Anna Kim - Our Featured Consultant.

1. What made you leave the more ‘conventional’ legal practice to join the ‘Gig Economy’ as a Consultant?

Everything conventional gets a little bit boring at some point. Also, having grown up in Russia, I’m not particularly used to small talk (cultural deficiency) – so when I meet someone new, it greatly helps the conversation flow to start off with a lengthy explanation of my background and what I currently do.

To be honest, I didn’t fully appreciate what I was getting myself into when I first joined KorumLegal – but the promise of having greater flexibility and freedom in the type of work that I could potentially be doing, was too tempting to pass on. After spending almost a year and a half at KorumLegal, that promise still holds true.  I do legal work for clients, but I also can be involved in the growing and running of KorumLegal’s business.

I like the idea that we are one of the forerunners in the business of law and look forward to the day when we become the “conventional”. Then, I’ll be ready to move on.

2. How has your experience outside law helped your legal skills as a consultant? - What have you found is the "value add" or "special skills" that you bring to a client as a legal consultant?

I often say that my “value add” is that I can sing and dance on demand. I mean it mostly as a joke (although I may entertain requests of that nature in certain situations). But the truth in that statement is that I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get things done even if sometimes it may involve taking up new tasks or going outside of my comfort zone (not to be misconstrued for readiness to get involved into or endorse any illicit activities). I am also ready to have fun in the process.

3. Can you tell us more about the lows and highs of your career in Law so far?

It’s a tough question to answer. There definitely have been moments when I wanted to crawl into a hole and never see the light of day again, but for the benefit of all those involved, I have buried those memories not to be ever disturbed. Besides, in hindsight, those were probably the most pivotal moments of my career. As for the highs, it is mostly the superficial fluff of enjoying the high status, high salary and all kinds of earthly pleasures that come therewith.

The thing is though – I am getting more and more convinced that the best kind of career is the one that is lacking in both highs and lows (at least as I define those terms). My dream job is (not in the order of preference) having a stable stream of interesting work, having room to be creative, being fairly compensated and being surrounded by the people whose company I enjoy. Wink wink.

4. What would you say to lawyers in private practice or in-house who are considering a more flexible work style?

Above all, don’t lie to yourself.

(..not my own words, but borrowed from one of my favourite books)

I.e., flexible work is not for everyone.

If you are a kind of person who thrives in a structured environment and/or has a difficulty getting things done without a personal assistant and/or needs to know in advance what tomorrow will look like - no shame in that! - but perhaps flexible work is not for you.

On the other hand, if you perform your best when given autonomy and/or occasionally enjoy a little bit of chaos and/or do not mind performing tasks outside of traditional lawyering, then, by all means, dive into the unknown and try this alternative career. It is quite fun.

5. Tell us two interesting truths and one white lie

I used to play in a church band
My first business experience was running a street food stall
I was a regional ping pong champion during high school

Last months white lie: James Croyston - I played for Australia under 12's football

Read our next KorumLegal blog to find out the one white lie.