Register an Assignment
Register as a LocumWorking as a locum solicitor can offer unparalleled flexibility, diverse experiences, the opportunity to work with various clients and legal issues and the ability to fit work around your life rather than vice versa. However, one of the key challenges many locum solicitors face is ensuring a steady stream of work. Here are some practical steps to help you build and maintain a consistent workload as a locum solicitor.
1. Register with Specialist Recruitment Agencies
The first step to securing regular locum work is to register with reputable specialist recruitment agencies. Agencies like Interim Lawyers are dedicated to connecting locum solicitors with law firms and in-house legal deparatments in need of temporary legal support. By signing up with a few agencies, you can gain access to a pool of opportunities and receive tailored job alerts (by email with Interim Lawyers). You cannot just rely on internet searches to get locum work – we don’t have to post a good number of our role because they are immediately filled from our 1,500 locum database.
2. Build a Strong Professional Network
Networking is crucial in any profession, and for locum solicitors, it can significantly impact the availability of work. Attend legal conferences, seminars, and local Law Society events to meet other legal professionals and potential clients. Join professional groups on LinkedIn and engage in discussions to increase your visibility. Often, law firms prefer to hire locums they have been personally recommended or have a connection with. This applies even if you use a locum agency to source work – hiring firms and departments will check you out still.
3. Maintain an Updated and Professional Online Presence
Having an updated and professional online presence is essential. Create a LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills, experience, and availability for locum work. Consider building a personal website where potential clients can learn more about your services, read testimonials, and contact you directly. This digital presence not only enhances your credibility but also makes it easier for law firms to find and reach out to you. Websites can be a good way of picking up regular work, although firms do tend to contact agencies first rather than trawl the web and take hours contacting individual locum lawyers.
4. Deliver High-Quality Work
Word of mouth is a powerful tool in the legal profession. By consistently delivering high-quality work and demonstrating reliability, you increase the likelihood of repeat business and referrals. Ensure that you meet deadlines, communicate effectively with clients, and handle each assignment with the utmost professionalism. Satisfied clients are more likely to recommend your services to their peers. Failing to turn up, dropping one assignment in favour of another one, not being bothered to attend, not communicating with the firm or the agency are all things that will result in the lack of future work. Its a small world and some locums get no work because of past bad behaviour..
5. Be Flexible and Adaptable
Flexibility can significantly enhance your appeal as a locum solicitor. Being open to various types of legal work and different locations can increase your chances of securing assignments. While it’s essential to have a specialisation, being able to handle a broad range of legal issues can make you a more attractive candidate to law firms looking for versatile support. This is particularly relevant for in house roles where you could be expected to handle a wide range of work coming in.
6. Stay Informed and Up-to-Date
The legal landscape is constantly evolving, and staying informed about the latest changes and developments is crucial. Regularly read legal journals, attend CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses, and participate in webinars. This continuous learning ensures that your skills remain relevant and can set you apart from other candidates. Some locums fail to keep on top of recent changes and in certain areas of law this has a massive effect.
7. Seek Feedback and Improve
After completing assignments, seek feedback from your clients. Constructive criticism can help you improve your services and address any potential issues that may arise. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement can enhance your reputation and increase the likelihood of securing future work. Whilst this may sound like waffly business nonsense, it is very true!
8. Consider Fixed Term Contracts
In addition to short-term locum assignments, consider accepting fixed term contracts. Some in-house legal jobs depend on these – it does get round a few issues including IR35 for larger organisations. These contracts can provide a more stable income stream and lead to longer-term opportunities.
9. Utilise Job Boards and Online Platforms
No so important for the reasons given above – agency registration much more important. Websites like Interim Lawyers regularly post vacancies for locum solicitors across various specialties and regions, but usually only where we are struggling to recruit.
10. Develop a Specialisation
While being flexible is essential, developing a niche or specialisation can also be beneficial. Law firms often seek locums with specific expertise in particular areas, for example right to buy for conveyancing, or certain commercial contracts for in house legal departments. By becoming an expert in a particular field, you can differentiate yourself and attract more specialised (and better paid) assignments.
Conclusion
Building a steady supply of work as a locum solicitor in the UK requires a strategic approach, combining networking, professional development, and leveraging specialist recruitment agencies like Interim Lawyers. By following these steps, you can enhance your visibility, credibility, and ultimately secure a consistent stream of locum assignments. It takes time, so don’t expect to be immediately busy if you become a locum solicitor.
