Legal Cooperative Provides More Than Work Space
There is a new cooperative, exclusively for attorneys, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut and it offers more than just shared workspace. Todd S. Sharinn, local attorney and founding member of The Legal Cooperative™, elaborates on this innovative concept: “The Legal Cooperative™ is a place where attorneys from varying practice areas and disciplines can work independently as well as collaboratively.” A unique spin on the traditional coop experience, The Legal Cooperative™ emphasizes the “cooperative” element by providing its members with built-in support systems and opportunities for collaboration.
Conceived in early 2021, amid the pandemic and faltering economy, Sharinn sought to carve out an oasis in the legal desert. But more than simply a solution to the COVD-19 layoffs and shift to work-from-home model, The Legal Cooperative™’s genesis is likely the peace and love philosophy of the 1970’s, which Sharinn considers a formative decade, and perhaps, the fact that he is also a law professor. Sharinn’s intention isn’t simply to provide office space for attorneys; he hopes to foster professional relationships, professional development, creativity, and mentorship. A departure from the typical competitive, cutthroat culture of law firms, The Legal Cooperative™ functions more as a group of attorneys working harmoniously.
In that vein, The Legal Cooperative™ offers “the benefits of partnership without belonging to a firm,” Sharinn explains. Members of The Legal COOP™ come with a vast range of skills. He continues, “This is a place where everyone is of counsel, and beyond sharing offices and conference rooms, they are sharing their knowledge and expertise.” Moreover, “This is a great environment for young attorneys who’ve had a hard time acquiring employment and are seeking mentorship and community.” He adds that “The Legal COOP™ provides an environment where you retain your own professional identity”.
Sharinn notes that The Legal Cooperative™ is also a great place for seasoned attorneys. “There’s a need for experienced attorneys willing to share their wealth of knowledge and provide guidance to attorneys just starting out in exchange for the benefit of having talented, young, and less expensive attorneys as the needs arise in addition to new opportunities for providing their services.” Elder attorneys, ready to leave their large firms, but not quite ready for retirement can also find a professional workspace at The Legal Cooperative™. Bringing established attorneys together with adept young professionals creates an environment that emphasizes skill and business development, while providing each member with a more competitive edge in soliciting work and presenting new and existing clients with greater value.
Interested attorneys have flexibility in how they use the cooperative which offers various options including non-assigned desk space, reserved workstations, or reserved private offices. Rental packages range from hourly and daily to monthly and annual rates. In addition to physical workspace, The Legal Cooperative™ provides a range of office services, as well as health and liability insurance. If you are an attorney in the Tri-State area seeking a friendly, supportive platform, then look no further. Sharinn adds that The Legal Cooperative™ is currently seeking members: “We are looking for intelligent, experienced lawyers of all backgrounds.” For more information, visit https:// www.legalcooperative.com/.