So You Want to Be a Contract Lawyer . . . Law firms with heavy workloads get the assistance they need without the risk and overhead of hiring a new associate. The contract lawyer gains the flexibility to choose projects and to control the workday and workload. Contract legal work also is a way to transition into a solo legal practice. Determine the contract rate for your area.
Hourly rates vary depending on experience and the type of work being performed.
To start, you may consider charging 50 percent of the rate at which the firm could bill your work to its clients. Identify the type of work you want to do and tell everyone you know. Consider developing a brochure listing your abilities, experience, and rates. Identify your target market and send your brochure to those firms. Prepare a written contract specifying the work you will perform and any associated deadlines.