Conclusion
This report reveals the evolving in-house legal career landscape, moving on from traditional norms and embracing the emergence of legal consulting. With insights from almost 100 in-house lawyers, diverse work styles, motivations, and challenges came to light.
Consultant lawyers navigate unique pathways, from project-based roles to partnerships with ALSPs, showing there’s a shifting sector dynamic. Collaborations with ALSPs offer essential support and growth opportunities, with a key driver being honest communication.
The allure of consulting lies in its freedom, flexibility, and learning potential, yet uncertainty also emerges. As consultant lawyers reflect on downtime and financial stability, it’s clear that balancing these aspects is an art.
Junior lawyers are increasingly drawn to consultancy, which shows evolving perceptions of this path. A consultant lawyer's role is pivotal in reshaping in-house legal work, emphasising autonomy, fulfilment, and evolution in a sector undergoing big change.
Key takeaways
- Legal careers are diversifying beyond traditional options
- Consulting is an attractive alternative to traditional law firm roles, with autonomy and impact being the main drivers
- Consultants can work in a variety of ways and appreciate support from ALSPs
- Flexibility when it comes to billing and working hours is balanced with challenges
- Successful consultants value diverse work and experiences, and the impact their work has on clients
- Challenges include uncertainty and managing downtime
- Junior lawyers are increasingly drawn to consulting due to changing norms
- Job satisfaction is slightly higher among consultants, compared to those in full-time employment
- Consultants’ advice emphasises self-discovery and adaptability.
With thanks to...
With a special thanks to the members of the Crafty Counsel Community and Pinsent Masons Vario hub who took part in the survey and interviews.
WHO ARE PINSENT MASONS VARIO?
Vario is the 5th Practice Group for Pinsent Masons, an international law firm with 26 offices across 4 continents. Pinsent Masons strive to be a purpose-led professional services business with law at the core so that they can be a trusted partner to support clients in transforming their organisation. Vario is the innovative branch of this that addresses a range of matters beyond just ordinary legal issues. Within the Group, support can be provided to clients regarding Flexible Services, Managed Legal Services, Legal Project Management, Consulting & Technology, and Company Secretarial Services.
WHO ARE CRAFTY COUNSEL?
As the UK’s most dynamic and fast-growing community, Crafty Counsel is the space where in-house legal can grow their network, nurture their career, and cultivate their resources.
Crafty Counsel helps in-house legal professionals become the best version of themselves professionally and personally by providing unique events and regular virtual meet-ups, insightful creative content, and relevant legal training.
