Outsourcing Document Review to India Going Mainstream? Why Not Outsource to Qualified Law Students?

Over at Cal Law Legal Pad is an article discussing, once again, outsourcing to India.  This time the work is document review.  The going rate:  $25.00 -  $35.00 per hour.  Well, it seems to me if Big Law is starting to consider this a viable option an enterprising new solo or law student can capitalize on Big Law's remaining fears - the quality of work and shipping the work overseas while still having to sell the benefits to their clients. Of course, I don't know if they are under any obligation to inform their clients where the work is being performed or if the client has any say in it.  One presumes it is the bottom line which dictates the client's interest..."How much is this going to cost me?"

In my opinion, solos, especially new lawyers and law students, have the same ability to market their services at this reasonable rate while they are building up their practices or waiting for their bar results because they can build in the necessary flexibility functioning as an independent contractor to a Big Law firm; flexibility which allows them to cultivate their own clients and work those legal matters or earn cash while waiting for their bar results. Afterall documents can be reviewed at anytime of the day or night.  It brings income and it keeps the work in the U.S. of A, outsourcing beyond the borders something which still irks many.  Why not capitalize on this?

One of my clients is doing just this.  She doesn't have the resources to start from scratch without the scratch.  This option gives her tremendous flexibility.  She doesn't mind the work and appreciates the pay.  It is not the final stop in her professional career, it's just the beginning. She's grateful for the opportunity while she works out the logistics of her business and marketing plans to launch her solo practice.

If more Big Law firms aren't doing so, they should be heading to the law schools offering these opportunities to eager, qualified 2 and 3Ls.  And eager 2 and 3Ls should be knocking on the doors of these firms offering their services.