An eBay-style auction site has been set up to give independent lawyers the chance to sell their services to the highest bidder.

Professionalassociates.com, an on-line service launched by corporate advisory practice Global Consulting Group (GCG), is designed to help solicitors and barristers find suitable locum positions and assist law firms or companies find the appropriately skilled lawyers they need to fill temporary vacancies.


After the successful completion of a screening interview and reference checks, the lawyer can be entered into four-day auctions in which firms can bid for their services. Each individual sets their own reserve price – the lowest they are prepared to work for – and the highest bidder secures their services. The candidate is bound to accept the work offered by the highest bidder, although there is a 30-day termination clause.


As on the eBay Web site, there is a ‘buy now’ figure that allows firms to secure the services of a particular lawyer immediately.


Before the prospective employer makes any bids, it is shown the photograph, résumé and availability of the lawyer for hire, whom it can then contact either by telephone or in person.


GCG launched the service earlier this year for management and technology consulting firms and corporations. William Jones, director of professionalassociates.com, said: ‘It quickly became clear to us that legal firms and legal departments within corporates have a desperate need for a more efficient means of sourcing solicitors and barristers, so it was a logical step to add them to our service.’


He said: ‘At present, most senior professionals in search of interim work rely on their personal contact network, or recruitment agencies to get their next job. Often they only find one by chance or default. Our understanding is that there is a demand for lawyers with five to seven years’ experience, who are at the moment being mismatched by agencies and pushed towards roles that are below their capabilities, while the firms or companies looking for them can’t find them.’


Mr Jones indicated that the service would be particularly suitable for FTSE 250 companies with legal departments that needed to fill a gap for a few months, and for larger law firms requiring extra lawyers quickly to work on particular contracts they have won.


Chris Beasley, an independent solicitor with 25 years of corporate experience who has signed up to the service, said: ‘The approach is unique and more personal. It brings a much-needed alternative to trawling job sites and having to rely on agencies which, for one reason or another, often see you as a [profit] margin rather than as a lawyer with real experience.’