Lawyers, Law Firms, and the Gig Economy
By: Tara Seosankar, Principal Lawyer, Tara Seosankar Professional Corporation
Fun fact: did you know that when a lawyer leaves a firm, “the cost to the firm ranges from $400,000 to more than $800,000”?[1] A lawyer leaving might cause the firm to turn down work and lose important client relationships and other staff/lawyers who were mentored by the departing lawyer.
What if I told you that the gig economy can help lawyers and law firms possibly retain their employees and reduce turnover costs, increase profitability, and still keep clients happy? Let me explain!
THE GIG ECONOMY
The gig economy generally refers to services provided through short-term contracts by freelancers and independent contractors, also known as “gig workers”.
We encounter gig workers daily whether ordering a ride or delivery of a meal. But they also work in many professional sectors. In the legal arena, freelancers provide services such as legal consultations, research and writing services (like the services I offer), and business consulting.
Companies are increasingly utilizing independent contractors and freelancers to help meet their clients’ needs. Sole practitioners and firms can take advantage of this cost-efficient and effective solution to gain workforce flexibility while managing the business. Mediators and arbitrators can also utilize a freelance lawyer to help with research and analysis, and proofreading decisions.
GIG ECONOMY AND LAWYERS
Undoubtedly, the pandemic has given us an appreciation of time. It has highlighted how the nature of work is rapidly evolving away from traditional full-time employees to a more flexible, freelance economy. With technology, it is easier to connect people to opportunities that provide flexible benefits.
In the legal industry, we see Associates leaving their jobs for various reasons, such as firm culture, lack of mentorship, and work-life balance. The firm is then left scrambling to attract and retain lawyers to handle the workload and serve clients. What’s worse is, due to the increase in demand for legal services, the remaining Associates may experience burn-out, and the quality of work may be compromised.
For some sole practitioners and firms, it might not be affordable or timely to hire an Associate.
By utilizing a freelance lawyer you reap the benefits of:
- enhancing your capacity to serve clients properly;
- managing unexpected attrition and turnover of lawyers;
- creating efficiency by delegating the workload;
- retaining matters you may otherwise have to turn down (due to lack of capacity);
- work-life balance which helps retain employees; and
- increasing profitability as a result of all of the above.
Lawyers also benefit from the gig economy’s flexibility and the ability to prioritize what they value most. For me, it is about doing something I love while having the freedom to:
- focus on my health;
- structure my priorities;
- decide when and how many hours to work in the day;
- choose the type of work I am interested in; and
- determine who I want to work and spend time with.
A freelance lawyer like me can help you bridge the gap between what your firm wants and what you and your employees seek. You’ll benefit from lower burn-outs and more motivated and productive employees.
I serve sole practitioners and firms, mediators and arbitrators in the employment law arena, who need support with overflow, research, contract drafting and reviews, drafting demand letters and pleadings, proofreading decisions, etc.
If you’re curious about working with a freelance lawyer or need support, feel free to reach out. The best way to contact me is via email at tara.seosankar@gmail.com.
