Like anyone entering an important relationship, solo and small-firm lawyers seeking co-counsel need to find someone who is compatible, shares similar professional interests and will work collaboratively to achieve common goals. The first step in that process is deciding what role that co-counsel will play in your case. You may be seeking to appear in a jurisdiction in which you're not admitted. You may need someone to handle a local court appearance – perhaps a pretrial hearing – that you're unable to attend in person. Or you might seek someone to assist with a matter in a practice area in which you don't have sufficient experience. While most co-counsel relationships aren't long-term commitments, your co-counsel will reflect – either positively or negatively – on your practice. So, it's critical to find the right match and build a solid working relationship that benefits your clients.