Why you should be a freelance lawyer

With a new digital age comes new possibilities and many are taking on the option of being a freelance lawyer. The possibility of remote work has spread worldwide into thousands of different sectors and lawyers are employing this idea too.

Finances online found that people between the age of 18 – 29 are 53% more likely to find a job using their smartphones.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic people are more likely to desire a better work-life balance and demand this in their jobs. For lawyers this is one of the biggest struggles with such a busy work life, but being a freelance lawyer can offer you more job autonomy.

Whilst working for yourself has some great perks it can also bring other stressors and unpredictability. You will have to work hard to build your own freelance business and profile whilst dealing with everything yourself.

Is being your own boss something you think you could do?

The benefits of being a freelance lawyer

• You can create your own hours and decide when you want to work meaning you will have a more balanced lifestyle and avoid burnout more easily.
• You can decide your own fees, whether that is an hourly rate or a fixed standard rate.
• You will be able to take on a variety of cases which you choose between. You won’t have to take on cases you don’t want to or don’t believe in creating more job satisfaction.
• You will have great chances to network with each new client and potentially set yourself up with regular clients.

Disadvantages of being a freelance lawyer

• Taking on the risk of working on your own. You will have no administrative help meaning you may have more paperwork to do yourself.
• Your pay check will be less reliable as you have to find your own cases and until you build up your business they may not be regular.
• You are in charge of each area of the business including business licenses, malpractice insurance all whilst working as a lawyer too.
• You will have to market yourself in order to receive clients. Using LinkedIn and starting a website which you will have to regularly update, reach out to people and market yourself as a business so you can grow.

How to get started

• You should first, find your niche area of law that you will practice. Clients are more likely to hire a specialised lawyer in what they need. This will help your reputation to be consistent and allow clients to understand how you will help them.
• Set up your website and LinkedIn. You need to be seen by potential clients and so the best way to do that is to set up professional profiles. Gather testimonials and write up about the services you provide. LinkedIn can be a great way to network and you could find clients this way.
• Get malpractice insurance from the beginning. This is essential to becoming a freelance lawyer and will protect you from any legal action that could come up during your work.
• Always draw up written agreements and contracts with clients and hiring firms to avoid any miscommunication or disagreements.