In the evolving landscape of legal services, outsourcing has become a powerful tool for law firms of all sizes. For more than a decade, “big law” firms have been outsourcing document review projects to contract attorneys both in the U.S. and abroad. This trend has only grown, with many firms now incorporating freelance lawyers into their business models to reduce overhead costs and stay competitive. According to the 2019 Altman Weil survey, 31.3% of “big law” firms now have an on-demand component to their lawyer workforce.
The good news is that with the latest technology, outsourcing legal work is no longer exclusive to big law firms. Small and mid-sized firms can now leverage freelance legal writers to handle a variety of tasks, ensuring they remain competitive without the burden of significant overhead costs. Here’s a closer look at the types of tasks you can delegate to legal writers and how to effectively incorporate outsourcing into your practice.
Types of Tasks to Delegate to Legal Writers
Outsourcing allows you to delegate virtually any document you draft, review, or prepare. This includes but is not limited to:
Discovery Tasks:
- Discovery Plans: Develop comprehensive plans for discovery processes.
- Initial Disclosures: Prepare and review initial disclosures to streamline the discovery phase.
- Requests for Documents: Draft and review requests for documents to gather necessary evidence.
- Interrogatories: Create detailed interrogatories to obtain crucial information from opposing parties.
- Requests for Admission: Draft and review requests for admission to clarify the facts in dispute.
- Objections and Responses to Discovery: Prepare objections and responses to discovery requests to protect client interests.
- Subpoenas: Draft and review subpoenas to compel the production of documents or testimony.
- Document Review: Conduct thorough document reviews to identify relevant information.
- Motions to Compel and Responses: Draft motions to compel discovery responses and respond to opposing motions.
- Motions to Quash and Responses: Prepare motions to quash subpoenas and respond to such motions from the opposition.
- Deposition Preparation: Assist in preparing for depositions by drafting questions and reviewing relevant documents.
- Deposition Summaries: Summarize deposition transcripts to highlight key points and inconsistencies.
Motion Practice:
- Freelance legal writers can handle the drafting of various motions, including motions for summary judgment, motions to dismiss, and more, ensuring they are well-researched and persuasive.
Due Diligence:
- Conduct due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and other complex legal matters to ensure thorough and accurate analysis.
Medical Record Summaries:
- Summarize medical records for personal injury cases, malpractice claims, and other relevant matters, providing clear and concise overviews for use in litigation.
How to Effectively Outsource Legal Tasks
Outsourcing legal tasks can significantly enhance your firm’s efficiency and effectiveness. Here are some tips to ensure successful delegation:
Leverage Technology:
- Use practice management software, Dropbox, outsourcing platforms, or other systems to share documents effortlessly. Technology makes collaboration with freelance legal writers seamless and efficient.
Ensure Competence and Supervision:
- According to Model Rule 1.1, ensure that you are competent to perform the work you are outsourcing. Additionally, Model Rules 5.1-5.3 require you to supervise your freelance attorneys adequately. Regular check-ins and clear guidelines can help maintain quality and compliance.
Define Clear Objectives and Deadlines:
- Be explicit about what you need and when you need it. Clear instructions and deadlines help freelance legal writers deliver quality work on time.
Utilize Appendices for Specialties:
- Refer to appendices or guides that outline specific projects and tasks relevant to your practice areas. This can help you identify additional tasks that can be efficiently outsourced.
Conclusion
Outsourcing to legal writers offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, increased efficiency, and the ability to handle larger and more complex cases. By delegating time-consuming tasks such as document review, due diligence, and motion practice, you can focus on high-impact activities that drive your business forward. Embrace the power of outsourcing and elevate your practice with the help of skilled freelance legal writers.
About Cardam Legal: Cardam Legal specializes in providing expert legal writing services to law firms. Our team of experienced freelance legal writers ensures high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for all your legal needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your firm’s growth and success.
