Oregon Reporter Podcast Oregon Reporter Podcast

Contract Lawyering, with Vivian Solomon (S3:E3)

Jul 8, 2026 · 1h 0m

Summary

Hosts Everett Meadows and Tom Mosman interview Vivian Solomon, a partner-level contract attorney, about the realities of independent legal practice. They discuss the transition from firm employment to 1099 contracting, emphasizing the importance of Professional Liability Insurance, conflict checks, and maintaining professional boundaries. Solomon shares insights on managing workload, leveraging networking for client acquisition, and balancing flexibility with professional responsibilities.

Topics discussed

Introduction, MCLE credits, and sponsor acknowledgments Podcast growth stats and introduction of guest Vivian Solomon Vivian's transition from litigation to contract lawyering 1099 vs W-2: Employment classification and legal risks Professional Liability Insurance (PLF) coverage for contractors Business operations: Tools, Excel, and avoiding practice management software Marketing strategies and networking for finding contract work Finding contract attorneys via OWLs and bar associations Pros and cons: Work-life balance, isolation, and mental health Billing, scope creep, and managing client expectations The future of contract lawyering and closing remarks
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