LOD legal counsel welcomes the flexibility of working remotely

Andrew Lorigan may have graduated high school without knowing what he wanted to do, but he has certainly found his place as LOD’s legal counsel after joining the firm in December 2018.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has generated major issues, Lorigan is enjoying the novelty of the work he’s doing now, and points to the last year as an important period of growth for his career. He also talks about the way the pandemic has demonstrated to the effectiveness of remote work arrangements for lawyers.

In this interview, Lorigan talks about how working in-house allows him to indulge his love of problem-solving, and how he sets boundaries for his work days at home.

What made you choose a career in law?

When I finished high school, I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do. I picked law, because I thought it would be versatile and give me good skills to enter the workforce with.

What do you love most about your job?

I really enjoy solving problems, and working in-house allows me to do this on a daily basis. Additionally, working with LOD gives me flexibility to my career that I wouldn't have if I were working elsewhere.

What is going on at the firm? Are there any new programs and initiatives that you’re particularly interested in?

At my current contract, there are a number of key issues arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst stressful at times, the work has been genuinely interesting and novel.

What has been your proudest accomplishment in the last year or so?

My proudest professional accomplishment over the last 12 months is not one thing, but rather the entire body of work over the period. Without a doubt, the work I've done over the last 12 months has led me to learn and grow the most since starting my career. I think that it is important to recognise that development as a lawyer will not always be linear.

What should the profession and law firms focus more on?

Office presence. One of my key takeaways from the pandemic has been the success of working remotely. I know that many law firms talk the talk when it comes to flexibility and working from home, but I think many lawyers would admit they still feel pressure to be physically present unless absolutely necessary. I think the profession as a whole could really stand to benefit from reducing office space and strongly encouraging lawyers to work from home more if the lawyers themselves would like to.

What has been the biggest challenge you and your practice have faced amid the pandemic?

The biggest professional challenge I have faced amid the pandemic is knowing when to call it a day. It can be tempting to log on after dinner or on the weekend just to tick a few things off the list, because your computer is already set up on the kitchen table. I constantly try to make sure that I am as productive as possible during the day so I can switch off in the evening.

What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?

The restrictions coming to an end so I can marry my fiancée with our friends and family present.