Of Counsel, attorneys bring a flexible and impactful solution to law firms looking to grow, diversify services, and increase revenue—without increasing overhead. J.D. Houvener, founder of Bold IP, recently shared how integrating this role helped him scale his business and better serve clients.
The Bold IP Vision and Expansion
When J.D. Houvener founded Bold IP, his goal was to support visionaries and innovators in building a better world. His firm started with that single mission and has since grown to over 40 offices across the United States. This growth was powered not just by legal expertise but also by embracing business innovation, including the strategic use of Of Counsel attorneys.
With top-tier patent attorneys nationwide, Bold IP supports clients with everything from patent acquisition to protecting trade secrets. But what truly sets the firm apart is its willingness to think beyond traditional firm structures.
Entrepreneurial Thinking: A Fresh Approach with Of Counsel Attorneys
J.D. quickly realised that running a law firm as a business, not just a profession, was key to success. By adding Of Counsel attorneys, he created a scalable model that offers both flexibility and expertise. Here’s how law firms can adopt a similar mindset:
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Treat your firm like a business: Innovation and agility drive sustainable growth.
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Expand your offerings: Bring in Of Counsel attorneys with specialities you don’t cover
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Leverage legal tech: Automate admin tasks to keep overhead low.
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Grow through referrals: Clients referred by trusted sources are more likely to convert.
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Ask better questions: Be curious about your clients’ work—this opens doors for new legal services.
This type of entrepreneurial thinking isn’t just a trend—it’s a blueprint for firms ready to adapt and thrive in today’s legal landscape.
Top Benefits of Adding Of Counsel Lawyers
What makes Of Counsel attorneys such a smart addition to modern law firms? The benefits are both practical and strategic:
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Generate more revenue: Offer new services without hiring full-time staff.
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Expand your reach: Serve more clients across different legal needs.
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Keep overhead low: Most of Counsel attorneys work remotely or part-time.
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Fee-split arrangements: Share income without added payroll burdens
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Enhance client satisfaction: Deliver broader, more holistic service.
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Build your expert reputation: Position your firm as the go-to for multidisciplinary legal solutions.
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Have fun building your team: Collaborate with passionate professionals who bring new energy.
The best part? You get to grow your practice your way without taking on unnecessary costs or risks.
Why Of Counsel Attorneys Are the Future of Flexible Law Firms
As client needs evolve, firms must remain agile. Of Counsel attorneys provide the perfect solution: flexibility, affordability, and specialisation. Whether your firm is big or small, bringing in skilled attorneys on a part-time or case-by-case basis lets you adapt quickly to market demands.
You also gain the ability to offer services outside your current expertise, giving you a competitive edge. From patent law to employment law, you can bring in trusted professionals to meet clients’ changing needs, without hiring full-time.
This model isn’t just smart—it’s sustainable. It frees you to focus on what matters most: making an impact, serving clients, and growing a values-driven business.
Explore more ways to scale your firm without burning out. Our free resources at hiringandempowering.com offer valuable tips on law firm management, staffing, and productivity. Want deeper insights? Read more on our blogs and tune into one of our weekly podcast episodes—packed with actionable strategies for law firm growth and leadership.
Written by Molly Hall McGrath