ERIN C. COWLING
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           Erin C. Cowling







Author,
​Speaker, 
Entrepreneur & 
Freelance Lawyer 

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TRADITIONAL LAWYER TO FREELANCE LAWYER 

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When I graduated from law school I chose a very traditional career path and summered, articled and became a corporate/commercial litigator at a Bay Street law firm.

However, after being a litigator for several years, it became clear to me something needed to change.  Law was no longer bringing me joy.
I was struggling. I enjoyed the legal work but dealing with conflict and emotionally upset clients on a daily basis was too much.
It was taking a toll on me.

That's when I started my freelance lawyer practice. 



WHAT IS A FREELANCLE LAWYER?

A freelance lawyer is a lawyer that assists other lawyers with their overflow legal work on an as-needed, freelance basis.

They do not take on end-clients of their own, they don't have to deal with opposing counsel, they simply freelance for several law firms or in-house legal departments assisting them with their files. 
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Freelance lawyers have the flexibility to decide how much work they take on, and when and where they will work. 

In turn they help their lawyer clients by taking work off their plates, without the need to hire a full-time associate. This allows them to spend more time outside of the office but still run a successful & lucrative law practice. A win/win situation. 


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FREELANCE LAWYER TO ENTREPRENEUR, AUTHOR, SPEAKER 

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In 2015, when my freelance practice got too busy and I was turning down work, I started Flex Legal Network Inc. a freelance lawyer platform that matches busy lawyers, law firms, and in-house legal departments with pre-vetted, experienced freelance lawyers.

We started with 3 lawyers and now have over 80 freelance lawyers across the country. We have helped 100s of law firms and legal departments. 

I now also write and speak about freelance lawyering, legal innovation, networking & business development, women in the law and much more. 

AWARDS

I'm also a multiple winner of the Canadian Law Blog Awards (the Clawbies) and have been a nominee for:
  • Canadian Lawyer's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada,
  • the OBA Women Lawyer's Forum's Award of Excellence in the Promotion of Women's Equality,
  • the CBA's Touchstone Award and
  • RBC's Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.  
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2016 Canadian Law Blog Awards Winner
2017 Canadian Law Blog Awards Winner
2018 Canadian Law Blog Finalist
2019 Canadian Law Blog Awards Winner
CONTACT ERIN
(C) 2014-2025 Erin C. Cowling. All rights reserved.
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Please note I am not currently practicing law. 
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​Information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is for informational purposes only.
Accessing or using this website does not create a solicitor-client relationship.
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3080 Yonge Street, Suite 6060
Toronto,ON
M4N 3N1 (appointment only)
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