Lawyer meets Snowboard Enthusiast - Our Featured Consultant.
At KorumLegal we are huge believers of technology, process automation and the future of law. We have great passion for legal solutions done differently and even though innovation in the industry is happening fast, the business of law is still a business of people.
We are inspired by the future of legal services and the opportunity to be a pioneer in shaping tomorrow’s legal solutions. Our consultants are a key part of building this. Some of their stories are inspiring and fun, so each month, we will profile one of our legal consultants; Annalise Haigh – Consultant at KorumLegal.
1. What made you leave the more ‘conventional’ legal practice to join the ‘Gig Economy’ as a Consultant?
I enjoyed working at a big law firm and I believe I learned some invaluable skills, but I always knew that it would not be a long-term career for me. I took some time off from the law to travel the world, tried my luck in television, luxury fashion and then teaching, but even in these jobs the pull of law was always there. It was just difficult to know how it would fit into my life, so I decided to try law in the gig economy. It's flexible, diverse and you control your hours. At the moment, I work three days a week as an in-house counsel at a start-up and two days a week doing business development and operations for a legal start-up. I am loving it and it is the perfect amount of law and non-law!
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 think being able to see a business from many different angles is a really valued skill for clients. I bring not only my legal skills, but also my skills in business development, sales, operations and as a teacher (teaching and writing curriculum in philosophy, reading, writing and public speaking!). I also know the value of real life skills, having travelled the world for two years after leaving the big law firm.
3. Can you tell us more about the lows and highs of your career in Law so far?
The lows would have to be the long, long, long, long hours to the detriment of all other things in life and the demands of tight deadlines. The highs, and this sounds SUPER nerdy is the intellectual stimulation. As mentioned above, I've done a few different jobs in my career and nothing comes close to the intellectual challenges of the law. It's exciting to be pushed to such a high level...and sometimes a little scary!
4. What would you say to lawyers in private practice or in-house who are considering a more flexible workstyle?
I would say think about where you see yourself in five years? Partner? General Counsel? There are people who are completely suited to being a partner of a law firm or general counsel of a large MNC. BUT it's important to know that it's not all that there is for people who enjoy the law. There are other options out there and don't be afraid to voice this feeling and explore these options. The great thing about the "disruption" that is happening in the law industry right now is that it gives lawyers so many different career options. It can be scary moving from the security of traditional law but as someone who has done it, I have no regrets. My advice is don't be afraid to take the leap and do what your heart tells you!
5. Tell us two interesting truths and one white lie
I worked as a super yacht cleaner
I have been a professional snowboarder
I worked as a television presenter
Read our next newsletter to find out the one white lie.
Estefania Altuve
Jan 17, 2018
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