Interview with Mary Bonsor, CEO of Flex Legal
Flex Legal is an award-winning platform connecting organisations to the UK’s best interim lawyers and paralegals. Read our interview with their CEO, Mary Bonsor.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Any female who starts her own business – it’s tough and I have so much admiration for anyone who gives it a go.
What do you enjoy most about working in legal tech?
Every day is different, whether it’s sales, management, problem solving – it keeps it interesting. I am also a lawyer by background so I love trying to improve our industry for the better.
What makes Flex Legal different?
We pride ourselves on our values – being human, positive and responsive. Technology has always been at the core with my co-founder being a technologist and we hope this makes the client journey of using us really efficient and great.
What is your work-life balance like?
It’s oooookay. I need to be better at making sure I get away from my desk – I find WFH makes this harder.
How would someone describe you in three words?
Positive, ambitious and an arranger (I like making things happen).
If you had one wish, what would it be?
That I can live by the sea one day.
How did Flex Legal start?
I was a lawyer who had a big deadline and was looking out the window and saw a group of law students outside the law school. I thought if only I could contact them to help me now, I know they would jump at the opportunity. That was the light bulb moment. It then took a few years of planning and raising some money to take the plunge and jump from my law firm.
What achievement are you most proud of?
We have had some amazing recognition and won several awards such as: Law Company of the Year 2021 – The Lawyer.
Do you think the male/female divide in high level roles is narrowing?
Yes, I think we need more senior women in leadership roles so that there are people to look up to for future talent.
Have you faced any challenges with your career?
I have. I faced a lot of questions over getting funding as a female – “when are you going to have children”.
Why is legal tech important?
It is SO important. The legal sector needs to keep up with other sectors, and using technology helps provide the best service to clients using legal services.
What are your hopes and dreams for the next 10 years?
My dream is to continue to grow Flex Legal – and help people work more flexibly and change people’s careers so that the legal industry improves and keeps brilliant people.
How did you get into law?
I didn’t do a law degree but did Politics and fell into law as I didn’t know what else I wanted to do. I enjoyed problem solving and helping people, and law felt like it ticked off those 2 things. I managed to get a training contract at Winckworth Sherwood LLP and qualified as a property litigator.
What are three little known facts about you?
I am a twin, I can quote the Man U 1996 winning football team and I love spinning.
What three tips would you give someone looking to start their own business?
Be brave, always remember it’s a marathon not a sprint, and make sure you have fun along the way!
As the CEO of an innovative legal tech firm, how has being a woman helped your career goals?
I think being a woman has helped as I have now had a child and so really learning to prioritise what work to do, keep focused and be super organised with my time are all key traits to being a mother and business owner.
Find out more about Flex Legal.
