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Minimizing Risks When Working With Contract Attorneys

By Shari L. Klevens and Alanna Clair 
May 01, 2024

Law firms commonly rely on contract attorneys to assist with a large project for a single matter or collective overflow from multiple matters. These arrangements help the law firm meet client obligations without hiring a new full-time attorney, who may not be needed once the large project concludes or the overflow subsides. While using contract attorneys to address staffing needs is common and routine, it is not a risk-free arrangement.

Here are some tips to help law firms minimize potential risks when working with contract attorneys.

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Conflicts of Interest

Evaluating and addressing conflict of interest issues may be straightforward when the law firm hires a contract attorney as an employee who works exclusively for a single law firm. In general, the rules of professional conduct applicable to any attorney in the firm, such as the imputation of conflicts of interest, will typically apply to a contract attorney who is retained to work exclusively (albeit temporarily) for the firm.

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