And recruits are not taking advantage of the ones who want to work.

The cycle repeats. #thirstythursdays

likefunny

I’m mid 30s F. Recently started seeing this guy, where he is “good enough”. Good conversations, decent time together, he has a good heart, but nothing about him shines. - not fit (I work out everyday and play sports), meh social skills (he doesn’t have best friends, just few he hangs out with), bit less energy than me.
There is a feeling in me that says “he’s going to be a comfortable life partner” and “he is just good enough, but if I break up I won’t find someone for a long time”
Do I stay?

like

Anyone stay at the Ritz-Carleton in D.C.? I’ve never stayed at a Ritz location so I’m curious to hear what to expect. Will be in D.C. for a conference so my firm is covering the trip.

like

Hi Is our job in danger ? After the quarter results declaration? Has wipro undergone losses? They have kept contract to hire cases on hold as well.why so?

I have recently received an offer from HSBC for Data Engineer profile. The designation offered is Senior Analyst- Information Management. They said that it is a techno functional role. Does anyone have an idea about what techno functional role actually is in HSBC? Is it more like a Business Analyst? My prior experience is completely in Technical side. Will this role be suitable for me?

Any suggestion is highly appreciated. Thank you.

Do you think campuses will open up this summer for on campus tours?

like

Any Shopify store owners here? I’m using an app that increases conversion and rev through cashback (better than promo bc many don’t redeem). Would love to refer others to them.

likesmart

Additional Posts in Small Law / Solos

Does anyone run a business in addition to their firm? I’m a solo and I’m doing pretty well with about 60-70 billable hours a month. Though that leaves a lot of downtime. Curious if anyone has any second businesses that require about 20 hours a week. Not looking for passive income or franchise ideas though.

like

Has anyone does a course from New Law Business Model? If so, what did you think?

like

How do firms give bonuses to associate attorneys? Quarterly, monthly, annually? What is a bonus based on? Money recieved, billable hours, etc?

I'm looking to set up a bonus structure for a new associate.

like

A friend of mine and I are both starting our life firms from scratch. We both do two different areas of law. How can we help each other with referrals and networking? We live in an area that’s pretty geographically large in two different parts of town.

Does anybody have a resource available for pricing and billing? I am 2 years out of law school, working as a corporate attorney, and wanting to go solo. Ideally, I will take my corporate client with me, but am working to build work on the side during the transition. Also, do you have any recommendations for document preparation? I would like to draft wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents, but would like a resource that has boilerplate provisions to utilize as a reference.

like

Has anyone received equity as contingency comp? I have a potential client with a founders dispute. He doesn’t have cash, and the other founder ripped him off and is now running the company. He wants to sue for equity and wants to pay me with whatever equity he wins. I’ve never done a deal like that. Is that even enforceable? CA law. The startup is actually quite promising.

like

Advice for Of Counsel roles? I am of counsel at a firm where I can set my own rate and keep a percentage of collections, which varies slightly depending on whether the client is one I generated or not. I’m finding that a lot of my work is for firm clients where the lawyer negotiated a flat fee (and the hours worked are less, due to efficiency etc). What is the right way for me to be compensated in this scenario?

like

Plaintiff side question - comp is base plus % of fees. Firm has non equity split % with associate working on case. This normal for a non equity partner? Normal associate comp is full % when working with an equity partner.

like

Any mid-level associates in the Sacramento region looking for a litigation role at a chapter 11 bankruptcy firm? We have a job opening up and are looking for someone with corporate bankruptcy experience.

like

Hi. I’m in need of advice and encouragement. I’m currently working as a public defender(2nd year) but I would love to pursue a solo private practice. I would like to leave the public defender because I am ready to make more money and I am no longer feeling the fulfillment I once felt. I have a family and work-life balance is a priority. What is a good way to gain experience in other areas of law as a solo practitioner? What areas of law are best for maintaining a work-life balance?

like

My one year anniversary of opening my own solo firm is next week. Ideas for how to recognize this milestone on social media/Linkedin, etc? I do blog regularly but I'm struggling to figure out the best angle.

like

Which practice area has the most amount of room for creative problem-solving? (And enough $$)

like

Solos - what does your day look like? Do you work traditional hours? Do you take breaks during the day for personal things such as errands and working out?

like

I believe improving one’s sales conversion rate is something everyone want to improve but no one wants to admit they would like to work it. Funny how lawyers will spend thousands on seminars to improve trial skills. But this topic is not discussed in our profession. I have read books in sales. But am unable to find any for lawyers. I want convert every lead I can. Does anyone have tips, books, cle’s or studied this topic?

like

Bookkeeping service recommendations? Virtual service or through your CPA?

like

When potential clients tell you they’ll hire your firm but they want to be 100% reimbursed from you if you aren’t able to get them the outcome they want - how hard is it not to laugh?! 🤦🏽‍♀️🙄

like

I work at a small, 3 lawyer firm. One of the lawyers is not barred in the state we practice. Because of this, the managing attorney has been having him draft motions and other legal documents and use my name and bar number and having me file them because I will have to appear in court for the matter. Is this normal? I am not provided time to review the materials before I file them so I end up working longer days because I am nervous to file something using my name and bar number.

like

Any contract family law attorneys in Kentucky?

like

Started my law firm this month. Have a few of-counsel positions and want to do mostly litigation (civil and commercial in NY). Besides word of mouth and networking, have any of you found any websites or services that generate legitimate leads?

like

Are there any real estate attorneys who have gotten into the title insurance business? What does that look like? Do you still carry on a private practice on the side?

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