Behind the Scenes as a knowledge lawyer

Natalie O'Shea, a Senior Knowledge Lawyer at Withers LLP choose to become a knowledge lawyer after ten years of qualification. Here she reflects on the role and gives an insight to the highs and the lows.

This article, refers to 'KL' (knowledge lawyer) to include other terms, such as, PSL (professional support lawyer), knowledge counsel, knowledge partner etc. Some choose this route from qualification, others transfer at a later stage of their legal career.

Why choose to be a KL?

Aside from the obvious (the hours are more manageable than juggling a heavy caseload with the demands of a young family; you put your legal expertise to effective use and "keep a foot in the door" if you envisage returning to fee earning) why choose to be a KL?

Over the years, the KL role has undergone a transformation. Decades ago, it was more reactive, focused on training and precedent management. It is now proactive, encompassing fee earning work, high level research and an internal counsel function; innovation (in my case for example, working with two of our partners to create a new service (Uncouple)); project planning; business development; and in some firms, strategic direction responsibility. It can be immensely rewarding.

No KL role is the same but at its heart is the generation, capture, application, and dissemination of knowledge, alongside the training of fee earners at all levels with the purpose of maximising the expertise, success and profitability of your team. Being disciplined and organised is key. I asked a few KL friends for their thoughts about our role and this is what from Hadi Kulsoom, knowledge counsel at Travers Smith had to say:

"As a KL, I enjoy the immense variety of work the role brings and being able to support the whole team from training juniors to analysing complex questions with senior lawyers. It can be a challenge to define your role and prioritise tasks without the structure of client work….make sure you are clear about your objectives…. ".

Making connections – client-facing opportunities

As a KL you are an expert in your field. You can take a deep dive into your area of law and provide high level research and training to improve your team's collective expertise. You are not rushing off to court / attending late night cons / dealing with client calls at the weekend / filling in timesheets, which can be a plus. But if the thrill of litigation, or late-night transactions, client interaction and running your own caseload is what drew you to a career in law in the first place, then think carefully before hanging up your fee earner boots.

I have found the best way to deal with the lack of direct client contact is to infuse my day with chargeable work and seek out exposure to clients through other avenues. I have retrained as a mediator and run legal advice sessions via our team's pro bono schemes, both of which provide me with that direct client fix.

Career progression

Whilst the role is flexible and expandable, be clear about your career development opportunities. Does your firm offer a clear progression programme and development goals? Is there a path to partnership or serving on the board? And check your remuneration package – ask questions about future increments –this may or may not be linked to your PQE.

The pandemic has resulted in more flexible working patterns, so explore all options before making the change. You may actually be able to adapt your fee earning role to suit your needs.

Any more tips and advice?

• Ascertain whether the team and firm has a supportive lead (as I do) and a good knowledge-sharing culture. At Withers we have a deeply embedded knowledge-sharing ethos with at least one KL in most teams.

• Ensure you direct your energies into legal work. Get a brilliant secretary (like mine) and don’t allow administrative tasks to take up unnecessary time.

• Yes, you are still a solicitor. You may need to remind people of this sometimes. Don’t allow the word 'support' to affect your professional branding.

• If you are sociable at work, ensure that you reach out to other KLs. I work with two other KLs in my team (both brilliant) but as a KL you are unlikely to fall neatly into the ready-made tribe of associates as before, and so you need to work a bit to avoid feeling isolated when you start off. Every lawyer can contribute to the social fabric of their firm, but you may find you have more space to do so as a KL.

• Expand your horizons, say 'yes' a lot and be open to new technology and media ops. You will be rewarded. I have spent time in film studios as one as an advisor in a legal TV series on Wills, and been part of the team for our Modern Relationships podcast series. Wider opportunities are out there, so make them happen.

• Be organised, disciplined, use your expertise to contribute more widely area of law; serve on committees, push for reform, respond to consultation; share your knowledge (without giving away the crown jewels). Choosing a career as a KL will reap many rewards and you can give back to improve our legal landscape. ■

Natalie O'Shea

Senior Knowledge Lawyer, Withers LLP

https://withersworldwide.com/en-gb/people/natalie-oshea Natalie.O'Shea@withersworldwide.com