Mounting workloads. Resource gaps. Business-critical projects that can’t wait. For many in-house legal teams, these pressures are a daily reality – and the need for immediate, high-quality legal support is often urgent.
In these moments, the idea of going through a lengthy procurement process can feel completely unworkable. Sifting through scores of CVs is the last thing you have time for. What you need is a partner who understands the pace you’re operating at, can respond quickly, and still delivers the calibre of support your business demands.
When legal workloads spike and vacancies hit, the decision to bring in outside help is often made quickly – but choosing who to bring in should still be thoughtful. The right Alternative Legal Service Provider (ALSP) can ease pressure, maintain business momentum and protect your team’s wellbeing. The wrong one can cost time, money, and even reputational risk.
Here’s what to think about when choosing an ALSP – especially when time is tight and the stakes are high.
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Does the provider understand your business?
Look for signs that the provider is genuinely interested in your context – not just your headcount. A strong ALSP will ask about your risk profile, internal processes, team structure, and ways of working before talking about candidates.
Something to think about: A consultant who understands your operating environment will take less time to onboard and be more effective from day one.
What to watch out for: If your conversations feel generic or the provider jumps straight to CVs, that’s a red flag.
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Can they offer real flexibility?
Every in-house team’s needs are different – and often change quickly. Your provider should offer solutions that flex with your circumstances: part-time or full-time, short-term or project-based, hybrid or remote.
Something to think about: A provider with a scalable model will help you adjust support as your workload shifts – without red tape or long commitments.
What to watch out for: Be cautious of rigid contracts or unclear engagement terms that limit your ability to adapt.
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Will the consultant hit the ground running?
You shouldn’t have to handhold. Many in-house lawyers are already working at full stretch, and need someone who can get up to speed quickly and take ownership of work.
Something to think about: Look for consultants with previous in-house experience – ideally ex-City or top-tier trained – who understand commercial pressures, internal stakeholder expectations, and the need to balance risk and pragmatism.
What to watch out for: A candidate who’s technically strong but lacks business awareness may slow things down, not speed them up.
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How do they manage the relationship?
The provider’s role shouldn’t end the moment a placement is made. Regular check-ins, feedback loops and proactive issue resolution are essential to ensuring long-term success.
Something to think about: The best ALSPs invest in both sides of the relationship – making sure their consultant is thriving and your team is getting what it needs.
What to watch out for: If there’s no dedicated account contact or follow-up once someone is placed, you may be left managing more than you should.
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Are they aligned with your values?
You’re not just hiring skills – you’re extending your team. Consider how well the provider and their consultants reflect your internal culture, values, and standards.
Something to think about: A values-aligned consultant will not only deliver, but represent your organisation appropriately and contribute positively to your team dynamic.
What to watch out for: Overlooked misalignment in culture or values can lead to friction, even when the work is technically sound.
Choosing Obelisk Support
If you’re working under pressure and need a reliable legal support partner, Obelisk Support is here to help. We’ve supported teams at FTSE 100 companies, fast-growth businesses and international organisations with interim and project-based legal expertise.
We’ve spent over a decade building a model that works for in-house teams: scalable, responsive, and grounded in deep legal expertise. We listen first, match carefully, and act quickly – often placing consultants within 48 hours. Our pool of City-trained, in-house experienced lawyers are selected for legal skill, commercial judgement and cultural fit.
And our values underpin every placement we make:
- Human first – We prioritise what’s right for our clients, consultants and team.
- Bold – We champion change and innovate how legal work is delivered.
- Equality-driven – We ensure everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
- Optimistic – We face challenges with positivity and seek opportunities to grow.
Our consultants don’t just fill a gap – they become a trusted part of your team.