Company's 'Craigslist' Model Seeks to Keep Outsourced Legal Work On-Shore
When thinking about outsourcing legal work, foreign jurisdictions may pop into mind first.
But Laurel Edgeworth, who on March 9 launched Law Clerk Connection, wants to change that image. Her Web-based company seeks to pair junior lawyers with companies and law firms looking to outsource “low-end” legal work within the United States, reports the Am Law Daily, which posted an interview with Edgeworth today.
Edgeworth dreamed up the idea for LCC while she attended night classes at the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, Calif. During the day, Edgeworth worked at a nearby firm, which served as general counsel to local school districts. And she noticed there were cases that would arise that required massive document review and organization.
Because many small firms don’t have the resources to hire on the spot for such projects, Edgeworth hopes to fill that niche by tapping into networks of law students and recent law school graduates for discrete, short-term projects. She describes the business model as a “Craigslist” for lawyers.
“If you’re a lawyer in a crisis situation and you’re short on bodies and time, it’s not always feasible to put out an ad for a new person and interview them,” she tells the Am Law Daily.
Edgeworth’s LCC also is asking companies to resist the temptation to outsource work overseas.
“Don’t use foreign attorneys offshore,” LCC’s marketing materials plead. “Help strengthen the legal field in the United States. Mentor your future associates.”
Those looking for services from LCC will be able to see profiles created by students and graduates of ABA-approved schools. Profiles will include writing samples. If a job needs to be done, an employer will post the job, and LCC providers will bid on the job. Potential employers can then choose one or more individuals for a project.
Edgeworth reports that she already has clerks working on projects and is considering expanding the offerings beyond small firms to government entities that have bidding requirements.
Also See:
Law Clerk Connection (Release): Law Clerk Connection Launches
