Legal services are in high demand, and attorneys face a constant struggle to manage the demands of their clients’ cases. To keep up, firms rely on per diem attorneys to assist with various tasks, from drafting memoranda and pleadings to conducting legal research and making court appearances. Often, these arrangements are less expensive and more effective than maintaining full-time associates.
Per Diem Attorneys: An Emerging Practice Tool
Whether you are a solo practitioner needing coverage for a status conference in Bronx Civil Court or a large firm with a heavy litigation load, per diem lawyers can be a valuable resource. Also known as freelance attorneys or contract attorneys, per diems are a great way to help with case-critical work while avoiding the cost and hassle of hiring full-time associates.
As a freelancer, a per diem’s schedule is flexible, allowing him or her to accept assignments on a short-term basis. This flexibility is an attractive feature for many lawyers who seek to increase their productivity and reduce the stress of managing their cases on a day-to-day basis. In addition, Per Diem Attorneys NY are typically available at a moment’s notice, ensuring that urgent matters can be handled promptly.
A recent New York Supreme Court decision could send shivers down the spine of New York lawyers who use per diem attorneys. In Heusser v. New Jersey Highway Authority, the Court ruled that contract lawyers should not be subject to Rendine enhancement, and that hourly rates charged by contract attorneys, not market rate, should be factored into fee enhancement calculations.
In a typical arrangement, the attorney of record retains a per diem attorney pursuant to a standard loadstar fee. The per diem attorney then performs work on the case on an hourly basis (e.g., drafts a memorandum, prepares a motion, conducts research or makes a court appearance) while the attorney of record remains attorney of record. The per diem is then billed for the work performed.
Per diems are particularly valuable for assisting with depositions. In addition to being available on short notice, they are familiar with the rules and procedures of depositions and can help ensure that these important steps in the discovery process proceed smoothly.
Whether you need coverage for a court appearance or need help with a document matter, eLaw/ZR Per Diem Services can provide the experienced per diem attorneys you need. Our team regularly handles appearances in Supreme, Civil, Commercial, Small Claims, Landlord-Tenant and other Courts in New York State and New Jersey. For a competitive price, we can handle your next appearance so that you can focus on delivering exceptional representation to your clients. For more information or to place your order, click HERE.