Freelance work is not a novel concept, nor is the current revolution of freelance workers in its early stages. Instead, it is merely a strengthening force of a movement that has been long in the making. The changing scene of business and the workforce in general means that even the legal field is not immune to shifts in operational models. The traditional structure of law firms has been in flux due to transforming market conditions[1].
Branching out to include freelance lawyers in your practice is a logical next step when faced with the realities of increased competition, new technology, and a call for faster delivery methods. This decision can improve your work-life balance and create a much more effective time management system in your firm or private practice.
Once you have decided to step into the freelance marketplace and outsource some of your legal tasks, you will have to determine what type of payment method to use. Typically, a freelance attorney will work on either a subscription model or a project-based model. The correct way for you will be based on a number of things, including the scope and length of the project, how likely you are to outsource again in the future, and your personal preferences for invoicing.
Subscription Model
One popular method is a subscription-based model. This involves a regular flat fee every month and is not unheard of even within law firms themselves[2]. It offers a more streamlined process of service delivery, invoicing, and payment, and it is highly customizable. The details of the subscription plan can be tailored to fit the firm’s needs and the freelancer’s availability.
Think of this like any other subscription you have in your life. Media streaming, meal delivery, Amazon Prime – these are services you pay for regularly, so you can easily access them when you need or want them. A subscription model for a freelance lawyer is similar. If you anticipate a steady stream of work to outsource, a subscription model means you can get right into assigning tasks without working out payment details first.
Project-by-Project Basis
Arguably a more mainstream method, paying a freelance lawyer on a project-by-project basis cuts out some of the unknowns involved with subscription payments. If you are unsure how much outsourced legal work you’ll be able to provide to a freelance attorney, you may prefer paying per project. The details of this method do leave some wiggle room for you to figure out how best to approach it.
Do you want to pay upfront or after service delivery? Would you prefer to pay through a service like PayPal or write a check? Is the fee based on an hourly rate or a lump sum? These are all important things to discuss with the freelance lawyer you choose to work with.
[1] Georgetown Law. “2019 Report on the State of the Legal Market” Calls for Rebuilding the Law Firm Model. https://www.law.georgetown.edu/news/rebuilding-the-law-firm-model-2019-report-on-the-state-of-the-legal-market/
[2] Clio. How to Run a Subscription-Based Legal Service. https://www.clio.com/blog/subscription-based-law-firm/#:~:text=A%20subscription-based%20law%20firm%20offers%20clients%20legal%20services,unlimited%20legal%20advice%2C%20document%20review%2C%20and%20business%20planning.
