tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7058786915356669476.post2253891160063426958..comments2024-03-05T15:47:04.832+00:00Comments on SOLO IP <br> for sole and small IP practices<br>: Consultancy - an Option in AdversityFilemothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15735898485265104580noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7058786915356669476.post-32139940060288886212010-04-28T13:27:22.695+01:002010-04-28T13:27:22.695+01:00Speaking to IP practitioners these days, I'm a...Speaking to IP practitioners these days, I'm aware that several are contemplating consultancy -- usually based on their (former) firm -- as a less financially damaging alternative to (i) regular retirement on their diminished pensions and savings, (ii) voluntary early retirement, or (iii) being pushed out when culling time comes around.<br /><br />What interests me is the impact that a growing body of independent and tied consultants will have on the market for IP positions, particularly senior ones, in law firms -- where IP practitioners have had a tough time recently.Jeremyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01123244020588707776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7058786915356669476.post-15712394078556249412010-04-28T11:08:57.550+01:002010-04-28T11:08:57.550+01:00I have my own solo regulated solicitor's pract...I have my own solo regulated solicitor's practice but also act as a consultant to six law firms who either do not have any IP expertise or use me as a "run off" for projects. With each of the consulting firms I have negotiated terms and each are different. Some firms expect me to generate my own work but always from their existing client base. As I have my own practice then any completely new clients are generated for that firm. None of the consluting firms pay a guaranteed retainer but I get paid for any non-fee paying work (articles, training of juniors etc..) at a lower rate. The % of billings depends on the terms of engagement I have been able to negotiate but I have a minimum I would work for! I have separate arrangements for any work I bring to these firms (outside my own expertise) and I get a % of their billings (again negotiated separately). Each of the firms I consult for have different reasons to engage me, some have good general commercial/corporate presence and others are niche practices outside IP law. All are good solid established "names". I love the flexibility this method of working offers me and (touch wood) during the past year, since I started as a solo/consultant, I have been able to keep my hamster in the style to which she had become accustomed. It seems to be a good "win/win" in current times as the firms I work for only pay me for work done (no overheads) and they all say that they would not engage someone of my seniority full time in the forseeable future.<br />Sarah Staines, Touchstone Legal Services: sarah@touchstonels.com; www.touchstonels.comSarahTouchstonehttp://sarah@touchstonels.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7058786915356669476.post-7067554532736986092010-04-28T10:34:08.715+01:002010-04-28T10:34:08.715+01:00I am interested to speak to anyone wanting to beco...I am interested to speak to anyone wanting to become a consultant as we now have the infrastructure and technology in place to allow for remote working. To be a consultant solicitor you need to have at least 3 years practising certificates. Email me at azrights.co.uk if you want to discuss possibilities.<br />Am not currently looking for an IP consultant so much as an employment/corporate one - if anyone knows anyone please point them my way.Shireen Smith, Azrightshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00878214320196044240noreply@blogger.com