Your Law Firm May Soon Have an MSO. Here’s What That Means.

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Michael J. Epstein, managing partner of The Epstein Law Firm, examines the growing role of management services organizations (MSOs) in the legal profession in his New Jersey Law Journal article, “Your Law Firm May Soon Have an MSO. Here’s What That Means.”

The article explores how MSOs allow law firms to outsource administrative and operational responsibilities, including technology, payroll, marketing, and financial management, while maintaining separate legal practices. Epstein uses the recent launch of Sorren Law as an example of how professional services businesses are adopting these arrangements to streamline operations and coordinate services.

While MSOs may offer law firms greater efficiency and access to specialized resources, Epstein emphasizes the ethical questions surrounding their involvement in legal operations. He examines how management arrangements could affect client intake, marketing, referrals, litigation budgets, and attorney independence, particularly when outside investors or affiliated businesses have financial interests in a firm’s performance.

Epstein also discusses New Jersey’s professional conduct rules, highlighting the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between business management and legal decision-making. As these organizational structures become more common, he encourages greater attention to how MSOs are compensated, who benefits financially, and whether their involvement could compromise lawyers’ obligations to their clients.

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The Epstein Law Firm continues its work representing clients while contributing to discussions about developments affecting the legal profession.