In today’s competitive legal market, more Canadian lawyers are embracing law firm secondments as a way to expand their experience and professional network. Once seen mainly as a stepping stone for junior associates, secondments have now become a strategic move for legal professionals at every stage of their careers.
Whether working with a client company, a government department, or another firm, secondments give lawyers a fresh perspective that traditional firm work cannot always provide.
What Is a Secondment in Law?
A secondment is a temporary assignment where a lawyer works outside their regular firm for a set period, often within a client’s legal department, corporate team, or public institution. This arrangement allows lawyers to gain practical business-side experience while strengthening relationships with key clients.
For example, a commercial lawyer might spend several months with a financial institution to better understand compliance and risk management from the client’s perspective.
The Canadian Bar Association highlights secondments as an effective way for lawyers to broaden their expertise and deepen client relationships in a rapidly changing industry.
Why Secondments Are Becoming Popular in Canada
Law firm secondments in Canada have grown in popularity for several reasons:
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Diverse Experience: Lawyers gain hands-on exposure to different industries and client environments.
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Career Growth: Secondments often open doors to promotions or permanent in-house roles.
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Networking Opportunities: Working with new teams allows professionals to build valuable connections.
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Client Insight: Experiencing the client’s day-to-day challenges leads to stronger, more strategic legal advice.
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Work-Life Balance: Many secondments offer a refreshing change of pace from traditional firm schedules.
For associates, secondments also serve as a way to demonstrate adaptability and initiative to both firm leaders and clients.
The Career Benefits of Secondments
A secondment can be a smart move for any lawyer seeking to grow professionally. It often enhances communication skills, business understanding, and client empathy, all of which are key qualities for long-term career success.
Legal employers, as noted by Canadian Lawyer Magazine, are increasingly prioritizing candidates who combine strong legal expertise with commercial awareness.
How to Find a Secondment Opportunity
Not all firms post secondment roles publicly, so building relationships within your organization and with clients is essential. If you’re interested, express your goals to your supervising partner or HR representative.
Recruitment partners such as Ultimate Recruitment can also play a key role in connecting you with secondment opportunities that align with your goals. Our team has helped many lawyers and paralegals secure placements that enhance their career trajectory, offering both flexibility and professional growth.
You can also visit the Law Society of Ontario’s Career Resources for tips on gaining experience outside traditional firm structures.
Final Thoughts
As the legal profession continues to evolve, law firm secondments in Canada are emerging as valuable career-building experiences rather than temporary assignments. They offer a chance to step outside routine work, gain insight into clients’ needs, and strengthen professional credibility.
If you are ready to explore your next opportunity, consider partnering with Ultimate Recruitment. We specialize in matching legal professionals with roles that align with their expertise, ambition, and lifestyle goals.
