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How does being a temp lawyer work?

Here are a few examples. They'll give you an idea of the sort of working situation you could be involved with.

1. Peaks of activity

Problem: The Principal Solicitor at a Yorkshire based Personal Injury Firm had 1400 live matters, 80% of which were at pre-litigation stage. He was keen to appoint an experienced PI Solicitor to issue on at least 10 files a day in a pure high-volume capacity but without taking on a permanent employee. 

Solution: An experienced Solicitor was appointed on a part-time, on-going basis of 2 days per week. The interim professional had over 5 years PQE in PI, particularly within RTA matters, and has generated extensive fee income. In the Principal Solicitor's own words, she’s "worth her weight in gold".

2. Contingency planning

Problem: Following a 2% pay rise for staff, The Head of Department of one of Manchester's most prestigious law firms feared he may lose at least two disgruntled members of his team which would leave the business exposed to some degree. 

Solution: A temporary Solicitor was appointed for a limited period to ensure smooth transition of the workload and essentially act as a safety net in case of multiple resignations. The temporary Solicitor is now permanently employed with the firm, following what the Head of Department calls "a successful trial period as a locum".

3. Unspecified and unexpected staff absence

Problem: The experienced Commercial Property Solicitor at a Birmingham-based Law Firm had been off work for 3 weeks with sciatica. Work was piling up and with a sick note submitted every week, the Partner was unsure when they would return to work. 

Solution: An immediately available interim professional was appointed with over 5 years’ experience undertaking locum positions. They were able to pick up the work without any real induction, working on a week by week basis at short notice until the Solicitor returned to work.

4. Expansion with budgetary constraints

Problem: Due to expansion, the Employment department of a Liverpool-based Law Firm wanted to bring in additional resource. They had five Solicitors in the department, each with over 10 years PQE, but tight budgets meant they were only able to pay a £25k salary. 

Solution: A newly qualified Solicitor was appointed with 9 months’ experience in employment law. The Firm opted to take the individual on a temporary to permanent basis given her level of experience. However, she was quick to bring a new dynamic to the existing team and was more than happy with the salary offered. 

5. Increase in workload — but for how long?

Problem: The Residential Conveyancing department of a Manchester Law Firm saw a significant increase in workload with an uplift in the housing market. Having made five Conveyancers redundant two years ago, they struggled to manage the increased volume. 

Solution: Two immediately available Conveyancers were placed on a 6 month Fixed Term Contract as the Firm was still not comfortable committing to a permanent post. 

6. Permanent Headcount Freeze

Problem: A large, well established Charitable Organisation based in the North West was keen to appoint a permanent Lawyer to join their existing team due to increased workload but was bound to a permanent headcount freeze.

Solution: An interim resource was appointed on an on-going basis and the organisation was able to manage the workload. 

7. Maternity

Problem: The Head of Private Client in a North West based Law Firm knew two of his team would be taking maternity leave in the coming September. 

Solution: We forward-booked 2 professional locums to start at the beginning of the month for an initial hand-over period to ensure a smooth transition into the team.

8. Holiday cover

Problem:The Partner at a small local Practice wanted an interim resource to help out while two of his fee earners were away for two weeks during August.

Solution: Holiday Cover was provided through a professional locum with a wealth of experience. He was able to suggest a new case management system and assist with process improvements in his short time there, also saving the Firm time and money in the long term.