Using Contract Lawyers

Contract lawyers can play an essential role in managing workflow. Here are five quick tips from Law Practice Today on using freelancers effectively:

  • Get client consent.
  • Decide whether the contract lawyer will have client contact (if so, this affects the contract lawyer’s liability coverage status in Oregon).
  • Supervise! Overseeing the work of a contract lawyer is your ethical duty. Outsourcing lawyers should also be sensitive to the impression the contract lawyer makes on the client, particularly if they engage in client communication.
  • Beware of potential unauthorized practice of law. Ensure the contract lawyer is licensed to deliver services in the state of the client’s legal issue.
  • Don’t hesitate to bill for the contract lawyer’s services at prevailing market rates. I would add: include this cost (or fee) in your client engagement letter.

If you are considering hiring a contract lawyer (or want to offer your services on a contract basis), check out the following resources from the Professional Liability Fund:

  • Contract Lawyers Checklist
  • Contract Project – Letter of Understanding
  • Contract Project Intake Sheet
  • Independent Contractors or Employees
  • Letter Declining Contract Project

From the PLF home page, select Practice Management > Forms > Contract Lawyering. A number of CLEs are also available under the CLE > Past CLE heading:

  • Contract Lawyers CLE: Conflicts
  • Contract Attorneys: Managing Expectations and Getting Paid
  • Practical Contract Lawyering

To learn about Oregon malpractice coverage for contract lawyers and qualifying for a “supervised attorney” exemption, contact the PLF at 503.639.6911 or 800.452.1639 and ask for Jeff Crawford or Emilee Preble.

The Oregon Women Lawyers operate a Contract Lawyers Listserve for members. To join or use the service, visit the OWLS website.

All Rights Reserved – 2018 – Beverly Michaelis

Last Chance to Register! Limiting Exposure to Conflicts

Join me for a CLE on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 about limiting exposure to conflicts.  Learn the ethical principles behind conflict management, avoiding common conflict traps, and how to select and operate an effective conflict system. Topics include:

Laying the ethical foundation

  • Who is the client?
  • What is the client’s status: prospect, current client, or former client?
  • Why does it matter?

Choosing a reliable system

  • The In Re Knappenberger standard
  • DIY vs. stand-alone vs. practice management software
  • How to choose the best system for your firm

Understanding conflict tracking

  • When to run a conflict check
  • How to use your system effectively
  • Parties to include in your conflict system

Avoiding common conflict traps

  • Former client conflicts
  • Acting in dual roles
  • Doing business with clients
  • Representing multiple clients in the same matter
  • Firm transitions
  • Acting as a contract lawyer
  • Office sharing arrangements

Date/Time/Location

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time. This is a live, online webinar. Watch from your desktop computer or mobile device. Connect to audio via telephone or computer/device speakers.

Who Should Attend?

Lawyers, office administrators, or staff – anyone interested in learning more about proper conflict system management.

Group Discounts

Discounts available to firms who wish to register 5 or more attendees. Contact organizer to arrange a discount code before registering: beverly@oregonlawpracticemanagement.org.

Does the Program Include Written Materials?

Yes. Written materials will be distributed electronically to all registered attendees prior to the event.

Ask Questions/Participate in Live Polling

Questions are welcome during the live event. Attendees are also encouraged to participate in live, anonymous polling.

Registration Fee

$25 – Visit the Upcoming CLE page, click here, or choose the Register button below. Secure payment processing powered by Eventbrite. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Program materials included in the registration price.

Eventbrite - Limiting Exposure to Conflicts

MCLE Credits
.50 ethics .50 practical skills pending.

Can’t Attend?

Video and audio recordings of Limiting Exposure to Conflicts will be available to download along with the program materials following the October 25 CLE. Price: $25. Contact me or visit my online CLE store after October 25.

All Rights Reserved [2017] Beverly Michaelis

Limiting Exposure to Conflicts

Join me for a CLE on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 about limiting exposure to conflicts.  Learn the ethical principles behind conflict management, avoiding common conflict traps, and how to select and operate an effective conflict system. Topics include:

Laying the ethical foundation

  • Who is the client?
  • What is the client’s status: prospect, current client, or former client?
  • Why does it matter?

Choosing a reliable system

  • The In Re Knappenberger standard
  • DIY vs. stand-alone vs. practice management software
  • How to choose the best system for your firm

Understanding conflict tracking

  • When to run a conflict check
  • How to use your system effectively
  • Parties to include in your conflict system

Avoiding common conflict traps

  • Former client conflicts
  • Acting in dual roles
  • Doing business with clients
  • Representing multiple clients in the same matter
  • Firm transitions
  • Acting as a contract lawyer
  • Office sharing arrangements

Date/Time/Location

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time. This is a live, online webinar. Watch from your desktop computer or mobile device. Connect to audio via telephone or computer/device speakers.

Who Should Attend?

Lawyers, office administrators, or staff – anyone interested in learning more about proper conflict system management.

Group Discounts

Discounts available to firms who wish to register 5 or more attendees. Contact organizer to arrange a discount code before registering: beverly@oregonlawpracticemanagement.org.

Does the Program Include Written Materials?

Yes. Written materials will be distributed electronically to all registered attendees prior to the event.

Ask Questions/Participate in Live Polling

Questions are welcome during the live event. Attendees are also encouraged to participate in live, anonymous polling.

Registration Fee

$25 – Visit the Upcoming CLE page, click here, or choose the Register button below. Secure payment processing powered by Eventbrite. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Program materials included in the registration price.

Eventbrite - Limiting Exposure to Conflicts

MCLE Credits
.50 ethics .50 practical skills pending.

Can’t Attend?

Video and audio recordings of Limiting Exposure to Conflicts will be available to download along with the program materials following the October 25 CLE. Price: $25. Contact me or visit my online CLE store after October 25.

All Rights Reserved [2017] Beverly Michaelis