Interim and consultancy solutions

Our interim legal, risk and compliance recruitment teams are adept at finding proven interim specialists, quickly and efficiently, for law firms and businesses in every sector. 

Explore recruitment in Interim and consultancy solutions


High quality, flexible resource when you need it

Interim talent is a very flexible way to resource your legal, risk or compliance team. You can recruit experienced professionals very quickly in a variety of ways:

These legal, risk and compliance professionals are brought into your business on a temporary basis for a number of reasons, such as maternity cover, to manage specific projects and initiatives, cover staff absences or provide expertise during transitional periods such as mergers or restructuring.

  • Fixed term contract (FTC)
  • Day rate
  • PAYE
  • Limited company 

Why consider an interim hire?

Bringing in additional resource to any team requires thought, internal discussions and ultimately budget sign off. Sometimes having an interim alternative can allow a business to tackle immediate challenges without committing a long term solution.

Some of the main reasons why we see businesses bringing in interim talent include: 

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Headcount and budget constraints

Address immediate needs without long-term commitments.

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Quick access to specialists and niche skills

Engage experts with niche skill sets on short notice.  

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High degree of flexibility

Adapt to changing business needs with short-term contracts. Whether this be on a day rate or a fixed term contract.

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Cover expected and unexpected absences

Fill gaps due to resignation, parental leave, sick leave or project-specific demands.

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Make the business case for a permanent hire

Assess the role that needs to be filled and provide evidence that it is required

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Access to experienced talent

Interim professionals are ready to hit the ground running

How can your business benefit from hiring interim talent?

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Bridge gaps in leadership quickly

An interim professional can help an organisation with anything from strategic guidance, business transformation, maintaining operations or general day to day support. All of this can be done at speed.

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Flexibility

Employers can hire project-by-project professionals, giving them more flexibility in managing their workforce and adapting to changing business needs.

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Cost savings and reduced administrative burden

Hiring contractors can often be more cost-effective than hiring permanent employees, as employers do not have to pay for all benefits, payroll taxes, or other overhead costs associated with having a full-time employee.

Taylor Root will manage the payroll, onboarding and referencing process. Most importantly, this is at no additional cost.

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Increased productivity

Contractors are often highly motivated and focused on delivering results within a specific timeframe, leading to improved organisational productivity and efficiency.

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Objective outsider perspective

An outsider is in a particularly good position to highlight areas that need improvement, alongside spotting challenges and opportunities from a fresh perspective.

They can also manage periods of high workload, knowledge transfer, flexibility and maintain business continuity.

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Specialised skills

Contractors often have specialised skills and experience that may be difficult or expensive to find in a full-time employee, which can help employers complete projects more efficiently and effectively.

talk to us about your requirements

If you have a role you would like to speak to us about, please submit the details here.

Roles we typically recruit for include:

Legal

  • Interim General Counsel 
  • Interim Head of Legal 
  • Interim Partner
  • Interim Legal Director
  • Interim Legal Counsel 
  • Interim Senior Legal Counsel 
  • Interim Associate
  • Interim Of Counsel
  • Interim Professional Support Lawyer
  • Document Review Paralegal
  • Document Review Lawyer 
  • Interim Patent Attorney 
  • Interim Contract Manager 

Compliance

  • Interim Chief Compliance Officer
  • Interim Head of Risk and Compliance
  • Interim Compliance Manager
  • Interim Compliance Director 
  • Interim Compliance Analyst
  • Interim Company Secretary

Risk

  • Interim Chief Risk Officer
  • Interim Risk Director 
  • Interim Head of Operational Risk
  • Interim Risk Quant Manager
  • Interim Risk Business Partner
What is more cost-effective, hiring an interim professional on a daily rate or a fixed-term contract?

Generally speaking, hiring a daily rate consultant is more cost-effective for short-term projects requiring specialised expertise for a limited period. On the other hand, a fixed-term contractor may be more cost-effective for longer-term projects or positions that require a consistent level of support over an extended period, i.e., long-term projects, maternity/paternity cover or temporary positions that may lead to permanent opportunities. It’s important to consider the project’s requirements carefully, the budget available, and the market rates for the specific skills needed when deciding whether to hire a consultant on a daily rate or a fixed-term contractor.

To help you work out which route is best for your hire we have put together a simple tool. Click here to find out more

Why do experienced professionals go down the interim consulting career path, and what are the main benefits of contracting?

Experienced professionals may choose to go down the consulting route for several reasons:

Flexibility: Consulting offers more flexibility than a traditional 9-to-5 job, as consultants can work on projects and assignments that suit their skills and interests. Consultants can choose their working hours and location, providing a better work-life balance
Variety: Consulting can provide an opportunity to work on various client projects, offering a diverse and dynamic work environment. This can help professionals avoid feeling stagnant or bored in their careers.

High earning potential: Consulting can offer increased earning potential, particularly for specialised or niche areas of expertise.

Professional development: Consulting offers opportunities for professional development, as consultants are often exposed to new industries, technologies, and business practices. This can help professionals build new skills and knowledge and stay up-to-date on industry trends.

Autonomy: Consulting offers the independence that may not be available in traditional corporate roles. In some cases, consultants can have more control over their work and decision-making and often work independently or in small teams. As a result, consulting can be an attractive career path for experienced professionals who value flexibility, variety, high earning potential, professional development, and autonomy.

Are most contractors ultimately looking to secure a permanent role?

Not all contractors are necessarily looking to secure a permanent role, as many may choose to offer consultancy solutions throughout their career. Many contractors prefer the flexibility and autonomy that contracting offers and the opportunity to work on various projects with different clients.
 
That being said, some contractors may have a goal of eventually securing a permanent role. For example, they may use contracting to gain experience and build their network in a specific industry, intending to transition to a permanent role later on. Other contractors may enjoy their work but be open to permanent opportunities if they align with their career goals and values. Each contractor has unique career goals and aspirations; recruiters and clients must understand and respect their preferences and motivations.
 

Is it common for interim contracts to lead to permanent opportunities with an organisation?

Yes, it is possible for an interim contract to lead to a permanent role. It’s not uncommon for employers to hire interim professionals to transition them into permanent employees potentially.
 
This can happen for various reasons, such as the employer wanting to evaluate the interim worker’s performance and fit within the company before making a long-term commitment. Another reason could be that the hiring manager cannot secure headcount; however, once a contractor is embedded in the team and has shown their worth and value add, it’s a much easier case to present to the business to convert the contractor to a permanent member of staff.

If an interim role sits inside IR35, who is responsible for calculating and covering the costs of National Insurance, holiday pay and pension contributions?

When an interim assignment sits inside IR35, the end client or the agency that engages the contractor takes on the responsibility for National Insurance (NI), holiday pay, and pension contributions. It’s crucial to seek professional advice and carefully review contract terms to understand obligations related to tax, NI, holiday pay, and pensions.

As a recruitment partner to our clients, we are able manage this process for you so you can be sure all regulatory requirements are meticulously met. We have a dedicated interim payroll and onboarding team who will ensure contractors receive the correct holiday pay and pension contributions in accordance with their employment status.

How quickly can a contractor start?


Typically you can have your new interim hire start within two weeks. At Taylor Root we have pools of dedicated interim contractors specifically looking for interim opportunities and we work with them on a constant basis. We can therefore provide you with a shortlist of candidates within the first 24-48 hours. The interviews, contract negotiations and compliance can be completed within seven days allowing a hire to start very quickly following your meeting with them.

The process can take a bit longer in instances where the role requires very specific skills or experience or if your preferred candidate has any other short term commitments which need to be completed before they start. However, in any of these instances we work with you to try to tie the process up as fast as possible.

What if I want to make a contractor permanent?

If the contractor would like to take your permanent offer the process is fairly straight forward. You will need to create an employment contract for the permanent role and be prepared for negotiations on things like salary and notice period. You may wish for this person to attend a more formal induction programme at your business if they did not receive this before. If you used a recruitment agency you should also ensure they are aware of the change and you are taking the person on as a permanent member of your team as there might be fees that you are required to pay.

How does working on interim assignments help legal professionals diversify their skill sets?

Exposure to different industries:
Working as an interim legal professional allows you to work with companies across many industries, which can broaden your knowledge and experience in different sectors.

Less competition:
Due to the limited number of skilled professionals in the interim job market and the urgency to hire, competition for these roles is typically lower, especially compared to the senior permanent job market, where there are often fewer job opportunities but more applicants.

Diverse project assignments:
As an interim legal professional, you will likely work on a range of projects requiring you to learn new skills and adapt to different environments. This can help you develop and showcase potential employers a more diverse skill set and make you more adaptable.

Learning from experienced professionals:
As an interim legal professional, you’ll collaborate with experienced professionals, gaining valuable insights into effective strategies while enhancing your skills. This experience gives you a competitive edge for future assignments.

Why choose Taylor Root

We are an experienced and trusted recruiter of interim lawyers and risk and compliance, internal audit and company secretarial specialists for businesses in every sector.  

We can provide interim specialists and consultants at all levels, from newly qualified solicitors through to heads of legal, legal directors and general counsel as well as risk analysts, compliance directors, internal auditors and company secretaries. We can also recruit document reviewers, paralegals and other non-qualified legal professionals for projects of all sizes.  

benefits

By choosing to work with us, you will benefit from: 

Genuine global reach

Through out network of global offices we have completed projects in more than 55 locations. And we recruit across many sectors through our sister companies Brewer Morris, Carter MurrayFrazer Jones, and Taylor Root

An unrivalled track record

We are a market leader in legal, risk, compliance, internal audit and company secretarial search and recruitment

Market longevity

We pioneered the first recruitment consultancies in numerous global locations. We offer local market knowledge on a global scale

Focused expertise

Our knowledge is entirely focused on the legal, risk and compliance professions. We speak your language and understand your markets

Candidates at pace

Because of the size and quality of our international talent network, we can find the interim specialists you need in as little as 24 hours 

Contract flexibility

Whether you need support on a fixed-term, consultancy, interim day rate basis or more, we can help. We have the talent networks to fulfil your needs on your terms  


Meet the team

Resources

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  • Hiring advice

The rise of the interim attorney: a new era in legal practice

  • Posted November 14, 2024
In recent years, the legal landscape has experienced significant shifts driven by economic changes, technological advancements, and evolving client needs. Among these transformations, the emergence of the interim attorney has gained traction, reflecting a growing trend towards flexibility and efficiency in legal services. This article explores the rise of the interim attorney, examining its benefits, […]
woman working on a laptop from home
  • Hiring advice

Should you hire a fractional or interim General Counsel?

  • Posted November 14, 2024
We’ve already discussed the key considerations you should make before hiring a fractional General Counsel, but how do they weigh up against interim professionals? In today’s complex business landscape, companies face a myriad of legal challenges. Whether it is navigating regulatory requirements, managing contracts, or addressing potential litigation, having access to legal expertise is crucial. […]
Side view of businesswoman working on computer at desk in office
  • Career Advice

How to determine an interim market rate for in-house lawyers 

  • Posted October 22, 2024
Contents  Introduction If you’re contemplating interim opportunities for the first time in a while, you might be considering how to best calculate your market rate. The key to ensuring that you’re paid fairly depends on two factors:  1. Your years of experience or what your last assignment paid  2. The market rate of the job […]
Colleagues talk at work
  • Career Advice

The rise of fractional General Counsel: Interview with Al Zucker

  • Posted September 9, 2024
As the world of business becomes increasingly complex and resourcing challenges increase alongside this, the chance to hire talent on a fractional basis has become more common. As part of our General Counsel interview series we spoke to Al Zucker, experienced corporate and commercial lawyer who is now a fractional GC. He now specialises working […]
  • General counsel

What to consider when hiring a fractional General Counsel: interview with John Cameron

  • Posted September 9, 2024
Whilst fractional ownership models are well-established in industries like aviation and hospitality: the fractional General Counsel concept is still relatively new. So, it’s natural for businesses to have lots of questions about how it works in practice and how this model can help them. As part of our fractional General Counsel interview series, Taylor Root […]
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  • Career Advice

The realities and benefits of a fractional General Counsel: Interview with Stephanie Dominy

  • Posted September 9, 2024
As part of our fractional General Counsel interview series, we spoke to Stephanie Dominy, an experienced fractional General Counsel, but now a full-time GC at Staffbase. How did you become a fractional General Counsel (FGC)? I fell into becoming a fractional GC by accident. I’d left a company where I’d been an in-house lawyer for […]
  • Career Advice

The business benefits of a fractional General Counsel: Interview with Maria O’Connor

  • Posted September 9, 2024
As part of our fractional General Counsel interview series, we spoke to Maria O’Connor – Experienced, personable leader and advisor and a Co-Founder of Fund-HQ, an outsourced advisory and resource platform for alternative asset managers and family offices.  How you would describe what a fractional General Counsel (GC) is? A fractional General Counsel is a […]
A woman on a video call with colleagues, watches her screen
  • General counsel

The strategic role of a fractional General Counsel

  • Posted September 4, 2024
What is a fractional General Counsel? A fractional General Counsel is an experienced legal professional/consultant who offers part-time or interim legal services. Unlike a traditional in-house counsel or full-time employee, an FGC operates as an independent contractor, providing on-demand legal expertise tailored to your business needs. This arrangement allows businesses to access specialised legal services […]
  • Market Insight

Interim legal recruitment: why businesses need interim hires

  • Posted July 9, 2024
Taylor Root’s interim experts, Penny Parker, Director and Clare McCallum, Senior Consultant, discuss the current interim market and give some great advice of why businesses can benefit from interim hires and how best to go about this. Penny and Clare are experts at connecting interim legal professionals with businesses across the UK. To speak to […]
Colleagues sit at a table with laptops in a meeting
  • Hiring advice

How to engage interim legal resource: Day rate vs fixed term contract

  • Posted May 2, 2024
What is the difference between day rate contractors and salaried fixed term contract (FTC) employees? What type of contract to choose has been an age long debate in the interim market and it can be confusing to know which route is best for your legal function. Taylor Root has been working closely with businesses for […]
  • Career Advice

Take your legal career to London

  • Posted October 11, 2022
We recently held our ‘Take your legal career to London’ webinar, hosted by Priya Shah who was joined by Holly O’Connell, Legal Advisor at FirstGroup Plc and David Harrigan, Interim Deputy General Counsel. The session discussed the current in-house interim, legal job market and career development opportunities and explored the logistics around making an international […]
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  • Interim

Is interim just for senior solicitors?

  • Posted March 12, 2020
The interim market has progressed rapidly in London over the past couple of years, with many firms looking to engage solicitors and PSLs on an interim basis for a number of different reasons, such as: When a law firm is looking for interim cover, there are many circumstances where they will look to cover like […]

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