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During a lunch meeting we spoke with two seasoned legal interim managers—Corinne Herzog and Elisabeth Pelgrims—to uncover their motivations, experiences, and the challenges they have encountered along the way.
For many legal professionals, the decision to transition into interim management stems from a desire for flexibility, new challenges, and freedom from corporate politics. For some interim managers who spent years working in a law firm, it was refreshing to gain in-house experience and work with professionals who approach legal matters differently. Elisabeth echoed this sentiment, stating that she reached a point in her career where she craved change:
“At some point, it made sense. I wanted to avoid stagnation and found that as a freelancer, I had more control over my career. Flexibility is a major advantage, and there’s a certain freedom in focusing on legal work without being entangled in company politics. At a certain point, you hit a ceiling. Employees contribute a lot, but opportunities to grow can become limited. I deliberately chose not to go back to what I did before.”
For Corinne, the transition came naturally. After a fulfilling career at Stanley Black & Decker, she realized she wanted to continue working as a legal interim manager, on her own terms:
“I loved my job, but when my position was being phased out, I decided to take some time to explore what I truly wanted. Interim management gave me the opportunity to continue working in the field I love – I truly love doing legal work -, but with greater freedom and variety, and less people management involvement. I don’t miss the budget discussions. “Legal departments are not often a priority when it comes to where to allocate more money”. With compliance, there’s more awareness now, but at the end of the day, legal departments often struggle in this regard.”
One of the standout benefits of LIM is the exposure to diverse industries and working environments. Some interim managers describe it as the perfect intermediary step to determine what kind of permanent role—if any—would be most fulfilling.
Elisabeth appreciates the work-life balance it offers:
“In a way, it’s less stressful than a permanent position. I have one day off per week, which allows me to spend more time with my kids and to self-development, doing things I love to do.”
Corinne, too, values the steep learning curve that comes with each assignment:
“Every environment teaches you something new. That’s my fuel-learning). With each new project, I gain insights that make me a better professional.”
Additionally, LIM allows professionals to create a meaningful impact without getting too entangled in long-term company politics. As Elisabeth put it:
“In a legal interim role, you focus on the topics at hand, without being caught up in internal power struggles. It’s not that you don’t care, but the weight of it is different.”
Despite its many benefits, legal interim management is not without its challenges. Many LIM professionals find themselves walking a fine line between being part of the team and remaining an external consultant. Elisabeth noted that while she forms strong professional bonds, she sometimes misses the deep imprint she could leave in a permanent role:
“You are committed to the job, but there is a certain ambiguity in your status. You are part of the team, yet not entirely. It is positive that you can focus on the essential, being the legal tasks, without managing the people.”
Another challenge is managing client expectations. Companies often expect LIM professionals to hit the ground running. Corinne, however, sees this as an opportunity:
“You need to be quick to adapt. Companies expect plug-and-play solutions, so having a structured approach is key. I always come in with an action plan.”
At times, assignments can be overwhelming, particularly when businesses expect LIM professionals to juggle multiple projects at once. Elisabeth recalled:
“I once had a client who wanted me to handle five different projects simultaneously. Even though I’ve always had busy jobs, it was overwhelming. The company culture and expectations play a big role in how smooth an assignment will be.”
“Lastly, there is the challenge of continuity of missions, which is something to consider before choosing to become a legal interim manager”, adds Elisabeth.
When asked about the key attributes of a successful LIM professional, adaptability was the unanimous answer. It is of the utmost importance to be able to integrate quickly and meet client expectations without delay.
Elisabeth highlighted the need for proactive behavior:
“You have to go after information. You need to ask the right questions, not just to the legal team but to the business as well. The more you understand the company’s environment, the more value you can bring.”
Corinne emphasized the importance of self-assurance:
“Never doubt the skills you bring to the table. When jumping into a new role, remember that it takes time to absorb everything. Flexibility, resilience, and curiosity are crucial.”
The legal industry is evolving, with AI and legal operations playing an increasing role.
AI has the potential to increase efficiency, but we must be cautious of hallucinations, biases, and ethical concerns.
Elisabeth noted that while some legal departments are still in a day-to-day operational mode, others are actively exploring AI-driven tools:
“AI can speed up processes, but it’s crucial to have a playbook for its proper use.”
Corinne remains skeptical, believing that while AI could streamline certain administrative tasks, its full impact on the legal profession remains unclear. “Big firms may be slower to adopt AI, but I do see its potential for handling low-value-added tasks, like repetitive tasks.”
For those considering legal interim management, the consensus among our interviewees is clear: it’s an enriching career choice for those who thrive on variety, independence, and learning. While it comes with its challenges, the benefits—ranging from professional growth to improved work-life balance—make it a compelling alternative to a permanent legal role.
As Corinne summed up:
“An external perspective can be invaluable to a company. Sometimes, fresh blood is needed to shake things up. Interim management allows you to bring that fresh perspective while maintaining the freedom to choose your assignments.”
For legal professionals looking for a change, LIM offers the perfect blend of challenge, flexibility, and continuous learning—proving that sometimes, stepping outside the traditional career path, can be the best decision of all.
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