The work you love.
In a way that works for you.
Return to Legal Work
At Obelisk Support, we believe that good talent should never go to waste. That’s why since 2010 we’ve helped create flexible working opportunities that can work around your lifestyle and help you return to legal work.
Whether you are looking to balance your professional and personal life, to develop a portfolio career or simply don’t want to be tied to set hours in one place, we’re here to help you make the most of your skills and experience.
How it works
APPLY
Tell us about who you are and the kind of work you want to be doing.
ONBOARD
After we do our checks, get to know how we do things at Obelisk Support.
MATCH
Our matching platform connects you with the right opportunities for your skillset.
WORK
We’ll handle the admin so you can focus on your career.
Types of roles
Part-time legal work
Work that fits around your lifestyle and personal commitments.
Fixed-term contracts
Full time work for a set period so you can choose when you want to work.
Return to legal work
Flexible roles for those readjusting to law after a career break.
Paralegals
Flexible roles for career paralegals and aspiring solicitors.
Who we work with.
We partner with the UK’s largest law firms, FTSE 100 companies and legal teams in dynamic, growing businesses to help them to deliver better results, be more proactive and increase team effectiveness.
Since 2010, we have matched more than 2,000 consultants covering all practice areas and specialist skills. Our team works across multiple industries, from financial services, banking and retail to e-commerce, telecoms, and media.
What our consultants say
“Working flexibly has allowed me the ability to successfully combine work and having a young family, whilst being able to grow professionally.”
The team clearly want me to do my best and are working hard to find the right kinds of opportunities for me. I like the regular check-ins that I get from everyone on the team, which very much sets Obelisk apart from other agencies through which I have worked, and the ongoing training and networking opportunities.”
Returners' development programme
Supporting you return to the law after a career break
Join us to find out what’s changed – and what hasn’t – since you last worked in the law. Get expert advice to help you prepare to return to working in the law. Be inspired to embark on your journey back to your legal career.
Meet some of our consultants
Daniela: Legal Professional Consultant
Daniela is a legal professional consultant with considerable experience of reviewing and negotiation of commercial contracts, and worked for British Telecom Italia Spa, Pinna Spada Law Firm, Iveco UK Ltd, Provincia Oristano.
Christina: Paralegal
Christina has spent the last three years working as a paralegal, with a unique blend of both public and private sector experience. She has worked in a range of areas, including GDPR, employment law, commercial law and regulatory reporting.
Deborah: Employment Lawyer
Deborah is an employment lawyer with significant experience of working in-house for Central government.
Case study: BT
BT was an early adopter of Obelisk’s flexible legal services model. The BT Enterprise division supports large businesses and public sector organisations with large-scale digital transformation. These projects require the legal team to generate a high volume of commercial drafting, review and negotiation work. Fundamental to the support service Obelisk provides is the idea of homesourcing – tapping into high-quality legal talent by enabling more people to work remotely.
Return to Legal Work FAQs
How can I apply after a career break from the law?
Absolutely. From its creation in 2010, Obelisk Support has been committed to unlocking the dormant talent and experience available locally to address the legal sector’s support needs. Our goal is not only to re-engage your talent through providing flexible work opportunities, but to continue to nurture your career. Our pool of legal consultants includes men and women who have taken career breaks for family, business or health reasons.
Are there opportunities for returners to law?
Yes! Whatever your reason for leaving the legal profession in the first place, what matters to us is your commitment to coming back and succeeding with us so we need to understand your availability, skills and then we can look for appropriate jobs.
What do I need to be aware of as a freelance lawyer when it comes to IR35?
The new IR35 regulations came into effect from the 6th April 2021. These mean that if you work through a personal service company (PSC), you’ll need a Status Determination Statement (SDS) for every engagement with medium-sized and large clients in the private sector and, if work is deemed to fall inside IR35, you’ll need to pay tax at source via an umbrella company. This is the same for clients in the public sector. You are welcome to work with your choice of umbrella partner, as long as they are FCSA-accredited.
How many hours can I work with Obelisk Support?
We offer our lawyers as many or few hours’ work as they are looking for. You are in control of when and where you work.
What will I be paid as a legal consultant returning from a career break?
Our rates vary according to the role and client and these will be discussed individually when a role is offered to you. Our roles are based on a daily rate or hourly rate. Depending on the off-payroll status of the role (IR35) and your own working arrangements, it’s likely you’ll be required to contract with us via an umbrella company. You are welcome to work with your choice of umbrella, as long as they are FCSA-accredited. You will be required to complete timesheets as you work.
What support do you provide for people returning after a career break?
Obelisk Support pioneered supporting returners to legal practice from the get-go. We have extensive experience of supporting individuals to return from offering one-to-one CV feedback and coaching to supporting throughout the jobs secured. We also run a Returner online course dedicated to legal returners.
How does insurance work?
Obelisk believes that the alternative legal services that we provide should offer the same peace of mind as a law firm, and so we hold comprehensive solicitors’ professional indemnity insurance to protect our clients. All of our legal professionals who do not hold their own policies are covered by this insurance. Full details of our insurance can be provided upon request.