your favourite jobs
clear list
At YouConnect, we love to regularly check in with the legal interim managers we work with. During my recent conversation with Corinne Herzog, I heard how she starts each new legal interim project with an action plan.
Why an action plan?
For Corinne, having a well-prepared action plan is essential when starting a Legal Interim project. It ensures she receives the necessary information as early as possible, allowing her to work efficiently from day one. Preparation is key. A clear checklist helps gather all relevant details in advance, saving time and effort once the project is underway.
Corinne also sees the action plan as a way to demonstrate to the client that this preparation is an investment, not an administrative formality. It shows professionalism and builds trust. By being structured and proactive from the start, the organisation feels reassured, they see that she thought things through and can begin working independently right away. This creates confidence as a solid foundation for collaboration.
How does it work?
The process begins with a tailored list of questions that Corinne adapts for each client. She openly asks: “Tell me what you need,” explaining that once her questions are answered, she’s “good to go.” With this information in hand, she can quickly operate autonomously and focus on delivering results.
At the start of every project, she schedules short introductory meetings, around ten to fifteen minutes, with the key people she will work with. This helps her understand their roles, daily responsibilities and working style. It also shows genuine interest and helps build rapport early on.
Equally important is understanding the client’s business. By immersing herself in their operations, she not only gains valuable context but can also make practical recommendations beyond the legal scope. This curiosity and engagement leave a strong impression and make the collaboration both effective and enjoyable.
Her approach is pragmatic: the action plan is a “checklist” that evolves throughout the assignment. In shorter projects, gathering information efficiently becomes even more crucial. The quicker she gets the right input, the greater the benefit for both sides, it’s a genuine win-win.
Content of the action plan
The content of Corinne’s action plan consists of a concise and targeted list, “not three pages long, just the basics.” Each version is tailored to the specific organisation and project.
Typical elements include:
She also pays attention to small, practical aspects that could affect her work. Drawing on her experience, Corinne knows exactly what to look for and what questions to ask to obtain meaningful answers.
Ultimately, the action plan serves as a personal “playbook” designed not for the company, but for the freelance professional who wants to get up to speed quickly. It brings structure, clarity and confidence, enabling a smooth and efficient start to every Legal Interim project.
Would you like to discover more insights from experienced legal interim managers? Continue reading in this blog, where they share practical experiences from the field.
MeetDistrict Spectrum/Madou
Avenue Bischoffsheim 15 - 1000 Brussels
MeetDistrict The Link
Posthofbrug 6/8 - 2600 Antwerp
Main office
Nederkouter 124 - 9000 Ghent
Burotel
Rue du Congrès 35 - 1000 Brussels