How to find co-counsel or local counsel in another jurisdiction

Be precise about what you need: admission in a specific court, familiarity with a local bench, a specialist skill, capacity for a defined phase, or a full partner on the matter. Local counsel for a filing and co-counsel for a trial are different relationships with different expectations.

On B2B.ID, discovery works across the fields that matter for co-counsel: jurisdictions and courts, matter types, industries, experience and existing relationships. A lawyer who has written 'available as local counsel in the Southern District' on their B2B ID is telling you exactly what you want to know.

Look at the relationships already described on a B2B ID. A lawyer whom other firms have already used as co-counsel is showing you proof you can evaluate.

Once you have a shortlist, send a Request Meeting rather than a cold email. Include the role, the timeline, the court and the matter type — not confidential facts. The other lawyer sees your B2B ID, evaluates fit and accepts or declines. One meeting usually settles it.

Before work starts, agree scope, responsibility, communication with the client and how the engagement is documented. Arrangements between counsel, including anything to do with fees, are governed by the rules of the relevant jurisdictions and are between the lawyers and the client. Lawyers are responsible for complying with the professional-conduct rules and other requirements applicable to their jurisdiction and matter. Nothing in this guide is legal or ethics advice.

The other half of this guide is being the lawyer other firms find. State on your B2B ID the courts where you are admitted, the roles you take — local counsel, co-counsel, trial counsel, specialist — and the matter types and industries you are strongest in. Describe the co-counsel relationships you already have. Firms in other markets are searching for exactly that.