Contracting, Temps & Outsourcing

AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO TRADITIONAL EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIPS

Jackie Mulligan's presentation at a recent seminar , published 22-Jan-2009

INTRODUCTION

In the last 4 years since setting up New Zealand’s first agency for temporary and contract lawyers, there has been a huge increase in the use of independent contractors and temporary lawyers by law firms. Four years ago, many of New Zealand’s large law firms said they would never have a need for a temp or contractor. Now, all of them have looked at using contractors, and many of them have successfully done so. Many smaller and medium sized firms have begun to use contractors and temps on a regular basis. In this paper I will look at:

  • Why there is a growing trend towards the use of alternatives to the traditional employer/employee relationship;
  • The characteristics of the different kinds of alternative relationships that are available;
  • The kinds of lawyers you might find available to you through these alternative approaches and why;
  • When a contractor or temp might be useful to you; and
  • How to make it work for both you and the contractor or temp.

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Flexible Working Environments and the Work-Life Balance Conundrum

Jill Pitches and Jackie Mulligan

1. INTRODUCTION

Work-life balance is probably an issue for nearly all lawyers, regardless of their circumstances. It is a job which naturally lends itself to unexpected urgent work and long hours, and dealing with client demands which might not fit in with existing commitments.

It is an issue which arises frequently in the context of working parents, who have another fulltime job to deal with.

In this paper we will:

  • provide our own observations on the work-life balance issue for lawyers who are working mothers;
  • describe how this led to us setting up an agency specialising in the supply of part-time and temporary lawyers;
  • talk about who does temporary legal work, why and what kind of work they can do
  • talk about the option of permanent part-time legal staff, how it can work, what the problems are and how to address them;
  • talk about other options for flexible work

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Thinking about hiring a temporary or contract lawyer?

Jill Pitches explains what you need to know about hiring a helping legal hand.

What are they?

Temporary or contract lawyers are employed by other lawyers to assist in specialist areas. The relationship is not intended to be a permanent one, but one of adaptability and flexibility to cover work over a defined period. So what exactly can they be used for, when should you hire one, and what things do you need to know?

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