Guide to Becoming a Locum Solicitor in the UK

Guide to Becoming a Locum Solicitor in the UK

Download our Detailed Guide here

Locum solicitor work has become an increasingly popular option for UK lawyers seeking flexibility, variety, and control over their careers. Whether in private practice or in-house, locum roles allow solicitors to work on short-term assignments, often with competitive hourly rates and diverse experiences.

At Interim Lawyers, we specialise in connecting solicitors with locum opportunities across the UK. Please note that it is incredibly difficult for us to source legal jobs for lawyers from other jurisdictions, whether in house or private practice. We work with UK qualified or experienced locum solicitors, legal executives, fee earners, legal support staff and senior management.

What Is a Locum Solicitor?

A locum solicitor is a qualified lawyer who works on a temporary basis, usually to cover:

• Holiday or maternity leave.
• Peaks in workload.
• Gaps while firms recruit permanently.
• Specialist projects or casework.

Locums may be engaged for a few days, weeks, months or on an ad hoc ongoing basis depending on client needs.

Why Choose Locum Work?

Locum solicitor roles offer a range of benefits:

• Flexibility – Choose when and where you work.
• Variety – Experience different firms, teams, and practice areas.
• Earnings – Competitive hourly rates, often paid weekly.
• Control – Ability to take breaks between contracts.
• Opportunities – Work across both private practice and in-house roles.

Key Skills for Locum Solicitors

To succeed as a locum solicitor, you should be:

• Adaptable – Comfortable working in new environments.
• Experienced – Usually at least 3+ years’ PQE is preferred.
• Confident – Able to manage caseloads with minimal supervision.
• Organised – Strong time management and compliance awareness.

How to Get Started as a Locum Solicitor

1. Update your CV – Highlight your practice areas, PQE, and recent casework (article on top tips for writing locum legal CVs here).
2. Register with a specialist recruiter – Sign up with Interim Lawyers to access nationwide locum opportunities.
3. Check compliance requirements – Ensure you have a valid practising certificate and right-to-work documentation (proof of ID and proof of address).
4. Be clear about preferences – Decide whether you prefer office-based, hybrid, or remote assignments.
5. Stay flexible – The more you are prepared to travel, accept short and long term assignments and look at flexible arrangements, the most likely you are to get ongoing well paid work and build strong client relationships.

Private Practice vs. In-House Locum Work

• Private Practice Locums
  • Common in areas like conveyancing, litigation, family, and commercial law.
  • Roles may involve fee-earning, supervision, or cover during holidays.
• In-House Locums
  • Growing demand from companies needing short-term legal support.
  • Ideal for solicitors with commercial contracts, corporate transactional work or compliance experience.

Challenges of Locum Work

While rewarding, locum work also requires:

• Willingness to travel at short notice.
• Managing gaps between assignments.
• Staying on top of tax and billing.

How Interim Lawyers Can Help

At Interim Lawyers, we connect locum solicitors with roles across the UK, from small firms to national practices and in-house teams.

We provide:

• Weekly updated locum assignments.
• Support with compliance and onboarding.
• Advice on hourly rates and market trends.

👉 Register as a locum solicitor today and start your journey.

Becoming a locum solicitor in the UK offers flexibility, variety, and rewarding career opportunities. With the right skills and preparation, you can enjoy a fulfilling legal career on your own terms. For confidential advice or to explore current assignments, contact Interim Lawyers today.

Download our Detailed Guide to Working as a Locum Solicitor