Re-start your legal career with Obelisk
If you’ve had a career break and are looking to re-start your legal career, we can help. At Obelisk, we believe that talent shouldn’t go to waste and a career break needn’t be a barrier to working as a legal consultant.
We have been working with returners to the legal industry for over a decade, creating flexible working options that help you come back to legal after a break – or stay in your career alongside other responsibilities. We’ve helped many lawyers like you get back into work after breaks of two, five, even eight or more years!
Working as a legal consultant with Obelisk Support means that you can set your own hours, work as little or much as you like and have access to interesting projects at leading companies and law firms.
There’s no need to put time into business development, we do that for you. We also provide access to coaching through the first weeks of your first engagement, a subscription to one of the leading legal research tools, discounted training courses and CV advice.
Our team understands the challenges and pressure you might face. You have honed your skills and seek to maintain your professional identity even though your life and priorities might have changed. From our virtual Legal Returners’ Springboard programme to our handy Legal Returners’ Guide – we’re here to help you build your confidence, understand your options and realise your potential.
Why Obelisk?
Join a community that puts people at the heart of legal services
We believe nobody should have to choose between life and work – set your own hours
We don’t ask you to do your own business development, so you can focus on the work that you enjoy.
We provide career coaching, CV advice and advice to legal tools to help you be your best
How it works. As simple as 1,2,3
1
Apply
We want to get to know you; tell us what you’re looking for.
2
Onboard
After we do our checks, get to know how we work.
3
Match
We identify the right opportunities for your skillset.
*
Work
We handle the admin so you can focus on the work.
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.
We do things differently
Championing making legal work more inclusive since 2010
Legal Returners’ Springboard
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.
Choose how you wish to work
A fixed-team placement
From weeks to months, be an extra team member
Ad hoc project support
Work when you’re needed on one or more projects
Be part of a pool
Be part of a virtual team providing regular or ad hoc support
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.”
Return to Legal work FAQs
How can I apply after a career break from the law?
Are there opportunities for returners to law?
What do I need to be aware of as a freelance lawyer when it comes to IR35?
How many hours can I work with Obelisk Support?
What will I be paid as a legal consultant returning from a career break?
What support do you provide for people returning after a career break?
Our thinking
Why we’re stepping out for equal access to justice: the London Legal Walk
Access to justice is a basic human right – one that shouldn’t be determined by a person's financial situation. The ability to receive quality and timely legal advice can profoundly improve an individual or a family's life, helping to manage problems such as debt,...
Report – Liberalisation: Reflections on the future of legal service delivery
15 years on from the passing of the Legal Services Act, has the legal industry successfully advocated for, and taken advantage of, the mood change, and the opportunities presented opening up the legal market?
In this report, we resurface the leading voices that called for change and pioneered the way; explore the impact on legal teams and cast an eye to what the future may hold. (published November 2022)
2to3days: The First 100 Days Project
Dana Denis-Smith gave details of The First 100 Days Project, which creates a library of stories through role models for the current legal generation, informing and educating them on the role of women. It encourages women to talk about their life and work experiences....
Your First 100 Days in a New Role: Tips for General Counsels
Guest post by Niamh O’Keeffe, Leadership advisor & author of ‘Your First 100 Days: how to make maximum impact in your new role’, second edition published by FT Pearson 2019, addressing how general counsels can thrive in their first 100 days. Niamh advises...