1 Washington MCLE credit pending approval (office management)

In small law firms there is an inherent pickle when it comes to growth. If you hire employees too soon, there may not be enough work to go around. If you fail to build capacity, you lose profitable business that could have been yours. What to do?

An increasing number of law firms are solving this problem by outsourcing labor either temporarily or permanently. Outsourcing to contractors or specialty businesses instead of hiring employees can allow you to expand – that is, to “scale” – your practice. At the same time, this strategy allows you to mitigate the risk that comes with hiring employees or taking on additional tasks in house. Use of on-demand contractors means that they help is there when you need it, and costs you nothing when you don't.

Join us for a conversation to explore whether outsourcing could help you scale your law practice, increase profitability, and restore some much-needed work/life balance.

About our speaker

Andy Backlund is an experienced litigator and a creative entrepreneur. Andy developed the concept for Emerald City Attorney Network, a full-service network of experienced and well-vetted contract attorneys and paralegals who turn excess work into billable hours for their clients. After surveying the Seattle legal market, Andy realized that the available means for hiring quality contract attorneys were clearly insufficient. Emerald City Attorney Network was founded by Andy Backlund to offer an easy and profitable alternative option to hiring full time employees. Emerald City Attorney Network offers its clients well-qualified and experienced professionals who develop trust and familiarity with the attorneys they work for. In addition, Andy acts as a “personal contract attorney/paralegal concierge,” so clients have confidence that they will be well taken care of.

In his legal career, Andy has worked in large firms representing Fortune 500 companies and also in small firms and solo practices helping plaintiffs and other individuals. Andy understands the staffing needs of these firms. While Andy’s practice has focused on product liability, employment, construction and disability law, he has quickly mastered many other issues as a contract attorney. Andy has conducted hundreds of depositions, prepared briefs, argued motions, managed cases, handled mediations and participated in all stages of litigation through trial. Andy also volunteers his time at Disability Rights Washington (DRW) helping individuals with disabilities with their legal issues. Andy’s work with DRW has been highlighted on KOMO TV news and various newspapers. In his spare time, Andy enjoys coaching youth baseball and basketball, hiking, biking and spending time with his family and friends.