How We Helped A Specialist M&A Law Firm Expand Its Capacity

Client Background

A boutique law firm with offices in Melbourne and New York, specializing in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate commercial law, and startup law had plans to expand and scale operations. They sought top-tier legal talent to manage the growing workload in these highly specialized sectors.

The Challenge

The firm’s founder had previously hired locally in Australia on a contract basis but was looking for more permanent, senior-level support. The challenge was to find someone with extensive experience in M&A who could seamlessly integrate into the firm, manage complex deals, and bring valuable international exposure to the team.

How the Candidate Was Placed

Teams Squared reached out to the firm’s founder, suggesting that they consider hiring a lawyer from outside Australia. After understanding the firm’s needs, we presented a highly qualified candidate: an experienced lawyer with 10+ years in M&A and a law degree from the US. The candidate had extensive corporate experience and was seeking international exposure while working remotely. After several rounds of discussions, the firm offered the candidate a part-time role (20 hours per week), which quickly evolved into a full-time position due to her outstanding performance.

What the Firm Did to Make It Successful

1. Flexible and Scalable Approach:
   Initially offering the candidate a part-time role, the firm gradually increased her hours from 20 to 40 per week, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to scale based on her performance.
2. ‍Clear Expectations and Strong Communication:  
   The firm set clear expectations and maintained strong communication throughout the integration process. The candidate was given full access to the resources she needed, including regular meetings with senior team members to ensure alignment.
   
3. Deepening the Relationship:  
   The firm worked closely with the candidate, giving her ownership of significant M&A and Technology projects and ensuring she was continuously challenged with new and more complex legal matters. This fostered a deeper sense of connection to the firm and allowed the candidate to develop professionally.

What Teams Squared Did to Make It Successful

1. Initial Hesitations and Concerns:  
   The candidate initially had reservations about leaving her well-established corporate role at a prestigious firm. She was concerned about stability and job security, given the boutique nature of the firm. Teams Squared provided The candidate with detailed insights into the firm's values, culture, and growth trajectory, addressing her concerns and helping her understand how this move would benefit her long-term career. Teams Squared also recommended starting part time first, to see if the firm culture was a fit for her and if it was something she would like to commit full time to.  
2. ‍Supporting Remote Work Setup:  
   Teams Squared facilitated the transition to remote work by assisting with setting up communication channels, device checks, ensuring the candidate had the resources to work efficiently, and helping the firm understand how to manage cross-border working relationships to make sure the candidate was being phased in effectively.  
3. ‍Ongoing Career Support:  
   After the initial placement, Teams Squared maintained regular check-ins with the candidate, offering guidance and helping her navigate the challenges of remote work. Teams Squared also supported the firm with feedback on how to continue fostering the candidate's professional growth and integration into the team.

Candidate Success Story

The candidate was initially hesitant about joining the firm, given the significant shift from her established corporate career to a more nomadic, remote opportunity working at a specialist boutique firm.  However, after connecting with Teams Squared, she realized the opportunity was being handled in a very professional and structured way, catering to her interest to work remotely, manage her time more flexibly, and gain exposure to international markets, making it an ideal way to finally make the transition she was always curious to make.  

Since joining the firm, the candidate has transitioned to a full-time role, increasing her involvement in M&A projects and expanding her portfolio. The flexibility of remote work has allowed her to balance her professional responsibilities while enjoying the freedom of a global career. The candidate's career trajectory has significantly improved, as she has gained international experience and become an integral part of the firm’s team.

Client Success Story

For the firm, bringing on the candidate was a strategic move that allowed them to scale their M&A practice and enhance their global competitiveness. Initially hesitant to hire outside Australia, the firm’s founder now sees the value in expanding the firm's talent pool internationally. The candidate's contributions have been instrumental in managing large technology and M&A projects, bringing fresh perspectives and deep expertise to the firm’s portfolio.

The success of this remote hire has helped the firm achieve greater efficiency and solidify its position as a leading boutique firm specializing in M&A, corporate commercial law, and startups.

The Vital Human Element Behind the Success |

‍Client & Candidate Reflections

The Candidate

1. Learning to fit in with a remote work environment
2. Creating a strong impact digitally vs in person
3. Unlocking more freedom in their personal life

       Additional Qs:

4. How did you manage time zone differences?
5. What skills have you gained working remotely?
6. How has the role evolved since you joined?

The Client

1. Challenges around integrating a remote, international lawyer
2. Pleasant surprises of working with a remote hire
3. Expansion of the firm with added efficiency
   

        Additional Qs

4. What impact has this hire had on team dynamics?  
5. How did you ensure smooth communication across time zones?  
6. How has the remote setup benefited your firm’s operations?

Our Mission at Teams Squared

For Candidates

Our mission is to empower highly skilled local lawyers to break barriers, access international exposure, and share their expertise on a global stage.

For Clients

We bridge mature markets with highly skilled talent from emerging markets, unlocking opportunities, providing fresh insights, and leveraging global market efficiencies to help firms scale via tapping into top talent worldwide.