Jonathan & Sam Kay
This summer, Vario is celebrating its 10-year anniversary and over the course of the last decade a lot has changed. Recently, we had the opportunity to speak to Jonathan Kay, one of the first consultants placed on assignment by us to see how Vario today compares to Vario in 2013. We also spoke to Sam, who herself is a member of the Vario hub. Together they have given us a fascinating first-hand insight into how the Flexible Services arm of our business has evolved since our first steps.
Why did you choose to join Vario?
Jonathan: “During my training contract I realised that I didn’t want to work in private practice. Vario gave me an opportunity to work in-house immediately on qualification, which is not something usually available to NQs. Having trained at Pinsent Masons it made the most sense to stay “in house” to enable me to go in-house!”
Sam: “Having qualified at Pinsent Masons at the time Vario launched I was aware of the flexibility that being a Vario could offer. When I found out that I was expecting twins I made the decision to go in-house and leave the firm where I was employed. I therefore needed a taste of in-house life prior to going on my parental leave and Vario was perfect for this!”
Many of the reasons why freelancers choose to join Vario remain the same today as they were back in 2013. For some, it is the variety of work that appeals most because it offers a form of career progression that is focused on improving the depth of knowledge in an area of law and truly becoming an expert. For others, the lure of a better work life balance and spending more time with their family are the key draw. It’s always important to remember that legal professionals are people who practice law, not necessarily just “lawyers”.
What was your first assignment as a freelance legal consultant with Vario like?
Jonathan: “Because I was one of the first two consultants sent out on assignment, it was a voyage of discovery for all of us. However, the Vario team was there to support me from day one. I very much appreciate the time and effort put in by Alison, Katherine, Clare and Geraldine (the original team). Their hard work has ensured Vario has the reputation it has today.”
Sam: “A great experience and even some six years later I’m still in contact with the team I worked with!”
Over the course of the last 10 years, we have improved and evolved in how we place and support our consultants with their Clients. Whilst it’s fantastic to hear that we were doing a good job of this at the start, practice usually makes perfect. This hard work has been reflected in the geographical expansion of the Flexible Services Provision which has now grown to 2000 legal professionals globally. It took Vario 5 years to launch it’s Australian arm, but in the 5 years since, we have expanded our service to Singapore (2017), Hong Kong (2020), Germany (2020) and just this year Ireland.
Have perceptions towards freelance lawyers changed over the last 10 years?
Jonathan: “Within the legal industry, perceptions have changed dramatically. Outside the legal industry, Consultants are commonplace, so it was only a matter of time before the legal industry caught up. The world of work has become much more flexible, so it makes sense for the legal industry to adapt and move with the times.”
Sam: “I have seen a massive change in the perception towards freelance lawyers in the industry over the last 10 years. Having been a Vario and also being in house and engaging multiple freelance lawyers myself, I’ve found that businesses and firms are relying more and more on freelance workers to fill the gaps and bring in diverse talent to the business and legal team.”
One of Vario’s greatest strengths has been and continues to be its integration within Pinsent Masons. This allows it to benefit from the reputation and resources of an international law firm, whilst still providing a cutting edge alternative legal service. Despite this, it was still difficult in the early days to show that the service was more than just a recruitment business. Since then, flexible legal services have become more common and more accepted and Vario’s growth over the years has shown that there is certainly no shortage of demand.
Would you recommend working as a freelance legal consultant with Vario?
Jonathan: “I have and I will continue to do so! Vario helped get me the experience that has led me me to the career I have today and without it, I wouldn’t have my dream job! What more reason could you need!”
Sam: “Definitely - and I have done so on multiple occasions! For me, being a Vario enabled me to get a taste of what in house life was like - whilst offering me the flexibility I needed at that stage of my career and life.”
Vario has grown a tremendous amount since it’s first steps in 2013. We believe that the sentiment conveyed by Jonathan and Sam is shared by many of the other consultants who are or have been a part of our hub. We try to share their stories on a regular basis, and we invite you to have a look at them if you are considering utilising or joining our flexible legal service.