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Outsourcing office functions to freelancers
RICHARD WEINER
Technology for Lawyers
Published: October 14, 2016
Probably the most frustrating thing about small and solo law practice is the number of tasks that a lawyer needs to do that have nothing to do with the practice of law. And, beyond that, there are any number of law-related tasks that an individual lawyer may just not be that good at.
Well, if you look online, and know what you’re looking for, help is just a click away.
Working with online freelancers is much less expensive, and much more specific-task-oriented, than hiring a full-time staffer. You can get only the help that you need, and use people who are very good at one task only when needed. And it makes your firm behave, and look, as if it is much larger than it is.
Two primary websites that offer legal freelancers are Upwork and Fiverr.
Upwork is a site for freelancers in general, where you can find paralegals, writers, billing specialists, etc. Fiverr seems to emphasize digital services like mobile apps, video creation, viral content, and has offers some design services.
There are also many organizations that various collective and ala carte offer services to lawyers online.
What do you look for in these services/ freelancers?
First, make sure that you know exactly what you need before you start looking, make a plan and stick to it. That includes keeping to a budget. Different freelancers and services charge differently so do your research before you start.
Start small. Pick a service you need on a case and try a freelancer out for it.
Make sure that the software being used by both parties is compatible. In fact, having done a lot of this kind of work myself, I’d recommend to make sure that everything is in MS Office. Really.
Make sure that security is a primary concern. This means that the freelancer has to be experienced enough in the legal business to understand the needs of client confidentiality both in terms of behavior and technology.
Make sure that the lines of communication are open, and that you both literally speak the same language. Along the same lines, make sure that the freelancer will be available when needed. Also, discuss how the freelancer handles hours on an hourly rate, and whatever other conditions you agree on. You should be able to get the work that you want within a reasonable time.
Beyond that, what you’re entitled to is a final product or end result—not so much control over the methods used.
In the end, though, it can be well worth bringing in a remote freelancer or two to help out.
Thanks to the Lawyerist for the ideas.