FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Of Counsel that will help you understand our services and us.

What is Of Counsel, LLC?
Of Counsel, LLC is an attorney-run limited liability company that assists attorneys with all of their legal research and writing needs.
Where and how does Of Counsel conduct its research?
We generally conduct our research on electronic databases, including Westlaw. However, we are not afraid to crack the books when necessary.
Can you cover any jurisdiction?
Yes, we research issues arising under the laws of all 50 states.
How long does it take to get a project completed?
It depends on the number and complexity of issues as well as your deadline. We will work to meet any deadline, no matter how pressing.
How do you bill for your services?
We generally ask that customers pay an upfront retainer equal to 1/2 the expected project cost. We bill the remainder of the balance within thirty days after completion of the project.
Do you bill separately for on-line research?
No, there are no additional charges for this research. In fact, there are no additional charges billed to our clients other than the hourly work rate.
How do you protect confidential information?
Of Counsel goes to great lengths to protect the confidentiality of its customers' information. We are under the same obligation to protect confidences of your clients as your employees and associates. So, the information disclosed by our customers in connection with a project is held strictly confidential.
Is Of Counsel's work product covered by the attorney-client privilege and the attorney work product doctrine?
Yes. Confidential information given to Of Counsel retains its privileged character where the purpose is to aid the requesting attorney provide legal advice to the client. In addition, the attorney work product doctrine applies to projects and communications between the requesting attorneys and Of Counsel.
Are lawyers ethically required to disclose their use of an outside research service to their clients?
Authority indicates that attorneys may, but are not required to, disclose their use of our services to their clients.
Does Of Counsel perform conflict checks?
Yes. At the time a project is submitted, we collect sufficient information to conduct a conflict check. We decline employment if we have provided services to opposing counsel on the same case.
Does Of Counsel's services constitute the practice of law?
No. Of Counsel is not engaged in the practice of law and no attorney-client relationship is formed between Of Counsel and any of its customers. Our work product is prepared solely for use by the lawyer using Of Counsel's services.
In what formats can you deliver the project?
We can deliver the project either on paper or in electronic format.

Providing Expert Legal Research and Writing Services to Attorneys

Frequently Asked Questions