As a foreign qualified lawyer who qualified in 2020, Lucy sat down with candidate Gozi to find out why 2022 was the right time for him to venture into the locum market.
Lucy: When you requalified in the UK in 2020, was property an area you thought you would get into?
Gozi: I qualified in 2008. I requalified in the UK I 202 and I knew the Property area of law was where my interest was.
Lucy: What were the main reasons for you choosing this area of law?
Gozi: It’s less argumentative and confrontational. What you see is what you get.
Lucy: What advice would you give to aspiring lawyers considering qualifying into residential property?
Gozi: Research the residential property law and see where your inclinations are, if it aligns with what you want to achieve I would reach out to LR Legal for potential opportunities.
Lucy: What benefits do you see from working as an interim lawyer?
Gozi: I love the freedom and I get to experience various places where opportunities present themselves.
Lucy: What difference does this way of working make to your lifestyle?
Gozi: Well, it’s quite satisfactory to do what you love to do and locum work is very well remunerated.
Lucy: What has been your best experience working as an interim lawyer?
Gozi: Having support from the staff on the ground has been helpful as it helps you hit the ground running. When I start a role and receive a lack of support, I do struggle a bit.
Lucy: What challenges have you faced?
Gozi: Lack of support and having to chase your tail or dig for simple information is challenging. It is different with each role, however when they have a good, organised team it makes settling in easier.
Lucy: What advice would you give to friends or colleagues who are considering becoming an interim lawyer?
Gozi: Give it a go and see if the lifestyle suits you. My tip would be to always ask questions if you start a position which has inadequate information, don’t be afraid to ask for the correct information to get on with the job. LR Legal have been great for offering support through each role and finding me work in different areas. I would highly recommend their locum team!
Interim lawyers are in high demand and this career path can offer the flexibility of short-term commitments as well as delivering high earning potential with the opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable experience.
It’s also a useful option if you’re at a career crossroads and need time to consider your next move. Contracts can range from a few days up to a year and for overseas candidates, interim work can deliver valuable UK work experience.
To be able to hit the ground running in a new environment takes a particular type of person. To be a successful locum, you should be confident, a people person, know how to read a room and be able to handle a delicate balance between existing processes and introducing new or improved ideas.
Here are some key benefits:
More flexibility to work when you want and take time off in between assignments or for extended periods. The opportunity to broaden and develop your skill and experience across various industry sectors and legal roles. The opportunity to gain experience working for a variety of organisations with different cultures. The chance to work from home and part time. Almost all our clients are offering hybrid working arrangements or, some, exclusively from home. They’re also considering part time candidates, where previously they may not have. Great rates of pay. Contractor daily/hourly rates will more often come with an uplift compared to a permanent member of staff.
Needless to say, there are many benefits to moving to locum roles. The flexibility is unparalleled as you effectively become your own boss deciding on location, times and roles, an increase in pay is obviously appealing, and the exposure to different areas of law and experience gained is unmatched by permanent positions.
If you are interested in working interim jobs in either the private or public sector, get in touch to register with LR Legal and we can discuss our current opportunities with you.