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Up until the recession really began kicking us all in the teeth, the word “freelance” was sometimes synonymous with “between jobs” or “until a real job comes through”. Fortunately, for freelancers everywhere, we’re beginning to look mighty wise in selection our options. Freelancing offers an impressive list of benefits more traditional employment options lack. Not having to run out in the freezing weather at 7 a.m. to start the car is priceless, as is the redefined sleepless night; it’s no longer a guarantee for a long work day after lying awake all night, instead, it’s about taking advantage of the creativity one finds in the wee hours of the morning when sleep is elusive.

But how does the legal field, and more specifically, a lawyer looking to change his career path, define freelancing? Is it even viable? If you ask Sara Greenberg, who is a Boston lawyer, the answer is a definitive “Absolutely!” Although she doesn’t freelance, she tells Hannah Hayes of the American Bar Association that she often hires freelance attorneys to help with the overflow of cases in her growing practice.

As A. Harrison Barnes, founder and CEO of EmploymentCrossing.com and LawCrossing.com, says, “The workforce is ever-evolving and as the foundations shift, lawyers – whether they’re seasoned trial attorneys or just graduating law school – must keep up with these changing climates.” What does this mean, though, for those looking for work and better still, how would one even begin to offer freelance legal services? Knowing the need is there is enough for nationally renowned companies, such as LawCrossing.com, to redefine and grow right along with the changing demands. A. Harrison Barnes continues, “Ensuring we meet our clients’ needs with every available opportunity is the only way we, or any other legal recruitment firm can maintain its stability, especially in these tough economic times.”

Other benefits of providing freelance legal services is you no longer have to commit to a minimum number of billable hours, usually around 2200, as most law firms insist upon. You define your own scheduling parameters. Further, as the dynamics shift, so must the freelance attorney’s mindset. It’s no longer a “position”, but instead, it becomes a commitment that no one else can help you shoulder, at least on its most core levels. Still, more law firms are beginning to see the many advantages of incorporating freelancers versus bringing in new associates. Often, it becomes a win-win for all parties and not only that, but it’s quite profitable as well.

The possibilities are endless. Many freelancers, armed with their degrees and licenses, prefer to work out of their homes on either a part time or full time basis, while other freelance lawyers are willing to travel to any particular firm and work out of their offices until the completion of a contract.

Finally, A. Harrison Barnes reminds those considering freelancing their services that networking is crucial. Constructing a website with no forethought and no attention made to proper marketing and networking strategies is akin to only partially completing a brief. For more information on legal positions for attorneys, paralegals and anyone else associated with the legal sector, visit lawcrossing.com

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