In the world of law, growing your practice doesn’t always have to include hiring more staff or opening new offices. Growth can come from forming smart partnerships, such as co-counseling. Co-counseling is one of the most effective ways for attorneys to expand their case capacity, improve client outcomes, and increase revenue, all without taking on unnecessary risk. By partnering with other firms that offer complementary expertise or resources, you can strengthen your ability to serve your clients while also building a more scalable practice.

What is Co-Counseling?

Co-counseling is a collaborative arrangement where two or more attorneys or law firms work together on a legal case. They combine their expertise, resources, and networks to achieve the best outcome for the client.

How Co-Counseling Works

There are three major components to co-counseling:

  1. Case Referral: A lawyer or firm identifies a case that requires additional expertise or resources. They may refer the case to a larger firm or invite another firm to collaborate.
  2. Defining Roles & Responsibilities: The co-counsel agreement outlines each party’s responsibilities, such as who manages litigation, negotiations, client communications, and billing.
  3. Fee Sharing: Compensation is typically structured as a percentage split based on the level of involvement, risk, skills, and investment each attorney or firm contributes.

How Co-Counseling Grows Your Legal Practice

There are numerous benefits to co-counseling:

  • Expand Case Capacity: Take on larger, potentially more lucrative cases without overextending your firm.
  • Reduce Risk: Share financial and legal burdens with a trusted partner.
  • Generate Referrals: Create the potential for future case collaborations.

Co-Counseling Pitfalls to Avoid

Co-counseling can be a powerful tool for growing your legal practice, but it’s important to do it correctly. Avoid these common pitfalls to protect your license, clients, reputation, and bottom line.

Not knowing the case or your co-counsel

Jumping into a case without thorough vetting can lead to weak claims, ethical violations, or even malpractice exposure. Don’t rely solely on the referring attorney’s assessment. Be sure to evaluate the case independently and research your co-counsel’s State Bar standing, litigation history, and client reviews.

No written agreement

Verbal agreements lead to fee disputes, role confusion, and client mismanagement. A detailed co-counsel agreement should be written that addresses fee splits (which must comply with state ethics rules), responsibilities, and withdrawal terms. 

Not considering compliance

When working with another firm, it’s important to use secure platforms for client data sharing and ensure all legal marketing partners involved and their processes are compliant.

Partnering for Protection and Growth

By working with Broughton Partners, your firm gains direct access to qualified retainers, without the administrative burden. Our team runs targeted campaigns across TV, radio, social media, and digital platforms. Every claimant is screened through a 24/7 in-house call center using firm-approved eligibility criteria, and only pre-qualified retainers are delivered to your team.

Let us help you grow your caseload ethically and efficiently while protecting your license and reputation every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.