Vario, the freelancing arm of Pinsent Masons,  is to train its contract lawyers to be happy. The company is running a bespoke training session for its contract lawyers looking at what happiness is, why it matters for freelance lawyers and what can be done to increase happiness. Commenting on this training session, Matthew Kay, director of Vario, said: 'Recent research has linked improved happiness to a range of positive work-related qualities. These include increased flexibility and creativity; developing our ability to see the bigger picture and helping us deal with stress and challenges.'

Transition

He said that working as a contract lawyer is known to decrease stress as the work life balance is improved and lawyers have more control over the work they do. 'However, lawyers may find the transition from private practice or permanent in-house roles to freelance difficult and stress hangovers can remain,' he said, adding that the company wanted to ensure its freelance lawyers were 'not only intellectually stimulated and providing top-quality legal advice but also feel happy and enjoy their work.' 

Networking

He added that it was also 'a opportunity for the lawyers to mingle with their peer group, network and discuss their experiences as a freelancer.' The man behind the session, Michael Fleming from training consultancy Kissing with Confidence, is a former commercial litigation law firm equity partner so has a real understanding of the realities of a legal career.