Supplying flexible resource quickly

Companies sometimes face short term resource issues. Flexible lawyer resource can help plug gaps without incurring long term expenses.

The challenge

The legal function of outsourcing and energy services company Mitie faced a significant build up of workload and wanted to increase resource, but in a non-permanent way. They also needed to resource an important, complicated project.

The solution

Mitie asked Pinsent Masons’ flexible services team Vario to find a lawyer to work on a short-term basis. That person joined Mitie for three days a week, split between home and the office. When the arrangement came to an end it was extended on an ad-hoc basis.

A second lawyer was identified to help with the project work. Because this was a complicated and important project Mitie asked was it possible to find someone who was already familiar with the firm. A former Pinsent Masons employee was found and fast-tracked through the stringent Vario assessment process.

The result

Mitie was able to meet its resourcing needs without incurring long term costs. It was also able to extend its use of Vario lawyers when it needed to. The project placement was so successful that an initial six month contract was extended to nearly 18 months, while the lawyer working on the first assignment continued to do work for Mitie as required.

This allowed Mitie to access the expertise of the lawyers and to benefit from the fact that they understand the company’s culture, challenges and ways of working.

Head of employment law at Mitie, Oliver Loach, said: “Vario have provided a flexible resource, enabling us to have dedicated in house support, with the ability to flex up and down as the project needs have evolved. Vario’s connections back to Pinsent Masons have also enabled us to draw on specialisms or broader support where needed.”