Pinsent Masons Vario

We are delighted to share that Sonia Williamson has been promoted to Legal Director. Her inclusion in the firm's latest round of promotions is a testament to her hard work and the value she brings to our Managed Legal Services team. It also demonstrates the importance of Vario within the wider Pinsent Masons offering, as we continue to support clients with alternative legal services.

Cross-generation collaboration: the key to in-house legal tech adoption James Lewindon's latest piece on legal functions has been published by Legal Futures It explores how leaders will increasingly have to evolve their thinking on how to manage multigenerational teams containing differing levels of technological expertise The article looks more specifically at: ✅ The impact of education and training ✅ Harnessing different skillsets ✅ Encouraging collaboration and idea sharing Click the link below for the full piece!

When contracting processes start to slow the business down - whether due to inefficient templates, delays, a stretched legal team, or a growing backlog - the impact can be felt across every function. Without clear workflows or formal structures in place, even simple agreements become harder to progress, creating friction and adding pressure to already limited capacity. Our Commercial Contracting team supports organisations facing these challenges by helping streamline processes, reduce bottlenecks, and create efficient, risk‑aligned contracting frameworks that bring clarity and momentum back into BAU operations. If contracting inefficiencies are holding your organisation back, we’re here to help. 👉 Click the link to get started:https://ow.ly/7N6b50YvJAt

In these uncertain times, in house lawyers across the GCC are increasingly finding themselves under immense pressure, caught between soaring commercial demands and lean legal team structures. General counsel across the Middle East consistently report heavier workloads, rising expectations from business units, and a persistent shortage of internal resources to keep pace. This imbalance leaves many legal teams overstretched, managing large volumes of work while still being expected to deliver rapid, high quality, business aligned advice. This is where Vario can support. Our flexible resourcing solutions give in house legal teams immediate access to experienced, high calibre lawyers who can step in quickly, relieve pressure, and help maintain operational excellence without increasing permanent headcount. Ready to get started? Connect with our Middle East team today: Julian Sarkadi, Lucie Hallett, Sarah Moore

Get outside of your comfort zone... In this episode of our GC Series, we're joined by Chris Fowler, COO - Legal, Governance & Corporate Affairs at Rio Tinto Chris firmly believes that legal careers have changed dramatically and that the way to take advantage of this for you and your business is by stepping into the somewhat unknown Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/e-mYSn8Q

"Don't be uncomfortable asking the stupid question" We've all felt out of our comfort zone but too scared to ask a question we think might be stupid, but that's exactly what Chris Fowler recommends lawyers do more of. In the latest GC interview series, he speaks to us about how to take advantage of a changing legal landscape to become a leader within your business To dive into his insights, click the link below: https://lnkd.in/e-mYSn8Q

When a global aviation manufacturer found its third‑party risk management process too complex to follow consistently, delays began to hit procurement, contract renewals, and ultimately, business performance. We reviewed their existing requirements and recommended a more commercial, streamlined approach. For high‑performing suppliers, we advised reducing unnecessary checks to lighten the load on procurement and legal teams without compromising control. The result? A simplified framework that quickly identifies whether a long‑form or short‑form review is needed, accelerating decision‑making, removing bottlenecks, and reducing backlog. 👉 Want to simplify your third‑party risk management process? Reach out to Bradley Taylor in our Commercial Contracting team. 🔗 https://ow.ly/SIQs50YvICO

Why Stepping Beyond Legal Can Transform Your Career: Insights from a Leading COO In this episode of our GC Series, we're joined by Chris Fowler, COO - Legal, Governance & Corporate Affairs at Rio Tinto Chris shares his insights into how lawyers can get out of their comfort zone and into leadership roles within their business.↗️ You can read the full blog on his experience here: https://ow.ly/448E50YzfOj

When a key team member leaves or workload spikes unexpectedly, those gaps can slow the business down fast. Sudden capacity pressure doesn’t just create delays, it impacts stakeholders, turnaround times, and overall team confidence. Our Commercial Contracting team helps organisations stay stable when it matters most, providing flexible support that integrates quickly and keeps BAU moving. If you’re navigating a resource gap and need immediate, reliable support, we’re here to help. 👉 Click the link to get started: https://ow.ly/biKa50YvJv6

Being part of the Vario Hub is becoming part of a connected community of legal professionals committed to growth.✨ At Pinsent Masons Vario, our consultants aren’t just left hanging between assignments. They benefit from: ✅Personalised support ✅Access to CPD resources and skills development ✅Networking with our partners and wider community ✅Early visibility of new opportunities and upcoming roles A space to stay connected, sharpen your expertise, and feel fully supported in your legal consulting career. If you’re looking for flexibility, meaningful work, and a community that invests in you, the Vario Hub could be the next step in your journey. 💼