What's it really like working as a Flex Legal Associate?

Every once in a blue moon, the Flex Legal Commercial Development Scheme opens up for applications. This is a scheme for aspiring future lawyers to hone their commercial skills before beginning their legal careers.

Not to toot our own horn, but we think our Commercial Development Scheme is really good! It offers unparalleled business exposure to(if we do say so ourselves) one of the UK’s most exciting legal tech scale-ups, and can offer those participating the chance to develop the skills and confidence they’ll need flourish in their professional careers.

However, don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what some of our previous Flex Legal Commercial Development Schemers have to say about the scheme:

“Having had over 50 Training contract rejections and finding it almost impossible to find legal work experience, I stumbled upon Flex Legal, where I had my first work experience within 10 days of my application. I had the opportunity to work at a prominent FinTech company, a criminal high street firm and an international asset management firm. After having substantive legal experience under my belt, I was able to secure a Training Contract. I then decided to join the Flex Commercial Development Scheme whilst I waited to start my Training Contract. Through the Commercial Development Scheme I have been able to develop key skills that will allow me to hit the ground running once I start my Training Contract.

Through the Scheme, I have gained an in-depth understanding of the practicalities of running a successful business. I have learned a great deal about client interaction in a business environment and navigating how to draft concise and professional business emails.

What I value most about this opportunity is the collaborative approach Flex Legal takes in developing its business strategy. It is a great learning opportunity and extremely rewarding to see your views being taken into consideration and implemented.”

Hashim Sohail, former Flex Legal Associate.

“The Commercial Development Scheme has been an invaluable experience in building my skillset before starting my training contract. Working in a small team has meant that I have been able to get involved in all parts of the business and this has been great way to build my commercial awareness – a phrase that law students often feel anxious about.

Attending business development events, managing ongoing projects and interviewing new candidates are just a few examples of how much direct responsibility I had on the Scheme. This is something you wouldn’t experience so early on at a larger organisation and it’s one of the best parts of working at a rapidly growing scale-up. I feel more confident going in to my training contract having had experience with problem solving when it comes to difficult situations from clients and paralegals and knowing how to conduct myself professionally on emails and over the phone.

The Commercial Development Scheme is a fantastic opportunity to develop a strong skillset for whatever career path you decide to pursue and Flex are a really great team to work with!”

Marija Nonkovic, former Flex Legal Associate

“After working as a paralegal for Flex Legal for over a year, joining the Commercial Development Scheme has been the perfect platform to bridge the gap between being a paralegal and becoming a trainee solicitor. Through the Scheme I have learned invaluable skills which I will carry through to my training contract. Working within a small team has given me the opportunity to gain practical experience and build on my skills everyday; I have learned how to multi-task in a fast-paced environment when dealing with incoming requests whilst managing my on-going projects. As Flex Legal is run by qualified solicitors, I have also gained confidence negotiating legal documents and corresponding with important clients in a supervised manner.

Working within a start-up has given me great exposure to all sides of a business. I have gained a better understanding of how a business works through weekly meetings from each department and have received valuable training on sales and compliance. As we are part of a small team, everyone's opinion is valued and I've really enjoyed participating in group meetings to discuss the future of the company. Overall the experience has helped me hone my professional skills whilst building my confidence in the workplace.”

Naoise Tan, former Flex Legal Associate