You could be forgiven for thinking that the role of the Professional Support Lawyer (PSL) is a “back office, librarian job” for those who couldn’t make it as a fee earner, as for years that is how these roles were viewed.
However, PSLs are increasingly becoming an integral part of the way that law firms increase their profits, and therefore are monetising their roles.
It is already widely acknowledged that PSLs allow fee earning lawyers to be more efficient. As experts in finding the right information in a timely manner, they enable the fee earning lawyers to streamline their work and increase their billable hours.
In addition, PSLs are very involved with assisting in business development and the preparation of client pitches, which directly results in bringing in new business to the firm.
However, recently the most significant way in which PSL’s are monetising their roles is in the field of legal tech. As part of their horizon scanning focus, many PSL’s are fully aware of the changes in legal tech and how it can be used, not only to improve efficiency, but as a bolt-on service for the firm’s clients.
By being aware of the ever-changing legal tech landscape, PSLs are adding value to their firms’ client relationships, because they are helping their firms keep pace with their key clients. In this way, PSLs are further cementing their place in the legal landscape and are carving their own niche within their firms.
It is clear that the scope of PSL roles is growing broader and more diverse year after year and that PSLs have a lot more to offer their firms than just a back-office library function.
At Chadwick Nott we have a dedicated Alternative Careers Team (ACT), which specialises in finding flexible and/or non fee-earning roles for lawyers across the UK. Working with top 100 UK and international law firms as well as leading boutique practices in London and regional firms in the South East, we advise clients and candidates alike on recruitment in the following, ever-expanding areas:
Professional Support Lawyers and Knowledge Management Lawyers
We recruit lawyers into PSL, Senior PSL, Knowledge Managers, Head of Knowledge Management and Global Head of Knowledge Management roles. These roles often offer flexible working or part-time working options.
Flexible workers and consultants
Whatever your current career stage, we offer a number of options to allow you a higher degree of flexibility and an opportunity to enjoy a better work/life balance while retaining an attractive salary.
Regulatory, risk and compliance
We have opportunities for lawyers who would like to work within specialist areas such as anti-money laundering, sanctions, conflicts and financial services regulatory, as well as offering opportunities to gain broader experience in more generalist risk and compliance roles.
Examples of PSL roles we are actively working on include:
- Insurance PSL – International firm
- Global Head of Knowledge – International firm
- Tech and Data Professional Development Lawyer – Boutique firm
- Knowledge Lawyer – Litigation 3-4 days per week – Prestigious West End firm
If we can assist you and you might appreciate a no obligations discussion, please get in touch with one of your dedicated consultants,
https://www.chadwicknott.co.uk/contact/our-offices
