Locum Solicitor Handover Checklist

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A clear handover helps a locum understand what needs attention, where information is held and who can make decisions. Prepare it before the assignment begins wherever possible.

Before the First Day

Confirm:

The assignment dates, hours, location and scope.
The person responsible for supervision and urgent questions.
Access to the case-management system, email and relevant documents.
Any restrictions on authority, payments or client communications.
The arrangements for recording time and reporting progress.

Use the firm’s approved access process. Do not share another person’s login credentials.

For Each Matter

Prepare a short record containing:

Matter reference and responsible person.
Current position and next action.
Deadlines, hearings, completions and appointments.
Outstanding instructions, documents or replies.
Relevant undertakings, commitments and known risks.
The location of important correspondence and documents.

Identify urgent matters explicitly. A large file list without priorities is not a complete handover.

During the Assignment

Agree how the locum should report progress and raise concerns. Keep the handover record current when deadlines, instructions or responsibilities change.

The firm should maintain appropriate supervision throughout the engagement. The SRA’s guidance explains that arrangements should reflect the work, risks and experience of those involved.

SRA Effective Supervision Guidance

Before the Locum Leaves

Review outstanding work together. Record the next action, deadline and new responsible person for each continuing matter.

Confirm the return of equipment, the handling of any locally held information and the removal of access when it is no longer required.

Arrange Locum Cover

Tell Interim Lawyers the practice area, dates, working arrangements and caseload involved.

How to Supervise a Locum Solicitor

Locum Hourly Rates

TESTIMONIALS

Many thanks for your help. You’ve got us sorted with a locum in the time it’s taken others I contacted to make a few calls to me and tell me how great they are…

Managing Partner, North West England Solicitors Firm

…still with us are the 3 senior property and private client locums you placed with us – all three excellent and long term- many thanks.

Long term locum solicitor

Can I say that I have enjoyed working with Interim Lawyers and Ten Percent Legal over the last couple of years, your no nonsense, keep it simple approach is such a refreshing change from other agencies I have used.

Solicitor

I have recommended you and said you were the agent to approach. I hope that was the correct procedure. Somebody has to say how valued you are by small firms.

Recommendation

Thank you for your assistance and I will use you again when the need arises, I find you a very efficient and friendly company.

Senior Partner, South Coast Law Firm

For locums we use Jonathan Fagan at Interim Lawyers. He’s a nice, helpful guy and his fees aren’t too bad (for an agent!)

UK Law firm

I was a bit apprehensive at first when you initially emailed me as I thought this would be another generic email and I have unfortunately previously had some poor experiences with recruiters. That is not to say that all recruiters out there are the same but I can honestly say WITHOUT A DOUBT you have been the most pleasant recruiter I have dealt with; very efficient and found me the ideal role very quickly. This is testament to your capabilities and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. Thank you so much once again for your efforts Emma.

Locum Solicitor Candidate

Thank you for your assistance and I will use you again when the need arises, I find you a very efficient and friendly company.

Senior Partner, South England Law Firm