How Ronnie reclaimed time for family and innovation
With LOD’s flexible secondment model, Ronnie balances meaningful legal work, co-founding a legal tech startup and time with his family.
1. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your current secondment?
I’ve been based in Dubai for over a decade, though I originally qualified in both France and the UK. While I began my legal career in private practice, I’ve spent most of my time in-house, advising on commercial and corporate matters across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia—primarily in engineering and infrastructure.
This is my first secondment, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’m currently working part-time with a multinational pharmaceutical company, which is a new sector for me. Coming from a project-driven environment, I had expected to be involved in high-volume or time-sensitive transactions. Interestingly, the role has been more focused on steady, business-as-usual support—particularly around the company's expansion in Pakistan.
I’ve joined a close-knit legal team of four and report to the Head of GCC and Pakistan. Integration has been seamless, and while I primarily support the team, I’ve also enjoyed direct interaction with the business.
2. What attracted you to the Lawyers On Demand model?
Flexibility was the primary draw. I’m currently co-founding a legal tech startup developing collaboration tools for contract negotiation and RFP processes. We’re still navigating the product–market fit stage, so having dedicated time to shape the product and support our early clients is essential.
In my previous role as Regional Counsel for the Middle East, the scope had grown over the years to a point where the intensity made it impossible to explore entrepreneurial paths. The LOD model allows me to stay active in legal practice while gaining exposure to new industries—without compromising my ability to build something from the ground up.
What also appealed to me is that LOD has long been a pioneer in reshaping how legal services are delivered. Their model has pushed the boundaries of what flexible legal talent can look like and opened doors for lawyers seeking meaningful alternatives to traditional paths. It’s exciting to be part of a community that’s at the forefront of this evolution.
3. How has Lawyers On Demand supported you in your career and your life?
I first came across LOD when they launched in Dubai—through one of their early outreach campaigns on LinkedIn. When I later found myself needing a more adaptable working structure, they were the first agency I thought of.
What I’ve appreciated most is how human and accessible the team is. They go out of their way to match the right assignment to your expectations—whether it's part-time hours, location, industry exposure, or salary alignment. They’ve also been highly supportive in practical ways—whether it’s working remotely during the school holidays, handling HR admin, or smoothing the way on sensitive topics with the client. You really feel they have your back.
LOD’s affiliation with Consilio, a global leader in legal technology and services, also resonated with me. Their connection to the broader innovation ecosystem in legal operations aligns well with the vision we have for our own software project—where we’re using AI to help simplify document collaboration and streamline negotiation workflows. It’s encouraging to see that the legal industry is becoming more receptive to these kinds of advances.
4. What is the best thing about being a Lawyers On Demand secondee lawyer?
At senior levels in-house, especially in dynamic regions like the Gulf, it’s easy to find yourself “always on.” You’re often pulled into high-stakes decisions and late-night calls, with limited room to properly disconnect. The beauty of being on secondment with LOD is the clarity of boundaries. When you close your laptop at the end of the day, you’re free to focus on personal goals—whether that’s quality time with family or entrepreneurial pursuits.
5. What advice would you give to new Lawyers On Demand lawyers starting out or someone who may want to change their career trajectory?
Be clear about what you want your work-life balance to look like and don’t be afraid to communicate that. The beauty of the LOD model is its adaptability—whether you’re returning to work after a break, exploring a new industry, or, in my case, balancing professional legal work with another venture.
Also, embrace the learning. Each secondment is an opportunity to observe how different industries operate—pharmaceuticals, construction, technology—each with their own contracting practices, regulations, preferred tools, and internal culture. This cross-industry exposure not only makes you more commercially aware, but also sharpens your ability to advise in context, which is invaluable whether you stay in consulting or evolve your career in new directions.
And finally, stay curious. With the rapid advances in AI and automation, the way legal work is performed is bound to transform. Understanding how these tools intersect with traditional legal practice—rather than resisting them—can be a real advantage in shaping a future-proof career.
6. How do you spend your time when you are not on secondment?
My week is structured around a three-day secondment. Outside of that, my time is split between our startup and my family. My co-founders and I are constantly iterating—whether it's refining features, preparing demos, engaging early adopters, or testing new UX flows. I also handle legal and commercial aspects, so there’s a natural overlap with my core skills.
Outside of work, time with my wife and two children is a top priority. Supporting them with schoolwork, playing together, or simply being present is a big part of what I value most in this phase of life.