The benefits of choosing contract lawyering early on in your career

For so many newly qualified lawyers, it can be a real head-scratcher when it comes to deciding what area of law to specialise in after completing a training contract. That’s where I think contract lawyering as an alternative career path has lots to offer.

I completed my undergraduate LLB at the University of Glasgow, which saw me also undertake a semester in Sydney. After graduating I had a year out working and travelling, before completing my Diploma in Professional Legal Practice back at the University of Glasgow. I then went to CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP for my training contract. My first two seats at the firm were based in Edinburgh, the third was a secondment with The Prince’s Trust and then I finished with my fourth seat in Glasgow.

Once I’d finished my training contract, I wasn’t sure what area of law I wanted to specialise in, or if I wanted to start my career in a firm or in-house - I’d really enjoyed my secondment at The Prince’s Trust. It’s a big commitment and if you’re not sure, it can make it a stressful decision. That’s why contract lawyering appealed. I’ve been working on an assignment with Vario, the contract arm of Pinsent Masons, since August this year and have found it a valuable experience.

My first assignment has been with Shell in my home town of Aberdeen. Prior to this contract, oil and gas was not an area I had really given much consideration to, or had much experience in, but this placement has made me realise this is an area of law which I would be keen to do more with in the future.

I think for many lawyers just starting out in their career, jumping straight into life as a freelance lawyer could seem very daunting - especially if you are parachuted into a firm in a sector where you don’t have much experience. However, I’ve found the support I have been given has been so helpful – from the Shell and Vario team alike. Before I started my contract, I had some training from the oil and gas lawyers at Pinsent Masons which really gave me a valuable insight into the sector and meant I wasn’t approaching the job ‘cold’.

One of the biggest benefits of working this way is how much I’ve learnt in a relatively short period of time – I’ve become fully immersed in the oil and gas sector, working alongside the in-house team. And it’s not just important legal skills that I’ve been picking up. Due to the nature of contract lawyering, you also hone your people and professional skills very quickly too.

For anyone unsure of their specialism once they’ve qualified, I would encourage them to consider contract lawyering as an option. Of course, it doesn’t have the same job security as a ‘traditional’ role in a law firm, but the variety of legal work you’re exposed to is invaluable for a future career.  The fact that from assignment to assignment you can work in different places, across a variety of sectors and with different people really appeals too.

It’s great that as the legal profession evolves, there are more options available to newly qualified lawyers who may not feel a jump straight into a law firm is the right move for them. Contract lawyering is definitely something to consider.

Mairi Paterson is a contract lawyer for Vario from Pinsent Masons.