Word of mouth recommendations work like magic. Last year one of our clients suggested we get in touch with Evan – a former top tier senior associate, now based in Delhi, India. He’d been freelancing remotely for Australian firms, carving out a unique offering at a cost-effective rate.

Since then we’ve introduced Evan to a growing number of clients to work on commercial, general corporate and M&A matters, with great results.

Until recently, our interactions were limited to phone calls and email, yet his professionalism, responsiveness and integrity were clearly evident.

We caught up for coffee during his brief visit back to Sydney, and we’re delighted to report he makes for excellent company too!

Here’s his story:

1. What are you best at i.e. your sweet spot?

My sweet spot is general corporate and commercial work – reviewing and drafting general corporate and commercial agreements in particular. 

But I love being challenged and working on new things. I am happy to try my hand at many types of work. I’ve worked extensively in-house (in the private sector and government) and with many firms (top-tier to single-principal boutique), so I’m comfortable working across a wide variety of matters.

Having worked in the M&A teams of two top-tier Australian firms, I’m also comfortable working on matters involving private M&A, corporate governance, due diligence and joint ventures.

2. What’s the most interesting skillset or experience that you can offer a legal team as a consultant/contractor?

My breadth of experience. My career has been varied – especially working remotely from Delhi!

Broad experience has helped me adapt my communication and work style to fit the client and task. I’ve worked in-house and in private practice; for multinational corporations with deep pockets, to individuals with shoe-string budgets; with top-tier firms (for 8 years), to start-up firms operating from home offices or shared office spaces; and with government and the private sector.

I’ve also worked closely with management and policy consultants providing policy consulting advice for regulatory change projects.

3. What have been your favourite projects/engagements/roles/clients?

Working with the Gas Market Reform Group (GMRG) was very rewarding. The GMRG is a taskforce established by the COAG Energy Council to lead the design, development and implementation of certain regulatory changes in the gas market. 

The team worked almost entirely on a remote basis using cloud-based infrastructure. Team members were spread across Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart and Delhi. We worked with stakeholders in every Australian state and territory.

Despite this, the GMRG progressed a high-quality, comprehensive legislative reform agenda in a really tight timeframe. We communicated and divided responsibility very well. It was super efficient and a great advertisement for remote work.

4. Any tips for a GC/Partner who has never used a contractor in their team?

Just give it a try! It’s so simple. Within 24 hours of connecting with some firms, I’ve signed on and completed work for them.

Using contractors, particularly remote contractors engaged on an ad-hoc basis, gives firms wonderful flexibility – to cover staff absences and busy periods when needed; to clear that backlog of work. 

I can’t recall the number of matters I’ve worked on that have been sitting with a firm for weeks or months, which I’ve been able to clear in a day or two.

5. What has it been like working as a fully-remote consultant servicing Australian clients from Delhi?

I moved to Delhi with my wife, who works for the Department of Foreign Affairs, 2.5 years ago. The transition to remote work has been seamless. I still go to my office every morning (although it’s now only a 10-metre commute!) and I’m still in regular contact with clients – whether by VC, phone or email. 

And the time zone difference – Delhi is 4.5 to 5.5 hours behind Sydney – has actually helped. There’s overlap for calls but I can also progress work after Australian COB. 

The hardest bit has been changing firms’ attitudes – the notion that a bum on a seat within view is required. Sure, this is true sometimes, but not that often. With the right people and technology, most work can be done remotely.

6. What would be your top tip to anyone looking to work on a project remotely?

Get out of the house sometimes!

For many people working in a regular office, increased demands and connectivity have meant that work and home life are more and more intertwined. For those working remotely from home, there is even less separation.

Being disciplined about getting out of the house, even just a little – whether to work in a cafe, go out for lunch, use a shared work space, attend a meeting, or just go for a walk – has improved my wellbeing and productivity significantly.

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Evan is available now for general commercial, corporate and M&A matters, on a remote basis at cost-effective rates – feel free to get in touch with us .