Legal writing is one of the most specialized, demanding, and precise forms of writing, requiring clarity and a deep understanding. If you’ve landed here, it’s probably because you’re looking to hire a legal writer.
Whether it’s to draft a contract, pen down a law firm’s blogs, or explain legal jargon to the layperson, a legal writer brings immense value. As someone involved in content creation and curation, I witness firsthand the increasing demand for legal writers, and today, I’ll guide you through some of the best sites where you can hire these experts.
Best Sites to Hire a Legal Writer
Legal writing is not just about stringing words together. It’s a blend of in-depth research, impeccable grammar, and the skill to distill complex legal concepts into understandable prose. When you seek to hire a legal writer, you’re searching for someone who brings this trifecta to the table, with the bonus of adapting to your specific requirements. However, the hiring landscape is vast, with numerous platforms offering a range of features. Let’s break down some top platforms to simplify your hiring process.
1. Upwork
Upwork solidifies its position as a trusted freelancer marketplace. One of the platform’s greatest strengths is its vast network of professionals spanning countless specialties, including legal writing. Whether you’re searching for someone adept at intricate legal drafting, a seasoned legal content writer, or a generalist with a penchant for legal topics, Upwork is a treasure trove. Its robust search functionality lets you filter candidates based on expertise, client reviews, and more, ensuring you find a legal writer tailored to your needs.
While its vast talent pool is a boon, it can also overwhelm the initial search, especially if you seek specific legal writing skills. The sheer diversity of talent, from those specialized in crafting legal content to experts in legal drafting, means it might take a bit of time to pinpoint the right fit. Moreover, Upwork takes a cut of the payment, which might make hiring slightly costlier than hiring directly. But with the platform’s vast offerings, finding the perfect legal content writer suited to your unique requirements becomes a real possibility.
Features
Detailed writer profiles
Client reviews
Direct chat functionality
Escrow system to protect payments
Pricing
As a client, you pay a 5% Client Marketplace Fee on all payments, including bonuses, to a freelance legal writer.
2. Freelancer
As one of the world’s largest freelancing marketplaces, Freelancer boasts an extensive directory of legal writers. Whether you’re looking to enhance a law firm’s website with insightful content, seek someone with a reputable law school background, or need writers for in-depth legal articles, Freelancer is a go-to platform. With its user-friendly interface, posting a project is a breeze, attracting bids from several freelance legal writers keen to take on your task.
However, the platform’s vastness comes with challenges. Due to the sheer number of freelancers, the quality of writers varies. Some might have honed their skills crafting content for top-tier law firms’ websites, while others might be fresh out of law school, eager to make their mark with insightful legal articles. Vet each candidate before you hire. Additionally, there’s a fee for employers, which might not sit well with everyone if you aim to create frequent or bulk content.
Features
Project contest functionality
Secure payment methods
Comprehensive feedback system
Pricing
Clients pay a fee per finished project.
3. LexBlog
LexBlog stands out as a platform specialized for the legal industry, ensuring you interact with writers well-versed in the intricacies of legal issues and the legal system. Beyond content, many of these writers demonstrate adept technical writing, translating the complexities of the legal world into comprehensible text. The platform has garnered a reputation for connecting law firms with credible writers and legal research experts, making it a top choice for those needing content that navigates the nuances of the legal system.
However, LexBlog’s stringent specialization can sometimes translate to premium pricing. Focusing on the intricate details of legal issues and the demand for technical writing expertise can push costs upward. Additionally, its niche nature might limit the number of available writers compared to broader platforms, potentially impacting the speed or variety of writer selection.
Features
Networking opportunities with legal professionals
Focused content categories
Robust support
Pricing
Varies based on writer expertise and project complexity.
4. LawClerk
LawClerk is a haven for attorneys seeking freelance legal assistance, especially when they require the expertise of a seasoned legal writer. Writers here are well-versed in writing legal documents and often have formal legal training. Many have diverse backgrounds, ranging from specialized fields like family law to broader areas of study such as political science. This expertise ensures that clients find a match for their specific legal writing needs.
However, it’s worth noting that the platform’s primary focus is to cater to attorneys and those in similar professions. As such, while you’ll find writers adept at drafting documents for family law cases or those with a political science background offering a broader perspective, the platform might not be the ideal choice for all legal content needs. It’s best suited for those looking for deep, specialized knowledge.
Features
Advanced filtering based on legal expertise
Secure document sharing
Dedicated support
Pricing
Pricing is set by freelance attorneys, with LawClerk taking a commission.
5. ProBlogger Job Board
Although not dedicated solely to the legal niche, ProBlogger Job Board attracts seasoned writers from various backgrounds. Posting a job for legal content here can not only fetch you a talented legal writer but may also introduce you to candidates with a formal law degree or even experience as a practicing lawyer. Their diverse backgrounds provide rich legal writing and editing experience, essential for crafting precise and authoritative content.
However, ProBlogger is a general job board. While you may find candidates with a law degree or a practicing lawyer, finding that ideal match can take time. It might require a more thorough vetting process to sift through the various profiles and pinpoint the right legal expertise for your needs.
Features
Simple job posting interface
Direct writer communication
Transparent fee structure
Pricing
Fixed fee for job postings.
6. Scripted
Scripted prides itself on offering a curated experience for those seeking quality content. Their roster includes legal writers who are not only vetted for their prowess in legal document drafting but also have the expertise to write SEO content tailored for the legal industry. This blend of skills ensures the content is legally sound and optimized for online visibility. Scripted’s legal writers can cater to diverse needs, whether you’re embarking on detailed research projects or need informative blog posts.
While the platform guarantees quality, this assurance comes at a price. Premium pricing for their vetted legal writers, especially those skilled in writing SEO content or handling intricate research projects, can be a drawback for some. Furthermore, the platform charges an additional membership fee, which might add to the overall costs for those seeking long-term collaborations.
Features
Direct communication with writers
Project management tools
Quality guarantees
Pricing
Membership-based with varying tiers.
7. Textbroker
Textbroker stands as a formidable platform, especially for those who require the specific expertise of a legal writer. With its vast array of freelance writers, many of whom specialize in legal content, it caters to a diverse clientele. Whether you’re a law firm seeking specialized content, a business that needs to navigate the intricacies of legal jargon, or an individual pursuing a freelance writer with a keen understanding of the law, Textbroker offers the flexibility to match your demands. Its tiered quality levels enable you to select freelance legal writers who fit your budget and expertise requirements. This structure makes it an excellent platform for businesses looking to outsource legal content without diving into the intricacies of direct hiring.
However, while these quality levels aim to streamline your search, they might not always paint a comprehensive picture of a freelance writer’s legal acumen. Though they help narrow options, they aren’t always a foolproof indicator of a writer’s in-depth legal knowledge or expertise in catering to the unique demands of a law firm. Additional vetting is necessary to ensure you get the best match for your needs.
Features
Multiple quality levels
Direct order placement
Team order functionality
Pricing
The chosen quality level and content length determine pricing.
8. FlexJobs
FlexJobs promotes flexible and remote job opportunities, and organizations can find writers with expertise in legal research, legal document creation, and other legal services. The platform screens its listings, ensuring only legitimate, high-quality jobs appear there.
However, it’s essential to understand the nature of FlexJobs. Being a job board, it acts as a bridge connecting potential employers with suitable candidates rather than a direct hiring platform. This structure means the hiring processes can be more extended and more involved than one might experience on direct freelance platforms.
Features
Job search functionality
Skills tests for potential hires
Researched job listings
Pricing
Employers can post jobs for free, but premium features come with a fee.
9. SimplyHired
SimplyHired, a general job platform, casts a wide net for prospective candidates. Here, law firms and individuals alike can find a wide range of talent, from employment law experts to adept legal writers proficient in legal research. The user-friendly nature of the platform simplifies the process for law firms and other employers, making it a breeze to post their requirements and attract qualified applicants who can deliver on tasks, be it intricate legal research or general legal writing.
However, this expansive scope has its challenges. Due to its broad nature, finding that perfect match, the ideal legal writer with a nuanced understanding of a specific field or the depth required by a law firm, might demand more patience and effort. Sifting through applications to find the right expertise can take time, but the diversity of talent available is undeniably impressive.
Features
Resume database access
Detailed job analytics
Mobile recruiting
Pricing
Pricing varies based on the services you choose, such as sponsored jobs or premium listings.
10. WriterAccess
WriterAccess bridges the gap between businesses and adept freelance writers. Their detailed profiles are a treasure trove of information, showcasing a writer’s experience in the legal industry. The platform provides an all-encompassing view, from writing samples demonstrating proficiency to insights into a writer’s forte in contract drafting. The platform’s intuitive search tool is another feather in its cap. It enables businesses to seamlessly filter writers who have honed their skills in drafting legal documents or those with an uncanny ability for profound legal analysis. If you’re embarking on freelance projects that require sharp legal acumen, WriterAccess could be a goldmine.
However, while its offerings are rich, its membership model might challenge some. It’s structured to cater predominantly to recurring needs, which might not sit well with everyone, especially those looking for project-based opportunities.
Features
AI-powered writer search
Content strategy services
Direct communication with writers
Pricing
Membership-based, with different tiers offering varied benefits.
11. Mediabistro
Although Mediabistro focuses on media professionals, it’s an excellent platform for finding legal writers who can blend legal knowledge with media-friendly content. This is the place to be for those searching for a legal writer adept at drafting legal documents with a media spin. Legal writing requires a unique skill set, especially when it needs to be media-friendly. Mediabistro has positioned itself as a hub for professionals with expertise in combining both worlds. It’s particularly suitable for law firms or businesses looking to create public-facing legal content or those needing legal documents tailored for a broader audience.
Its specialized nature might make the pool of pure legal writers smaller than broader platforms. However, it’s a great place to search for high-quality legal writing.
Features
Job listings
Online courses (which writers can use to refine skills)
Database of available freelancers
Pricing
Pricing depends on the job listings, with premium features available at an additional cost.
How to Choose the Best Website to Hire a Legal Writer
Not all platforms offer niche specialists. Opt for platforms that offer expert legal writers who understand the intricacies of legal content. Ensure the platform has stringent measures to safeguard your data and financial details. Direct communication with potential hires helps gauge their fit. Platforms that allow open communication channels can be invaluable. While you shouldn’t skimp on quality, align your choices with your budgetary requirements. Consider platforms that offer a good balance of quality and cost.
Related Hiring Guides
Looking for other types of expert writers? Explore these detailed hiring resources to find the right professional for your project:
Check the most frequently asked questions about hiring a legal writer for legal writing/editing.
Why should I hire a specialized legal writer instead of a general writer?
Hiring a specialized legal writer ensures your content reflects a deep understanding of law research, legal terminology, and the nuances of law-related documents such as contracts, memos, and case summaries. Unlike general writers, legal writers have legal industry experience and a strong attention to detail, which helps maintain both accuracy and credibility. They also understand how to align complex information with your brand voice and audience expectations.
How much does it cost to hire a legal writer?
Rates for legal writers vary based on experience level, project complexity, and turnaround requirements. Freelance platforms typically list fixed rates or bidding options, allowing you to compare offers. Experienced professionals often charge higher fees due to their proven expertise, portfolio examples, and ability to deliver well-researched, compliant content efficiently. For high-stakes or technical work, investing in a seasoned writer can save time and reduce the risk of errors.
What qualifications should I look for in a legal writer?
The best legal writers combine formal education or hands-on experience in the legal field with strong writing and time management skills. Review their work examples, case studies, or paid test articles to evaluate how well they communicate complex legal ideas clearly and concisely. Look for familiarity with law research, different legal writing formats, and the ability to produce original content tailored to your needs.
Can I trust online platforms with confidential legal information?
Reputable hiring platforms implement robust data protection and security measures to safeguard sensitive materials. Still, always verify their privacy policies and confidentiality terms before sharing law-related documents. For added assurance, consider signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the writer to maintain confidentiality throughout the project.
What should I provide to ensure top-quality legal writing?
Start with a detailed brief outlining your objectives, target audience, tone, and preferred format (e.g., white paper, memo, or case analysis). Providing portfolio examples or previous work samples can help the writer match your brand voice. For specialized projects, include reference materials, outlines, or case notes. Open communication throughout the process ensures clarity, quality, and faster delivery.
If you are new to writing and looking to break in, we recommend taking one of our Technical Writing Certification Courses, where you will learn the fundamentals of technical writing, how to dominate technical writer interviews, and how to stand out as a technical writing candidate.
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I’m the founder of Technical Writer HQ and Squibler, an AI writing platform. I began my technical writing career in 2014 at a video-editing software company, went on to write documentation for Facebook’s first live-streaming feature, and later had my work recognized by LinkedIn’s engineering team.