What is twobirdsFLEX?
twobirdsFLEX is a carefully selected pool of
lawyers who work flexibly on full time or part time
assignments for Bird & Bird clients. As a twobirdsFLEX
lawyer, you can choose when you work, for example,
only at certain times of the year. For our clients, this
provides additional, trusted and flexible resource
when it’s needed and for you, in exchange for the
regularity of permanent employee status, being able to
work in a more flexible way.
How do I become a twobirdsFLEX lawyer?
Identifying the right individual for the right role is top of
our list. Additionally, we want all twobirdsFLEX lawyers
to have knowledge of Bird & Bird’s unique client offer
and sector focus. We therefore recruit our lawyers from
the following sources:
- Bird & Bird Alumni who are interested in returning
to work at Bird & Bird but want the flexibility that a
role with twobirdsFLEX can offer.
- Existing employees who want to have increased
flexibility in how, when and where they work.
- Personal recommendation from a current
employee or partner of Bird & Bird.
All prospective candidates will be asked to submit a CV
and may be asked to participate in our bespoke selection
and interview process.
What is on offer?
- New joiners to twobirdsFLEX will receive an
induction, depending on their background,
prior to their first assignment. You will also
receive a full briefing and debrief for each
assignment with the sponsoring Partner.
- As a twobirdsFLEX lawyer you will be able
to attend Bird & Bird’s legal briefings and
client events.
- You will also have the option to use
Bird & Bird’s offices when you are
working on a twobirdsFLEX assignment.
What kind of work can I expect to do?
twobirdsFLEX lawyers work for the clients of
Bird & Bird and opportunities are varied,
typically falling in the following categories:
- Working at a client’s office covering for a role
or for a peak in activity.
- Working remotely either from home or at
Bird & Bird’s office but for a specific client.
- Working for Bird & Bird covering for the absence
of one of our Lawyers or a peak in activity.
What is the business model?
The majority of twobirdsFLEX lawyers are selfemployed consultants. You therefore will not work exclusively for twobirdsFLEX and will have the option to
work for other organisations. As a twobirdsFLEX lawyer you would typically be engaged through your personal services company on the basis of providing services to a client of Bird & Bird. twobirdsFLEX will contract with both you and the client.
Does twobirdsFLEX guarantee that assignments will be available?
We cannot guarantee that we will have an assignment for you when you are available to work. As a twobirdsFLEX lawyer you will have chosen to work on a freelance basis allowing you the flexibility.
How am I paid?
A daily rate will be agreed with you taking into account your experience and the market rates. We will also need to take into account the assignment that you will be working on and the type of work you will be doing. Your daily rate may vary between appointments. The majority of our twobirdsFLEX lawyers operate through a personal services company and invoice us on a monthly basis. You will only be paid for days worked and not any days that you take off as holiday or absence.
Do I need to get my own professional indemnity insurance?
Whilst working on a twobirdsFLEX assignment you will be covered by Bird & Bird’s professional indemnity insurance. However if, as a freelancer, you work for anyone else you would need to check the position on their professional indemnity insurance.
Will twobirdsFLEX renew and manage my practising certificate?
No, it will be your responsibility to ensure you have a valid practising certificate.
Who do I contact to find out more?
In the first instance, to ask further questions or discuss informally, please contact:
Andrea Pankhurst
Head of HR
+44 (0)20 7905 6225
[email protected]