The benefits of being a contract solicitor are many. One of the key benefits  is flexibility in work style to fit your lifestyle. There are a variety of different opportunities click here. Types of contracts are varied and experience in specific areas of law is essential. To find out what you need to be a successful contractor. There are certain aspects of contracting that you need to consider before making the move to being a contracting solicitor.

If you are an experienced contractor or ready to make that leap go to the job search engine to find your next contract.

What are the benefits of being a contract solicitor?
The most obvious benefit is that you call the shots. You enter the marketplace on your terms with regards to hours/days you are prepared to work, the areas of law that you want to focus on and the people that you want to work with. In today’s tight labour market there is a lot more scope for a contractor than ever before.

What opportunities are there for you?
Essentially, there are three different types of contracting opportunities. 

• The first is the project-based opportunity, where an organisation has a particular need for a particular type of expertise and will bring on a contractor for the duration of the project.
• The second is covering a short or long term vacancy, such as a locum position or maternity leave. 
• The third is what we like to call ‘marketplace opportunities’.  Given the tight labour market, employers are more open to looking at taking on contractors to fill their immediate and urgent vacancies.

What do I need?
Ideally you’ll have at least 3 years of experience in practise and have some great references from places you have worked before. You should also have a copy of your academic transcript and practicing certificate.

What should I consider before becoming a contractor?

• First of all, what are your terms? Are you available full time or part time? Are you working 2 days a week or more? Would you prefer in-house or law firm? What size/level of organisation would you work for? Just because you are in the contract for a short time, you should still go for the right fit.
• Secondly, what structure do you want? Do you mind being an employee or would you prefer to be an independent contractor? Think about possible tax considerations before making this decision, especially if you have a current practice. If you are going independent, or even as an employee, you might also want to discuss professional indemnity insurance.
• Thirdly, what would you charge? This is related to the above question – remember if you are an employee you do not have the overheads of an independent contractor.
• Also, have a think about your ‘selling point’ in terms of areas of law. What are you good at and how confident are you in that area? Generally an employer brings a contractor on to fill a particular skills shortage and they will want someone who can hit the ground running. Unlike an employee, a contractor is not there to be trained.

Contact us now for your next contract assignment