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Freelance Contract Lawyers: Is That a Thing?

Updated: March 28, 2023
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What is a Freelance Contract Attorney?

Small business owners and start-up companies know that every decision they make has to be about their bottom line. Whenever possible, they need to outsource tasks and work with freelancers. But what about when it comes to legal matters? Are freelance contract lawyers a thing?

Understanding What a Freelancer Is

Pretty much any profession can be done on a freelance basis. In essence, freelancers are independent contractors who either work from home or a remote location. They might call themselves consultants, virtual employees, and virtual professionals, just to name a few. The key is that they are not tied to a single employer and have significant flexibility in their work.

How Freelancing Works for Contract Lawyers

When someone is a freelance contract lawyer, they generally work remotely, though some might offer to come to a job site on an as-needed basis. They can connect with clients through their own websites or through online marketplaces, such as ContractsCounsel.com. With this setup, contract lawyers can work with clients throughout their state, across the country, or even around the globe, depending on their licensing and areas of specialty.


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How Freelance Contract Lawyers Differ From Those at a Law Firm

When a law firm hires a contract lawyer, they expect them to be available full time and strictly to their clients. When working with a firm, these lawyers charge higher rates because they only keep a percentage and must build the firm’s cut into their rate.

Freelance contract lawyers might work with law firms, but as independent contractors. This gives them greater flexibility in their time, what clients they work with, and what they charge. However, many do not partner with firms, choosing to work from home with individual clients instead.

When to Hire a Freelance Contract Lawyer

The great thing about working with a freelance contract lawyer is you only have to turn to them when you have an active need. You do not pay to retain their services, and it is fine to go months without working with them. Whenever you need a new contract drafted, an old one reviewed, or assistance with enforcing one, seek out a freelance contract lawyer.

Know the Pros and Cons of Selecting a Freelance Contract Lawyer

The biggest benefits of opting for freelance contract lawyers over those with a law firm are the savings to you. Not only do they charger lower rates, but they don’t require regular payments or retainers to keep their time available to you.

When you opt to go freelance, you also have a lot of flexibility. You can work with a lawyer and if they don’t seem to be a good fit, move on to another. It is perfectly acceptable to switch counsel when it is the right decision for you.

The primary disadvantage of going freelance is that learning the quirks of your business and needs can take time, and when a lawyer is with you on a freelance basis, they may never get the chance to know your company intimately as an in-house lawyer would. However, you can select those with experience in your industry to ensure they are well positioned for easy onboarding.

Secure Your Business With a Vetted Freelance Contract Lawyer Near You

Iron-clad contracts protect your business and profits, and you can get these without breaking the bank by working with a freelance contract lawyer. Contracts Counsel is a boutique marketplace that only features vetted attorneys. Find contract lawyers who understand your industry through ContractsCounsel.com.

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Peter L. on ContractsCounsel
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5.0 (2)
Member Since:
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Peter L.

In House Counsel
Free Consultation
Weston Florida
28 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL, NY
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Experienced in house counsel with expertise in contracting, labor and employment, regulatory and compliance and healthcare

Donya G. on ContractsCounsel
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4.9 (59)
Member Since:
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Donya G.

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Free Consultation
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I am a licensed and active NY and CT Contracts Attorney, with over 20 years of diverse legal and business experience. I specialize in reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial agreements. My practice focuses on working with small business clients as well as clients from international brokerage firms on acquisitions, especially in the Ecommerce space; drafting, negotiating, reviewing and advising on business agreements; ; breach of contract issues, contract disputes and arbitration. I am licensed to practice in New York and Connecticut, and am a FINRA and NCDS Arbitrator. My experience includes serving as General Counsel to small businesses. This entails reviewing, updating and drafting contracts such as employments agreements, asset purchase agreements, master services agreements, operating agreements and a variety of business and commercial contracts. Additionally, I assist clients with business strategies, contract disputes and arbitration. My diverse experience allows me to give my clients a well-rounded approach to the issues they face. I have been at top AML law firms; a Vice President at an Investment Bank, a Civil Court Arbitrator presiding over cases in contract law, commercial law, a Hearing Officer, presiding over cases and rendering written decisions, and a Judicial Clerk to a Civil Court Judge. It would be a privilege to assist you and your business with my services.

Tayane O. on ContractsCounsel
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Member Since:
December 4, 2023

Tayane O.

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Free Consultation
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7 Yrs Experience
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Tayane M. Oliveira is a founding partner at Vannucci Oliveira. With a concentration in family law, Tayane is renowned for her commitment to providing compassionate yet powerful representation to her clients. Her experience as an associate attorney at Brodzki Jacobs & Brook, coupled with her unwavering dedication to her clients' welfare, prepared her for her current role at Vannucci Oliveira. Tayane's academic achievements are a testament to her rigorous intellectual curiosity and dedication to her profession. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, supplemented by a minor in Psychology, from Florida Atlantic University in 2013. The culmination of her academic pursuit came in 2017, when she earned her Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the esteemed Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad College of Law. Before co-founding Vannucci Oliveira, Tayane honed her skills in the heat of the courtroom, representing clients in an array of general civil litigation matters. This diversified exposure instilled in her an ability to tackle complex legal challenges, a skill she employs to benefit her clients in family law. Originally from Brazil, Tayane brings an international perspective to her practice. When not delving into legal briefs or advocating for her clients, she indulges in travelling, reading, spoiling her puppies, and exercising, activities that not only rejuvenate her but also provide her with a broader perspective on the world and her practice. *Supreme Court Certified Portuguese Speaking Mediator

McCoy S. on ContractsCounsel
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McCoy S.

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Free Consultation
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33 Yrs Experience
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P. McCoy Smith is the Founding Attorney at Lex Pan Law LLC, a full-service technology and intellectual property law firm based in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A and Opsequio LLC, an open source compliance consultancy. Prior to his current position, he spent 20 years in the legal department of a Fortune 50 multinational technology company as a business unit intellectual property specialist; among his duties was setting up the free & open source legal function and policies for that company. He preceded his in-house experience with 8 years in private practice in a large New York City-based boutique intellectual property law firm, working simultaneously as a U.S. patent litigator and U.S. patent prosecutor. He was also a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office prior to attending law school. He is licensed to practice law in Oregon, California & New York and to prosecute patent applications in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office; he is also a registered Trademark and Patent Agent with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. He has degrees from Colorado State University (Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, with honors), Johns Hopkins University (Masters of Liberal Arts) and the University of Virginia (Juris Doctor). While in private practice, and continuing into his in-house career, he taught portions of the U.S. patent bar exam for a long-standing and well-known patent bar exam preparation course, and from 2014-2020 was on the editorial board of the Journal of Open Law, Technology & Society (JOLTS), and starting in 2023 will be on the editorial board of the American Intellectual Property Law Quarterly Journal (AIPLAQJ). He is the author or co-author of chapters on open source and copyright and patents in “Open Source Law, Policy & Practice” (2022, Oxford University Press). He lectures frequently around the world on free and open source issues as well as other intellectual property topics.

Eliza J. on ContractsCounsel
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Eliza J.

Family Law Attorney
Free Consultation
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Eliza brings a distinguished track record of delivering outstanding results for her clients, showcasing expertise across a spectrum of legal areas. Eliza is not just an attorney; she's your dedicated advocate with a proven record of achieving excellent results for her clients. Her representation spans numerous family law cases, including dissolutions, custody, support, probate, and civil litigation matters. Eliza's unique background as a Registered Nurse and licensed Attorney sets her apart. Before establishing her law practice, she served as a Registered Nurse in various hospitals across Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Notably, she contributed to prominent institutions such as Los Angeles County Public Health and the City of Anaheim. Additionally, Eliza ventured into entrepreneurship, managing her own Professional Fiduciary and Consulting business. Her legal acumen extends to civil litigation, personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, worker's compensation, and family law matters. Eliza earned her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and Public Health from CSU Dominguez Hills. In 2008, she furthered her education, obtaining a Master's Degree in Nursing, Administration, and Healthcare Management, along with a Quality Improvement Certificate. Eliza culminated her academic journey by earning her law degree from the JFK University of Law in 2016. Eliza's multidisciplinary background uniquely positions her to navigate the intricacies of legal matters, offering a comprehensive and compassionate approach to her client's diverse needs. Eliza's diverse background uniquely positions her to understand and address your legal needs comprehensively. Trust her to navigate your case with care and dedication, ensuring you receive the support you deserve.

Kenneth W. on ContractsCounsel
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Kenneth W.

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Free Consultation
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Committed to a career in advocacy as an attorney, educator, and consultant, I specialize in education, family, personal injury, and criminal law. While at John Rue & Associates LLC, I led litigation and alternative dispute resolution, handling complex class-action lawsuits involving discrimination, privacy, administrative, and education law. I also directed conflict resolution through mediation, reducing costs and securing favorable client outcomes. While in law school, I served as a law clerk at Wilson Elser, excelling in crafting answers, overseeing discovery, attending depositions, and conducting exhaustive legal research. My responsibilities extended to preparing deposition summaries, assisting in motion practice, drafting persuasive briefs, evaluating cases, and contributing to trial preparations. I thrived in managing client affairs, supporting colleagues, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws. I am eager to explore opportunities to contribute my skills and passion to impactful projects aligned with client needs. I look forward to discussing opportunities and demonstrating how my qualifications will meet client needs.

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