‘The traditional legal career path doesn’t work for everyone anymore’

As contracting roles in the global legal services market grow to be worth almost US$30 billion, Pitt said she’s seeing “a fundamental shift in legal teams” from both sides.

“On the client side, GCs are under enormous pressure to deliver more with less. Headcount is tight, budgets are scrutinised, and the pace of change is just relentless. So legal departments are always looking for ways to stay agile, building teams that can scale, flex and adapt quickly without being locked into permanent tires,” she said.

“On the lawyer side, there’s a rising demand for flexibility. Especially post-COVID lawyers are asking for careers that work around their lives now, not the other way around. They want autonomy, variety and a chance to use their skills in different ways.”

This is particularly true for senior lawyers, who Pitt described as the “prime lawyers of our profession”.

“They’ve built careers, handled complex matters, advised boards, led teams, and because of their depth of experience, they can often produce more work in less time. They know how to slot in, pick things up fast and deliver value with minimal ramp-up. So, you know, some of these lawyers are running their own practices and take on flexible secondments two or three days a week,” she said.

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“Others have stepped away from full-time roles but still want to be engaged in high-quality legal work. These are the lawyers who are too often underestimated or overlooked because they’re, quite frankly, in my opinion, the golden talent in our industry. The trend we’re seeing is that more clients are beginning to understand the value of this. They want someone who can walk in, calm the chaos and just get things done. And flexible resourcing really is the model that makes it possible.”

This kind of work is becoming more popular in the midst of remote working and the rise of flexibility – meaning that the future for contract lawyers is not just promising, according to Pitt, but “pivotal”.

“We’re witnessing a significant shift in how legal services are delivered and contract lawyers are at the forefront of this transformation. Firstly, I mean, there’s a growing need for specialised expertise on a flexible basis. Companies are always looking for lawyers who can basically step in and just hit the ground running without a long-term commitment or traditional hiring.

“Secondly, of course, and I know we talk about AI quite often, but the integration of technology is just changing the way we work. AI handles routine tasks, but it also highlights the value of human judgement and experience. Contract lawyers who work alongside these sorts of technologies are becoming invaluable,” she said.

“Moreover, the desire for work/life balance and diverse experiences is leading a lot of talented lawyers to choose contract work. It’s no longer seen as a stopgap, but a deliberate career choice.”

In terms of how these lawyers can best integrate into in-house teams, being open, adaptable and learning on the go is important, as well as being able to work across different systems, teams and matters. Mindset, however, is also key for contract lawyers.

“The ability to hit the ground running is critical. But just as important is just understanding, you know, from a lawyer’s perspective, understanding their value. Contract roles aren’t just about proving yourself; they’re about contributing meaningfully. From day one, we do a lot of work to support our lawyers before they even start a placement. We have this screening, onboarding and ongoing support,” Pitt said.

“We also build a community by hosting events and just encouraging networking just to ensure that there isn’t any sort of isolating the people that we work with. We find that lawyers who are proactive, communicate well, are the ones that are truly successful at contract lawyering.”

And while contracting isn’t for everyone, Pitt emphasised that this kind of work is “absolutely brilliant” for the right person.

“Lawyers who do well in these roles are often those who are resourceful, adaptable, and confident in their skill set. I’ve worked with many lawyers over the years, particularly women who are looking to return after a break or explore something more aligned with where they are in life. And what’s clear is that the traditional legal career path doesn’t work for everyone anymore. And that’s OK. The industry is shifting,” she added.

“There are now more ways than ever to build meaningful and sustainable careers that fit lifestyles and values. It starts with being clear on what matters, understanding your boundaries, and being open to different kinds of success. It might feel unfamiliar at first, and those that are starting out usually find it takes a bit of time to get settled, but the opportunities are growing, and so is the supporting community around flexible contracting.”

To listen to the full episode with Val Pitt, click here.

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