Why do lawyers choose a consulting route?
We asked respondents what attracted them to becoming flexible consultants and their reasons for continuing on that track.
Waving goodbye to office politics
According to our respondents, the main motivation for becoming a consultant was to move away from “office politics.” As a consultant there’s no need for annual appraisals, long-term commitment, and positioning yourself for the next promotion, which for many people reduces unnecessary workplace anxiety.
One respondent advises to have a real think about what benefits a job title actually gives you. Is it worth it?
“I didn’t enjoy being a manager if I’m honest, but I had a sense that in my old department that was the only way to progress.”
Freedom and flexibility
The concept of flexibility emerged as a key theme among consultant lawyers, highlighting their desire for more control over work-life balance and their self-determination to steer their careers.
Respondents spoke about feeling restricted by the standard 25 days of annual leave in full-time employment as they value the freedom to take longer breaks, particularly during the summer if they have children or personal commitments. After having a taste of this routine, respondents are very reluctant to give it up — especially those that find it easy to get their next gig.
Another motivator for the flexibility of consulting is having the freedom to say no. A respondent explained how they approach selecting a project by asking the question, “Do I want to work with the people involved?” and when the answer is no, it’s empowering and becomes a catalyst for being able to say yes to something more appealing.
Of respondents picked the consultant path to gain more autonomy and flexibility
“What I love is going into a project, getting to know people and a new business, and getting the job done. The lack of a long term commitment reduces job anxiety and pressure. I’m like a ninja — in and out!”
Top reasons respondents became a consultant
“I get paid for what I do, and I no longer feel like I’m being taken advantage of. A day is a day, and long hours are a choice — there’s no pressure from myself or others to do more than I really want to. I have more time to myself, and I find it more rewarding to be on the clock. It gives me a deep feeling of satisfaction.”
Variety and diversity
The allure of consulting extends beyond flexing different types of legal muscles, a factor often cited by in-house lawyers transitioning from law firms. For consultants, the appeal lies in the opportunity to engage with different groups of people and businesses. It interests them as it allows them to immerse themselves in new companies and grasp their relative risk appetites.
“I wanted to avoid becoming institutionalised to one way of evaluating risk and decision-making. In fact, it’s often seen as a valuable trait by employers that I can bring a new perspective of risk-taking from other projects and sectors.”
The part of the survey that got the least attention was the ‘focus on expertise’, with only three respondents mentioning it. Interviews revealed that this factor is not an end in itself — it simply serves as a means to an end.
Expertise, reputation, and experience act as the entry ticket for new projects, which then unlocks the more valued benefits around variety and diversity.
Respondents mentioned 'focus on expertise' as a factor in their decision to choose the consultant path.
