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CLE: Ethics of freelance legal services: issues & best practices

On Demand

Freelance legal services are no longer a fringe option. They’re a core part of how modern law firms scale, specialize, and stay competitive. But flexibility without clarity can put firms at risk.

This CLE breaks down the ethical realities of working with freelance and contract lawyers, so you can move forward with confidence, protect your clients, and protect your license.

This course is eligible for 1.0 CLE credit. Registrants can access the credit tab in the CE21 registration link to see if their state is listed. 

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  • CED
    By Claude Ducloux
CED

What you’ll learn at this webinar

  • How ethics rules define freelance and contract legal services

  • How to avoid conflicts and implied conflicts in freelance arrangements

  • What proper supervision looks like for hiring attorneys

  • How to structure compensation without triggering improper fee splitting

  • Best practices for written agreements with freelance counsel

Limited scope doesn’t mean limited responsibility

One of the most misunderstood aspects of freelance legal work is the attorney-client relationship. Even when work is limited, behind the scenes, or temporary, ethics opinions consistently confirm that a client relationship exists.

This session explains what that relationship means in practice and how to structure freelance arrangements so responsibilities are clear, defensible, and aligned with professional rules. 

Ethical exposure doesn’t not disappear just because the work is delegated.

Flexibility is a benefit. Ambiguity is a risk.

Freelance legal services offer real advantages. Firms can scale capacity, access specialized expertise, and respond faster to client needs. But ethical rules weren’t written with informal, remote-first work arrangements in mind.

That gap creates risk.

Without clear agreements and defined responsibilities, firms can unintentionally expose themselves to conflicts, confidentiality breaches, and supervision failures. This CLE explores how ethics rules apply even when the freelance lawyer never meets the client, never appears in court, or handles only a small piece of the work.

The takeaway isn’t caution for caution’s sake. It’s clarity that allows flexibility to work.

Frequently asked questions

Is this CLE webinar available on demand?

Yes. This webinar is available on demand, so you can watch it at a time that works best for your schedule.

Is this program eligible for CLE credit?

Yes. This on-demand program qualifies for CLE credit. Credit eligibility and requirements may vary by jurisdiction, so be sure to review your state’s specific rules for on-demand CLEs.

Can I start and stop the webinar, or watch it in multiple sittings?

Yes. On-demand access allows you to pause, rewind, and return to the program as needed.

Who should watch this webinar?

This webinar is for attorneys who hire or work as freelance or contract lawyers, as well as firm leaders navigating flexible staffing models. If freelance legal work touches your practice, this program will help you understand the ethical responsibilities that come with it and how to manage them with confidence.

Do I need to complete anything to receive CLE credit?

Yes. You must watch the entire program to receive CLE credit. The webinar includes attendance prompts throughout to verify participation.

Freelance legal services are here to stay. Firms that understand the ethical landscape are better positioned to grow, adapt, and serve clients without unnecessary risk.

This CLE gives you the clarity to move forward with confidence, knowing where flexibility ends and responsibility begins.

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Presenter
CED

Claude Ducloux