|
Frequently Asked Questions
Describe the attorney who works with Counsel On Call.
Talented. Experienced. Dedicated. We don't throw these words around lightly. We require a minimum of three years of big-firm or corporate legal experience and graduation in the top 30 percent from a top-three-tier law school. Our placement coordinators and executive directors are all former practicing attorneys themselves and put our candidates through a rigorous selection process before listing them as Counsel On Call Attorneys.
There are always exceptions to the standards we hold, such as an attorney who might not have graduated from a top 50 law school but has more years of quality substantive experience. That's why those meeting with the candidate and checking references are attorneys, and we take the time during our selection process to get to know the candidate and determine whether he/she is qualified to work with our clients.
Our attorneys also must possess a love of practicing law. They have come to Counsel On Call for a variety of reasons, but one common element is that they enjoy intellectual stimulation and the law.
How do you find your attorneys?
We are all former practicing attorneys in the cities where we have offices and therefore we know many attorneys. We are also very active in our respective communities and meet many attorneys that way. We are all members of our respective bar associations and feel, as attorneys, that it's important to give our time and abilities to pro bono, continuing legal education and other volunteer efforts. We are committed to the legal profession and want to make a positive difference in the profession. In doing this, lawyers know us and refer others to us.
A majority of our attorneys come through referrals — from our attorneys and clients. It seems many of us know a talented attorney who wants more control over his or her schedule.
We also work with many law schools to make sure their alumni understand there is a new way to practice law.
What makes you different from a staffing company?
The quality of our attorneys and the understanding we have of the legal profession. Because we're all former practicing attorneys, we know what it takes to work in a big firm and the demands of a corporate legal department. We place attorneys who have this same understanding and put quality work at a premium — and have the credentials to back it up. We spend the time necessary to get to know our attorneys and do this long before they are listed as working with Counsel On Call. These quality-control measures separate us not only from a staffing company, but from our competition.
We understand that in the legal profession you can't simply provide bodies. We make the effort to see that the placement of the right attorney is as easy as a phone call.
What are your rates?
It depends on the specific need, but typically our clients pay Counsel On Call $55 to $100 per hour for our attorneys.
Do you work only in markets with COC offices?
We currently have attorneys working across the country, not just in one of our markets. Many of our clients have offices in other cities, and we provide them attorneys wherever the need exists. We have networks of highly qualified attorneys in every region of the country. Many Counsel On Call Attorneys are licensed to practice in multiple states. We have attorneys who travel and work remotely.
How do you ensure that your attorneys are going to stay on for the entire assignment?
No one likes turnover. Although there are no guarantees, we give a lot of thought to pairing the right attorney to a particular need. Our attorneys choose to work in this manner — they are not between jobs or interviewing for the next best offer.
Our attorneys all understand the importance of commitment and a good reputation. Our attorneys fulfill their commitments and often stay with the client for much longer on new assignments.
How much advance notice do I need to give you before you can place an attorney on my project? What about a team of attorneys?
We strive to meet any time constraints or needs. In fact, we've received a call one afternoon and had attorneys in place the next day. However, the more notice, the better. Many clients like to interview our candidates before an assignment begins, and that obviously takes at least a few days to coordinate. We understand that when you call you need a solution — we will provide you an update or resumes within 24 hours.
A team of attorneys is no different. When assembling a team, we put together a group who works well together, not just a bunch of bodies. Each person has a role and works well with his/her teammates. Many of our attorneys are used to working in teams, and we can quickly get them working on an assignment or set up for interviews with a client.
Do you provide the location and computers (for large litigation support projects)? Who supervises the attorneys on such a team?
Sometimes our attorneys work remotely, sometimes they work on-site for our client and other times we provide the location and the computers — it depends on the need and the circumstances. Typically outside counsel or an in-house attorney supervises our attorneys, although we create specific solutions for specific client needs.
How does your billing process work?
We collect and manage our attorneys' time sheets and create invoices for our clients — as detailed as necessary. We have made sizeable software investments in our accounts payable and timekeeping departments — software that streamlines contact management, payroll and billing — which enables us to efficiently manage the process and provide excellent service to our clients. If there are ever any questions, we have the ability to act quickly to find solutions.
Do you carry professional liability (malpractice) insurance for your attorneys?
Counsel On Call is a lawyer-to-lawyer business, and our attorneys work under the direction and supervision of our client's hiring attorney. We have insurance that covers the work done by our attorneys under the direction and supervision of the hiring attorney.
What happens if it is not a good fit or the need disappears?
In the rare instance the fit isn't right, we remove the attorney, determine why there was an issue, and provide a new attorney for your review/acceptance.
|
