January 15
A Q&A with Mary Bonsor: The vision behind Flex Legal
Flex News
Sally-Ann O'Kane
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At Flex Legal, we pride ourselves on driving innovation in the legal industry and creating opportunities for the next generation of legal professionals. But what inspired the journey to create Flex Legal? What challenges has the company overcome, and what does the future hold?
To uncover these insights, we sat down with our founder, Mary Bonsor, for a candid Q&A. Mary shares her vision, the story behind Flex Legal, and how being a female founder has influenced her journey. Whether you're a budding legal professional or an established in-house counsel, this conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration.
Can you tell us about the founding of Flex Legal and what sets it apart in the legal industry?
Flex Legal came from a real need I noticed when I was starting out in law. I didn’t follow a conventional path; I studied Politics and Sociology at Leeds University and wasn’t initially sure what I wanted to do. Eventually, I decided to study law through the GDL and LPC. But like so many aspiring lawyers I struggled to get work experience. The opportunities just weren’t there, and it felt like a constant uphill battle. I remember seeing law students everywhere, desperate to get their foot in the door.The idea for Flex Legal hit me when I was training at Winckworth Sherwood LLP, next to Kaplan Law School, where I saw eager law students daily. It clicked then… why not create a platform that connects talented, aspiring lawyers with the legal work they want and need? That was the beginning.
Flex Legal stands out because it fills that gap; providing quality, flexible legal support to firms while giving early-career lawyers hands-on experience. It’s a win-win!
Since then, we have expanded our services to offer opportunities for interim lawyers at all levels, whilst also launching our unique Flex Trainee scheme.
“Flex Legal stands out because it fills that gap; providing quality, flexible legal support to firms while giving early-career lawyers hands-on experience. It’s a win-win!”
Mary Bonsor
As the female founder of Flex Legal, how has your personal journey influenced the company's values and direction?
Being a female founder has deeply influenced Flex Legal’s direction. From day one, I wanted to create a company that breaks down barriers for aspiring lawyers and opens doors for everyone, regardless of their background.Our values—"Human," "Trusted," and "Entrepreneurial"—reflect our commitment to adaptability, openness, and inclusivity. We’ve built a diverse, supportive community where different perspectives are celebrated, and that’s central to everything we do.
What led to the creation of the Flex Trainee programme, and how does it meet the needs of in-house teams and aspiring lawyers?
The Flex Trainee programme came about to solve two issues: in-house legal teams needed flexible, cost-effective support, and aspiring lawyers were struggling to gain meaningful work experience. We designed the programme to meet both needs.It provides high-quality legal support for businesses while giving aspiring lawyers qualifying work experience and the opportunity to complete their SQE exams. Our trainees work closely with legal teams, gaining practical skills in a supportive environment. It’s hugely beneficial for both sides, making the legal industry more accessible and flexible.
“The Flex Trainee programme came about to solve two issues: in-house legal teams needed flexible, cost-effective support, and aspiring lawyers were struggling to gain meaningful work experience.”
Mary Bonsor
Can you explain more about your Lawyers On-Demand service and how it fits into the legal industry?
Flex Legal’s lawyers service is one of our core offerings, and it has become essential in today's legal landscape. Law firms and in-house teams often need additional legal support on short notice, whether for a specific project, temporary coverage, or an increase in workload. This allows firms to access highly qualified lawyers (and paralegals), based on their exact needs.This flexible service offers the ability to scale up or down quickly, without the long-term commitment of traditional hiring processes.
How does Flex Legal ensure diversity and inclusivity within its teams and the Flex Trainee programme?
We’ve always been committed to building a legal workforce that reflects the diversity of society. Our Inclusivity Report tracks our progress, outlining the initiatives we’ve put in place.From the start, we’ve prioritised inclusive recruitment, opening doors to people from all backgrounds. The Flex Trainee programme is a prime example, offering opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access.
What are your aspirations for the future of Flex Legal and its Trainee programme?
We have big plans for the future! We’re focussed on expanding the Flex Trainee programme to offer more opportunities for aspiring lawyers and to support more legal teams.Flexibility will remain central, especially as the legal industry evolves. We’re also improving how we match trainees with firms, leveraging technology to make the process seamless. Ultimately, our vision is to create an accessible, flexible, and inclusive legal industry that breaks down barriers and ensures everyone has a shot at a legal career.
How does being a female founder influence your leadership and the culture at Flex Legal?
As a female founder in a traditionally male-dominated field, I understand the importance of fostering an inclusive, supportive environment. At Flex Legal, we’re proud of our open, flexible, and forward-thinking culture where everyone feels valued.My journey has taught me that challenges can be overcome with the right support, and that mindset drives our work. We focus on creating opportunities, empowering people, and making a positive impact in the legal industry.
“As a female founder in a traditionally male-dominated field, I understand the importance of fostering an inclusive, supportive environment.”