January 6 2022
Flex Legal's Commercial Development Scheme
Flex News
Jessica Rivett
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What is our Commercial Development Scheme?
The Commercial Development Scheme at Flex Legal is a programme for future lawyers, either with or without training contracts, who are looking to hone their commercial skills before they start their legal careers. Our Flex Associates receive commercial exposure to all aspects of the business and are trained by our operations, sales, commercial and finance teams. The Flex Associates are at the forefront of our company and are integral to the entire lifecycle of the business. They shape growth across the UK as well as the future direction of Flex, whilst gaining fantastic practical experience to build their CV and prepare them for their future careers.What is the role of our Flex Associates?
The Flex Associates are involved in coordinating new client requests and managing ongoing projects, conducting account management meetings with clients, negotiating legal documents and meeting new paralegals.Our aim is that all our Associates will finish the Commercial Development Scheme with both the skills and confidence to flourish in their forthcoming legal or professional career.
Hear from our past Flex Associates
"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 Legal Commercial Development Scheme while 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 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
“Whilst at Flex I secured my training contract so I left the Commercial Development Scheme to study the LPC. I continued managing the monthly newsletter until shortly before starting my training contract at Beale & Co. I am now in my 3rd seat on secondment at Atkins in the Nuclear, Resources, ADS&T team after spending time with the Contentious Construction Team and the Professional Negligence Team.
Flex helped me get to where I am now in a few different ways. From help with reviewing applications to advice on managing your email inbox, which I use even now. But what really helped was that my time at Flex provided me with core business skills such as communication and the confidence to go on.
If I could use 3 words to describe Flex, I would say: friendly, innovative and transformative.”
Harry Coates
“Flex Legal really helped me to strengthen my communication, confidence and adaptability skills. Working with a range of clients and paralegals enabled me to work well under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines. Since working at Flex, I have secured a training contract with Taylor Wessing and my work as a Flex Associate has definitely prepared me well for this role.”
Karanvir Sagoo
“What I value most about this opportunity is the collaborative approach Flex 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
Additional Resources:
- Meet the Team - find out more about the people behind Flex’s success, including our incredible Commercial Development Scheme Associates.
- Apply to be a Flex Paralegal - don’t think our commercial development scheme is right for you, but interested in the world of interim paralegal work? Well look no further! Click here to learn more and perhaps even apply.
- How to prepare for legal interviews - having no luck with those dreaded training contract applications? Check out our top tips for legal interviews here.