New horizons for the senior in-house lawyer

By Joan Oh, Head of Konexo Asia, featuring Senior Interim Consultant, Nambi Viswalingam

New horizons for the senior in-house lawyers

By Joan Oh, Head of Konexo Asia, featuring Senior Interim Consultant, Nambi Viswalingam

Joan Oh | Head of Konexo Asia

In-house legal teams are increasingly turning to interim lawyers to manage one-off projects and specialized legal work that their existing teams cannot support. According to the recent Association of Corporate Counsel 2025 Trends Report, ‘being understaffed is the biggest barrier that legal departments face’ (1). Using interim lawyers can be a cost effective and flexible approach when faced with this challenge.

In recent years, we have seen a growing trend of more senior in-house lawyers considering interim lawyering as a viable career option. Interim consulting presents a rewarding and fulfilling alternative for senior lawyers, with many drawn to the opportunity by a desire for a varied work experience or the need to balance personal and professional commitments. This shift enables them to explore part-time roles, engage in other pursuits or simply enjoy more personal time. Additionally, transitioning to interim roles allows these seasoned professionals to gain exposure to various sectors, enriching their careers after years of specializing in specific industries.

Senior lawyers also bring immense value to interim roles. Their extensive expertize and years of practice enable them to adapt quickly and handle complex legal issues efficiently and effectively. They can offer strategic insight and leadership, contributing significantly to senior-level decision-making processes and guiding organizations in shaping long term strategies. Additionally, they serve as invaluable mentors to junior employees, nurturing the next generation of legal professionals.

In the following interview, experienced lawyer, Nambi Viswalingam, shares his insights and personal journey working in an interim capacity, shedding light on the practicalities and nuances of such roles.

(1) ACC 2025 Chief Legal Officer Survey | Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)

Nambi Viswalingam

What made you consider interim consulting?

How long have you been an interim consultant?

I wanted to take the pressure off my wife who had been the sole breadwinner working as a lawyer for 12 years whilst I looked after our children. I felt that interim consulting would be a more suitable route than joining a law practice at age 60, not having been in practice for over a decade. Flexibility was hugely important to me.

I have been working as an interim consultant since March 2018. I had previously worked with other ALSPs but my longest stint has been with Konexo, with whom I have worked for just over four years. Since joining I have reinvented myself a few times, from a general contracts lawyer to an information technology lawyer to a supply chain logistics lawyer. That is the nature of interim work and is akin to being a senior barrister taking on different briefs concerning wide-ranging fields of law. This experience has enriched me.

What made you consider interim consulting?

I wanted to take the pressure off my wife who had been the sole breadwinner working as a lawyer for the 12 years whilst I looked after our children. I felt that interim consulting would be a more suitable route than joining a law practice at age 60, not having been in practice for over a decade. Flexibility was hugely important to me.

How long have you been an interim consultant?

I have been working as an interim consultant since March 2018. I had previously worked with other ALSPs but my longest stint has been with Konexo, with whom I have worked for just over four years. Since joining I have reinvented myself a few times, from a general contracts lawyer to an information technology lawyer to a supply chain logistics lawyer. That is the nature of interim work and is akin to being a senior barrister taking on different briefs concerning wide-ranging fields of law. This experience has enriched me.

What are the advantages?

Any advice for clients or candidates considering interim consulting?

Over the years working as a senior in-house counsel, I have realized that the principal advantage of seniority is experience. Apart from having accumulated a wealth of legal knowledge and skills, it is our experience of life and of people which, to me, can make a real difference in how we are valued and perceived in the organization to which we are assigned. This experience has helped me offer value to clients by being able to steer them when faced with complex challenges, whether from a legal or human perspective.

I would advise potential clients, through the resume and interview process, to get comfortable with the fit of that person within your existing legal team and within the culture of your organization. Seek out an ALSP, such as Konexo, that really knows their candidates, can guide you through the process and find the right person for you. To candidates, I would advise them to embrace every opportunity to experience different areas of law, different ways of doing things and to meet and work with different people. This will enrich your career.

What are the advantages?

Over the years working as a senior in-house counsel, I have realized that the principal advantage of seniority is experience. Apart from having accumulated a wealth of legal knowledge and skills, it is our experience of life and of people which, to me, can make a real difference in how we are valued and perceived in the organization to which we are assigned. This experience has helped me offer value to clients by being able to steer them when faced with complex challenges, whether from a legal or human perspective.

Any advice for clients or candidates considering interim consulting?

I would advise potential clients, through the resume and interview process, to get comfortable with the fit of that person within your existing legal team and within the culture of your organization. Seek out an ALSP such as Konexo that really knows their candidates, can guide you through the process and find the right person for you. To candidates, I would advise them to embrace every opportunity to experience different areas of law, different ways of doing things and to meet and work with different people. This will enrich your career.

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