Flex Legal also runs a social mobility scheme to help disadvantaged candidates qualify to become lawyers in FTSE companies.
Mary started the company in 2016 and grew it to an exit in 2024 to Mishcon de Reya LLP. She was voted Entrepreneur of the Year at the Women in Law Awards in 2021 and Diversity Champion and Innovator at the Women in Law and Power Awards in 2023. Flex Legal was also the fastest growing female founded business in 2023 in the E2E Female 100 Awards. She loves spending time with her two little girls aged 3.5 and 2.
Highlights
I knew from experience those students would have jumped at the chance to get legal work experience and I knew associates like myself were desperate for their help.
I think most people go into law because they want to make the world a better place and they want to support people and help people and have a strong kind of heart for justice and things like that.
What’s the worst that can happen? I can always go back to being a lawyer if this is a year which turns into a disaster.
I don’t know how to build this, I’m probably going to get it wrong however I’ll build you a minimal viable product and if you like it, I’m then in.
We got away with murder in a lovely way, but I don’t think my parents ever knew what I did for GCSE, A levels, Degree.
I feel very lucky and privileged with the upbringing that I’ve had and it makes me want to strive and do more for people who haven’t been as fortunate as me.
Being positive is one of the most important traits as a founder because you’re always going to have a plate spinning.
I’ve definitely got other ideas and I think that’s a true founder who has a million and one ideas.
Always try something manually and then see what’s taking too long and then use tech when you’re being inefficient.