Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the cost savings attributable to legal outsourcing? Are the savings significant enough for us to consider sending some legal work offshore?
The cost savings that can be achieved varies based on a number of factors including the particular work desired to be sent offshore, the quantity of work, the time allowed for completion, the skill level of those needed to do the work, etc. As a general rule, however, most outsourced legal work can be completed offshore at a cost savings of 30-75% off U.S. or U.K. rates.
2. We are nervous about outsourcing to India. Will the quality of work we require and expect be achievable offshore? How can we be assured of top quality?
Some have false notions about India derived from less than favorable contact with Indian call centers. The lawyers we use in India are bright, English fluent and well trained in the English common law. In addition, they receive specialized training in the U.S. legal system as well as U.S. colloquialisms and culture. In most cases, our clients tell us the quality of work they receive is at least as good as they have been receiving for similar work completed in the U.S. Further, the more repetitious the work, the better the quality and speed of delivery---the same as with U.S. lawyers.
3. What about the ethics of legal outsourcing? Is outsourcing permissible under the Code of Professional Responsibility? Does outsourcing to India amount to facilitating the unauthorized practice of law?
In addressing your concerns ask yourself if it is considered ethical for your company or law firm to send legal work to temporary attorneys or others outside your office but within the U.S. for completion. Often times U.S. law firms ask summer interns or law students to complete legal assignments. Regarding offshore outsourcing, keep in mind that offshore lawyers are not practicising law but rather completing legal assignments under your direction and supervision. Specifically with regard to offshore legal work, several bar associations, including those in New York and California have addressed the subject. All have determined that offshore outsourcing is permissible, providing certain conditions are met with regard to supervision, client notification, preservation of client secrets, avoidance of conflict of interest, etc. (You can learn more about this by reading the PDF files on this website. In addition, we would be willing to furnish you with copies of the bar association opinions.)
4. If we outsource some legal work, will the morale of our office be negatively impacted? How can we make outsourcing to India more accepted by our staff?
The concept of outsourcing need not instill fear and trembling within your offices. We help our clients introduce the concept to their staff, explaining that no one is going to be fired. We explain that outsourcing some legal work will not only enable the company/law firm to be more profitable, but it will remove some of the less challenging legal work from the desks of American lawyers. You will be able to advise your staff that the work reserved for them will be more fun, challenging and professionally rewarding. (Your rate of future hiring new staff will be reduced. If people leave the firm, they often will not need to be replaced by an American lawyer or paralegal.) We introduce the concept that the lawyers in India are part of your team just the same as if they were physically located down the hall or one floor down.
5. Can we outsource anything? Are there limits to the kind of work that is amenable to outsourcing offshore?
Yes. There are limitations. Some work requires so many judgments to be made or particularized familiarity with state laws, for example, that it is impracticable to outsource such work. We work with you to identify what tasks you have that could be outsourced and then find the right lawyers to do your work on the most favorable terms.