Lara Murray

Lara has been a member of our Vario Hub for the last three years, and she currently finds herself on assignment with an important client in the energy sector. She came to Vario following a traditional route into the legal profession. She trained, qualified and practiced at a Magic Circle firm, before moving before moving to a leading London firm known for its real estate expertise.

Over the course of her professional life, she’s worked across multiple environments and different sectors, including energy and infrastructure. This has helped Lara to develop a well-rounded skill set in commercial property law that makes her a valuable addition to any in-house team.

Recently, she shared her Vario story with us, including everything from why Vario stood out to her, to what it’s like to work on assignment with a client.

Why did you become a legal consultant?

I was drawn to consultancy because it gave me greater control over my working days and hours, allowing me to balance my legal career with running my own coaching business.

Additionally, I wanted in-house experience - something I had always been interested in but hadn’t been offered in private practice through secondments. The prospect of working inside a company and seeing firsthand what really matters to a business was incredibly appealing. I felt this exposure would make me a better and more commercially aware lawyer.

How did you first find out about Vario?

I first came across Vario when I was exploring consultancy roles as an alternative to traditional private practice. I wanted more flexibility in how and where I worked while continuing to develop my legal career.

Vario stood out as a well-regarded provider that offered a range of opportunities across different sectors, giving consultants the chance to work with high-quality clients while maintaining control over their workload. I liked the freedom they offered for choosing the assignments that best align with my skills and interests.

How has your experience been on your current assignment?

My most recent assignment is with a client in the energy sector. I’m working in their Network Infrastructure team assisting with the legal aspects involved in securing and developing sites for large-scale battery energy storage projects.

Predominantly, I am providing legal support on the property aspects of their projects, such as reviewing and assisting with the negotiations of option agreements and leases for development sites. However, I also assist in M&A work, conducting initial rounds of property due diligence, assessing risks in title documents, addressing rights of access issues and liaising with external counsel on complex matters.

When I joined they didn’t have any commercial property lawyers in their team, but they wanted to have access to specialist property advice whilst maintaining flexibility as their workload fluctuated. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to work directly with an energy business, seeing how legal advice feeds into commercial decision-making.

Was this your first assignment with Vario?

No – I previously worked on another assignment with a client in the infrastructure sector, and again, I thoroughly enjoyed that. The exposure to different industries and different working environments has been really valuable and it’s something I might not have been exposed to had I remained in private practice.

I even had the chance to go on a site visit with that client, and that was one of very few opportunities I’ve had to do that since qualifying. It was fascinating and it cemented why I enjoy consulting and the variety of opportunities it brings.

How do you think clients benefit from using Vario Consultants?

Clients benefit from the flexibility and expertise that Vario consultants bring. They can access high-calibre legal support when they need it, without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire.

Consultants also bring a fresh perspective. They’ve often worked across multiple industries and companies, which means they can provide pragmatic, business-focused advice tailored to the client’s needs.

Would you recommend Vario to fellow lawyers and if so why?

Yes, I would (and do) wholeheartedly recommend Vario to lawyers who are looking for more control over their careers!

Whether someone is seeking a better work-life balance, more varied experience, or a stepping stone into in-house roles, Vario offers great opportunities. The ability to take on different assignments, work with a range of clients, and shape your own career path is a huge advantage.

Finally, what is one observation about the legal profession in your area of expertise that you would like to share with other people?

In commercial property law, I think the most effective lawyers are those who truly understand the commercial objectives of their clients. It’s easy to focus purely on the legal technicalities, but the best advice comes from appreciating the bigger picture—how deals fit into a client’s overall business strategy, the risks they are most concerned about, and where flexibility is needed.

Working in-house through Vario has reinforced this for me, as I see how businesses make decisions in real time, often balancing legal risks with practical and financial considerations.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in becoming a Vario Consultant like Lara, then please share your application with us for our team to review. We frequently share stories like hers, so if you’d like to read more, you can find them on our blog. Equally, if you can see the benefit a legal consultant can bring to your team, get in touch to see how we can help you.