Michael O'Leary
Michael O’Leary is an experienced financial services sector lawyer enjoying the challenge of working with new, high-calibre clients through Vario Flexible Services.
It was during the process of relocating to London that Michael became aware the freelance model. “I immediately realised that it would be a perfect fit for me. Law, as a profession, has changed significantly over the last decades and all legal professionals must be more adaptable, client-centric and well-rounded in their service delivery to be successful,” he explains. Michael wanted more control over his career in the financial services sector without sacrificing the quality and high calibre of the clients. The fixed-term structure enables Michael to enjoy the constant challenge of working with new clients while drawing on his cumulative legal and financial services experience. He expands, “As the legal consulting service of a leading international law firm with an illustrious client base, I believe Pinsent Masons Vario would offer exceptional, international experience to match my ambitions”.
“The onboarding was a smooth process, and I was immediately approached by the Vario team offering suitable assignments with impressive clients.”
Michael’s work as a Vario has allowed him the flexibility to structure his career around his other professional and personal interests. “I am in full control of when and with whom I work.” This way of working has enhanced Michael’s work-life balance, giving him even greater contentment in his work. Outside of work, Michael enjoys swimming, golf and travelling. He laments that the latter is something he had intended on capitalising on through the flexibility of his career as a Vario flexible consultant. Although the pandemic has stalled his plans for globetrotting, over the course of the recent pandemic, Michael has started playing the saxophone as a personal challenge, “It is an ongoing process, but I am sticking with it!”
Michael predicts that following the pandemic, this flexible way of working will attract even more solicitors to choose a freelance career. He advises, “the legal services market is changing and offers opportunities outside of traditional roles. Change should be embraced if you are looking for more control and flexibility without relinquishing high value clients and challenging work. While it may appear less secure than a traditional career initially, in reality, with the correct structures, engagement and opportunities, the positives far outweigh any such concerns.”