Finding a part-time role in law!

[Sarahclw77]

I'm a qualified Commercial Property solicitor but have been out of the profession now for 4 years having had my two children during that time. I really want to get back to work in some way (money is so tight!), but still spend time with my children - the age old problem! I am really struggling to find a position to suit though (really only want 3 days a week max). I'm on the Hampshire/Surrey border, not keen on commuting into London. Does anyone have any suggestions for me, possibly in terms of non-solicitor roles that might be more accommodating to the hours I want, but still using some of my skills? If anyone knows of any roles out there I'd be keen to talk! Thanks for any advice.

Teaching law. Look into BPP or College of Law, they may have vacancies. Can work part-time, weekends, evenings etc.

Letting agencies / Commercial agents / LPAs for their in house legal work?

Have you heard about BLP lawyers on demand? Other firms have copied the model - you could work through them with a firm or in house but depends on whether anything available near you.

BLP also do on call work where you can do it remotely - need to do a test first. Due diligence type work.

I've just gone back after a bit more time than and it has been challenging. Just getting to grip with IT and the way of working, which has changed, near moved me to tears.

Will stick it out a bit but tell me what you've come up with as I may have to reconsider!!

Where did you use to work? Was it in the city?

There are jobs around, there is a dearth of com prop lawyers around at the moment.

I know a few people who work for conveyancing firms which always seem to be looking to recruit.

Local authorities, there is some demand for property lawyers in councils, despite the budget cuts, you can apply as part time /job share too. Register on the council job websites as jobs are not always advertised in the gazette these days due to cost. Pay isn't great though - but they are good employers.

You are a lawyer first before the title. I have transferred from crime/fraud to corporate. It can be done. I have 3 children and though I have not taken time out aside from maternity leave, 4 years out is nothing. Try in house or set up your own, there are many out there doings so. Good luck.

Another vote for lawyers on demand or similar. Pinsent Masons do one called Vario. A friend of mine is working for LoD from Ibiza part time, and DJ-ing the rest of the time. He's doing great quality work for them and is happy if the DJ bit doesn't work he can return to the law full time.

The alternative, if you wanted a more normal sort of job, would be to switch to resi conveyancing. The property boom means it's really hard to recruit experienced staff so despite your lack of experience you might be able to find a job.

How flexible are you ready to be on the number of days you work? Being out of the market for a while and part time work might be a challenge.

I've just come back into the profession after 2 years out and didn't want to work full time (or anywhere where I would have to work post 5.30). These are difficult requirements for law and it really wasn't easy finding something, even though I had a good CV pre career break. I think you will struggle to find somewhere for 3 days (I was seeking 3 days a week and have landed up doing 4 in a small regional firm). I think you may need a recruiter who really believes in you and who helps place you and sells your story. That's how I found something in the end.

I second that Comm property lawyers are in really high demand. This firm has been trying to recruit one for ages and just can't find anyone with any experience.

Sarah - did you contact the recruitment consultant, they were a lovely firm with nice offices?