"I think working for LOD is a 'unicorn' job in the legal profession"

Lawyers on Demand Alumni, Holly, found the flexibility to work in a dream role while being supported to study for her next career move.

What attracted you to the LOD model?

The flexibility in working style, subject matter and environment was what originally attracted me to LOD. I loved that I could let LOD know what type of work I was experienced and interested in, what kind of team I wanted to be part of and what kind of working arrangements suited my life style, and they would do all of the hard work in hand-picking work opportunities that suited me. I knew when planning to go back to study that I would require a huge amount of flexibility from my employer, and LOD is the only employer in the industry that offers this kind of flexibility and understanding to lawyers.

Tell us about your time with LOD and how it has supported you in your career.

LOD found a role that suited my previous experience as an in-house counsel, but in a field that I had never worked in before (rail industry), which allowed me to develop a whole new range of career experiences and skills. Whilst this facilitated by continued development as a lawyer, the flexible LOD employment model meant that I could drop back to 3 days a week whilst also studying at university, thereby both supporting my current career as a lawyer but also helping me in my endeavours to change careers.

What are the best things about being an LOD Consultant?

I really enjoyed being part of two teams – both the client team who I love working with, and also the LOD family, who go to great lengths to create a community of diverse, interesting legal professionals who all support and regularly check in with each other. Despite all working for different companies, coming together with the LOD team was always such a fun experience and I appreciated also being regularly contacted by the LOD team to see how I was going – in secondment opportunities I think it could be easy to feel “alone” but LOD doesn’t let this happen.

As part of the LOD Alumni, how did LOD support you with your ambitions - studies, and permanent role?

I really appreciated being treated as if my personal endeavours mattered as much as my professional contributions, I only ever felt supported by the LOD team in my career and personal choices. LOD helped me find a permanent role at my first seconded company, who were happy to facilitate me studying medicine full time. Prior to my permanent role, both the client and LOD facilitated part time work around my university timetable, I can’t think of any other jobs in the legal industry that would be as flexible or understanding. LOD constantly checked in on how my study was going, and also how I was managing work. LOD were very helpful in helping me move to permanent work and were supportive of me, acting in my best interests always.

As LOD Alumni, what advice would you give new LOD consultants starting out or someone who may want to change career trajectory?

I think working for LOD is a “unicorn” job in the legal profession. If you have any interest in pursuing a new career, starting a side hustle or starting a family, while still having a meaningful, challenging and enjoyable career in law, LOD is one of the only employers in the legal profession who can help you do this and will support you in doing this.