How To Become A Freelance Commercial Lawyer
If you have been eager to practice as a freelance commercial lawyer, now can be your long-awaited opportunity. We are confident about the help you get from this article because we have made a deliberate effort to explain the road map to you in simple steps.
What else do you need to realize your dreams? It’s only the courage to follow the hints and stand side by side with the top-rated commercial lawyers in no time.
But before we go on telling you ‘how’, we deem it essential to first explain to you the basic things you will need to start the journey. To become a freelance commercial lawyer, you first need to get a degree in business law or other related disciplines. As a lawyer, the last thing you could do is a practice in defiance of the law. Hence, you must have a license to practice in whatever locality you have chosen to operate.
Indeed, the world of freelance best commercial lawyers is full of opportunities. However, if you want to beat the heat of competition and stand in the calibre of the big players in the field, you need a working strategy and adequate preparation to see you through. But don’t fret; we have the green light already. Here is how to start and climb to the top.
How To Become A Freelance Commercial Lawyer
1. Get malpractice insurance
Make sure that malpractice insurance covers you as a freelance commercial lawyer. While the company that hires you should have enough malpractice insurance to protect your work for them, you should also have your coverage to mitigate any potential risk. So, check with your malpractice insurance provider to ensure the right policy cover you.
2. Find a way to get freelance clients
You’ve decided on the freelance commercial lawyer life. Now, where do you find clients to hire you? You have some options: Find clients unswervingly, use a freelance platform, or do both. Here are other ways you can get your first clients.
Market yourself
If you have vast experience, consider your network. Start by talking to the commercial lawyers you already know, and use your old networking skills. Something as meek as letting other lawyers know that you are available for freelancing work can be a winning strategy.
Additionally, your online presence is another crucial marketing tool. At a minimum, have a well-crafted LinkedIn profile so that hiring commercial lawyers can find you online. You may also consider having a website to market your brand as a freelance commercial lawyer.
3. Build A Winning Freelance Profile
Using a platform, you will need a great profile to entice good clients. Here are four tips for doing that successfully:
- Showcase your strengths. Show you a natural person and your unique abilities. Outline your experience, qualifications, the types of legal work you do and the law you practice, and areas of specialization. If you include your resume in your profile, update it first.
- Use a vital profile photo. As with every online profile, appearances set the tone. So, you must keep your photo professional by wearing professional attire and using a simple background. However, it is good to look approachable and friendly.
- Have writing samples ready. Leverage your writing skills as a freelance commercial lawyer with examples showing proficiency. For litigation work, use documents that you have filed that are public records as samples.
- Show your track record. Since you don’t know the hiring commercial lawyers, references are necessary. That could mean tracking down a traditional connection, but you might have a way to build them into your profile.
There are several factors to consider. They include:
- Your experience. If you are new to the profession, you might be unable to demand top rates. An experienced commercial lawyer, however, can leverage that knowledge to attract high-paying clients.
- Location. Consider what area you are in when determining your rate. For example, freelance commercial lawyers in large metropolitan cities charge higher rates than those working for a law firm in a small community.
- Practice area. Projects in areas like complex litigation or corporate law can set higher rates.
- Timelines. Rush your jobs and projects on tight timelines. It generally pays more—for some reason.
- Taxes. Tax rules for contractors differ if you are employed at a law firm, and there are extra responsibilities and considerations like self-employment tax. Learn the guidelines at the start and factor them into your financial calculations.
4. Use tools to collaborate
Modern technology makes it easier for law firms and freelance commercial lawyers to work together remotely from anywhere. If you are working with a firm, check if you can access the tools that might make the experience smoother. For example, the firm’s practice management software or communications apps could help you and the hiring commercial lawyer.
5. Invest in building relationships
Building solid relationships with colleagues and clients has always been key to your career. That is even more important when you are a freelance commercial lawyer because having companies that want to hire you again means you don’t spend much time chasing gigs.
Keep these points at the back of your mind to keep clients rushing back:
- Always deliver. Every freelance project is an opportunity to showcase your expertise and skills—so make sure they get what they want.
- Meet your deadlines. When you are just starting, don’t overextend and fall behind. Instead, Instead, start small and ensure you can complete the project so that you keep your clients.
- Put clients first. We are living in an experience-toxic world, so consider your client’s experience in what you do.
Final Thoughts
The world is continually changing, and so is the law industry. If your career is shifting, know that you have options. Whether looking for ways to earn more income or amid a career switch, it is time to consider leveraging your expertise and skills as a commercial lawyer and a freelancer.
Related: How To Find Alternative Careers For Commercial Lawyers