Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can I expect to make through Counsel On Call?
It depends on your experience, the number of hours you choose to work and the types of assignments you want to work on. On an hourly basis, many of our attorneys find that they make just as much money working through Counsel On Call as they did in a big law firm or corporate legal department.
Can you assure that I will be able to work as many hours a week as I want to work? Will you be able to keep me consistently busy?
If you've made the exciting choice to practice law in a new way through Counsel On Call, we'll do everything we can to keep you as busy as you want to be. There are never any guarantees; but we have an expanding client base, and new assignments come in every day. The work we offer you also depends on your willingness to accept different types of assignments.
We will stay in regular contact with you whether you're on an assignment or waiting for one, letting you know of opportunities that might interest you.
How is it determined if I’m a fit with Counsel On Call?
The first step is to contact a Counsel On Call placement coordinator to schedule a meeting. Our placement coordinators did very well in law school and practiced law for at least five years, so they have a very good understanding of the types of attorneys our clients want to work with. It is often helpful to submit your resume — which will be kept in confidence — to the placement coordinator prior to your meeting. During the meeting, you will be asked about your work experience, practice areas, other details about your background, your vision of success and your ideal work arrangement. If together you and Counsel On Call determine that we're a fit for each other, there are paperwork and procedural steps that must then be taken.
After the interview process is complete, we will then notify you when we have positions that fit your predetermined criteria and experience. We are very sensitive to the confidential nature of the legal profession and will never submit your resume for an assignment before contacting you first and obtaining your permission. If you don't want us to submit your resume for consideration of a particular assignment, we won't — we'll contact you when the next opportunity becomes available.
Do you find work for everyone you meet with?
No. We are a way to practice for lawyers who have earned the right to have options. We provide this service to attorneys who have made the choice to practice in this manner.
I don't want to jump around from client to client — is it possible for me to work with the same client on a long-term basis?
We have many attorneys working in long-term assignments. Because we have built business partner-type relationships with our clients, many have chosen to create steady, ongoing positions for our attorneys that allow for flexibility. In addition, while many opportunities are originally short-term, they often grow into long-term positions when the fit is right between our attorney and client. Good lawyers want good lawyers.
How long does the "typical" position last?
Any given week, we have hundreds of attorneys working on assignments across the country. Some of these assignments are for a few weeks, some for a few months, and some last several years. Depending on your experience, we can provide opportunities that meet your desired schedule or needs.
Can I turn down an opportunity through you without penalty?
Absolutely. We might think a certain opportunity is a good fit for you; but you might have a big trip planned, a schedule conflict or another reason for not wanting to pursue the position. Counsel On Call is built on providing flexibility, and we don't want our attorneys feeling as though they have to accept every opportunity we contact them about. We'll just take note of your schedule, keep in touch and let you know when a project arises that fits your needs.
What benefits do you provide?
We provide numerous benefits including 401(k), holiday and vacation pay, free CLE courses, and the Health & Wellness Program, just to name a few. We revisit and expand our suite of benefits regularly. Please visit our Benefits section for more information.
Are you a staffing company?
No. We are a company owned and operated by attorneys for attorneys who have earned the right to have alternatives to the traditional practice of law. We provide substantive work that keeps our lawyers challenged and professionally fulfilled while giving them control over their schedules.
Do attorneys meet with you while still in private practice?
Yes, this happens all the time. Many attorneys want to simply learn more about us. As lawyers, we are paid to educate our clients about their various options — we encourage lawyers to do the same about their careers. Whether you want control now or think you might one day in the future, it's worth the time to simply meet with a placement coordinator so that you know whether working with Counsel On Call could be an option for you.
We treat meetings and interviews the same way as resume submissions — confidentially.
Do I interview with Counsel On Call's clients?
It depends on the assignment. Typically with our new attorneys and on new clients, we encourage them to meet to be sure it's the right fit for both parties. Virtually every time it is a good fit. Over time, clients come to rely on Counsel On Call to send the right attorney, and our attorneys rely on us to put them in the right position. |
