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Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the way that Lawyers on Demand works for our clients and potential clients.  If you think the service may be useful to you, please contact Simon Harper (simon.harper@blplaw.com).  You do not need to be an existing client of the firm.

What is Lawyers on Demand?

Lawyers on Demand provides a new resourcing option for clients looking for an in-house secondment or locum-style arrangement. It comprises a flexible pool of high quality freelance lawyers working directly with you on a contract basis (usually at your offices), vetted and supported throughout by BLP. Clients using the service have included some of the biggest names across various sectors as well as successful growth companies. We have received consistently positive feedback, clients finding the service to be an effective solution to balance legal resourcing needs with budgetary constraints.

Who is using Lawyers on Demand?

Lawyers on Demand clients have included both blue-chip organisations and smaller growth companies.  They have included major telecoms network operators, publishers, international banks and software business.

What is the benefit to the client?

We are aware that organisations requiring in-house legal services are coming under increasing cost and resourcing pressures, whether resulting from maternity leave, staff departure, special projects or the cyclical nature of day-to-day legal work. Although on some occasions BLP can provide this resource through traditional secondment, there are many times when this is not possible. Through the Lawyers on Demand service, we offer pre-vetted, high quality, freelance lawyers available to work on a flexible basis, supported throughout by BLP knowledge management, technology and training. The previous in-house experience of our freelance lawyers means that their speed and effectiveness of integration with your organisation can often be superior to a traditional secondment.

Why do some lawyers want to work this way?

The Lawyers on Demand service allows the lawyers to work flexibly (whether part or full-time, limited hours or limited times of the year) on a project-by-project basis. The lawyers trade the certainty and rigidity of employee status for a flexible way of working which matches their requirements. It appeals particularly to high quality qualified lawyers who wish to have more control over their lifestyle.

What is the process for vetting lawyers for quality and ensuring that they understand the BLP approach?

We have developed a programme to ensure that lawyers are well-equipped to provide a high quality client service. Our lawyers have experience from the best law firms and in-house teams.  There is a careful interview procedure including technical tests, to ensure that all lawyers made available through the Lawyers on Demand service are of a suitable quality standard. The lawyers will also have spent a number of weeks with BLP undergoing a bespoke training and induction programme and working with us on client matters prior to their first assignment. Once on any assignment, they continue to be supported by the firm’s training, professional support and knowledge management services.

What will be the relationship between the lawyer, BLP and the client?

Each of the lawyer and the client contracts with BLP at the beginning of each assignment. This direct relationship will allow us to best manage payment and liability issues.

What is the cost of the service?

Each assignment is at a fixed cost, calculated using a daily rate and agreed up-front with you.

How will BLP monitor the Lawyers on Demand service?

The quality of service to clients is paramount to us.  During each assignment, we have regular dialogue with you and a more formal regular feedback session.  Of course, we are always available should you need to discuss an issue urgently.

Where will the lawyer be located?

To enable us to support and monitor the service effectively, each lawyer usually spends a small amount of their time during an assignment working out of our London office. For the remainder of the assignment, the lawyer will be located at your offices (or, if appropriate and required, remotely from home).

Will I get an opportunity to meet the lawyer before the assignment starts?

Yes. It is important that we place the right lawyer into the right role and we would encourage you to meet before.