Plexus Engage Lawyer Spotlight Interview: Christine Swan

Christine, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and why you decided to join Plexus as a legal secondee?

I was looking for a part time role with flexibility and Plexus was one of the first in the market with this kind of career offering.

A lot of people say they want flexibility, but it means different things to different people. What does flexibility mean to you?

Flexibility means I can fit meaningful Legal work into my lifestyle. I’m still able to interests of travel, golf, friends and skiing (subject to COVID constraints of course). I don’t have the responsibility of managing a team or a long-term work commitment to one employer.

Plexus engagements come to an end, so I can have a break before I take on the next engagement. The lifestyle of a Plexus secondee Lawyer appeals as it allows me to enjoy a full and active life outside of work.

Tell us about your transition to Plexus and the difference between your working & personal life then and now.

This is a much more flexible way of working than what I was doing before. I’m able to take more leave and travel more than I otherwise would have been able to. Taking part time secondments has also allowed me to commit to other activities with family and friends during the week and after work; I couldn’t do this when working at a law firm.

What do you enjoy about working for Plexus? What are the benefits of working in this way? And why does it work for you?

I like working on an as-needs basis where the decision to be on a secondment rests with me. And moving from client to client allows me to broaden and strengthen my skill-set.

If given the opportunity to take a permanent position it would have to be a better offer than what I enjoy with Plexus and I’m not sure I’d find that elsewhere.

Do you have any tips or advice for other Lawyers considering this way of working? What would you say to a Lawyer considering joining this model who is risk averse?

Give Plexus a go. Sometimes doing something different helps you to learn what you like doing and what you don’t and therefore you can’t lose. Think about the reasons why you’re looking for a change from the law firm environment and be open to alternative ways of working. You’ll get access to such different and varied work with Plexus.

Christine has been engaged as a Plexus Lawyer since 2015.