Q&A with Szabolcs Gall

In the first of a series looking at our freelancers’ stories, we speak with Szabolcs Gall, a Canadian lawyer also qualified in the UK who has worked and travelled through Germany and Russia to finally make his home in Budapest, Hungary.

One of our top tier experts, Szab started out working for a Bay Street law firm in Toronto after articling, focusing on IP and Technology. With further specialisations ranging from FinTech, private equity, banking & capital markets, governance, risk & compliance, telecomms, media & technology, Szabolcs worked as a general counsel for a number of Central European giants before turning to full time freelance legal work

In which country did you first qualify?
I initially qualified in Canada, which is where I grew up, then in England and Wales when I moved there with Clifford Chance. The move was unplanned but a great opportunity at the time. I had always wanted to work in Europe, loved Hungary in particular so it was the first step in the journey. After working with Clifford Chance in Germany and Russia as well, I decided to finally move Hungary.

What attracted you to the idea of going freelance?
I actually stumbled upon freelancing, as it came from an extension of an employment role that I was in. It immediately became very attractive for me as I was able to be more selective in my work, which goes some way to improving the actual quality of the work I was doing, which is extremely important for me. Other hugely motivating factors are the ability to control when and where I work.

How long have you been freelancing?
I first started freelancing in summer 2019, so it’s been 1.5 years already!

Did you notice a downturn in work when COVID began?
Like most people I was concerned that my work would be quite seriously affected, particularly by the severity of lockdowns and the concerns of clients and their spend, but as a pleasant surprise it actually got busier.

You were once a GC. If you could go back in time, would you have used more freelancers as a GC?
Yes definitely. The freelancer market has been getting more sophisticated over the past few years and the choice just wasn’t there before like it is now. With the impacts of COVID, I think it will develop even more. I am fortunate to have started freelancing when I did and I think I have a bit of a jump on the “competition”

Would you ever consider going back to being a law firm employee/GC?
This is a bit of a tough call. My instinct is to respond that it’s highly unlikely. To be completely honest, I do think that if the right role came along, I would consider it. But it would have to be extremely inviting.

What is the most frustrating part of being a freelance lawyer?
For most roles you are there to support on an interim basis, so you have to get past any potential frustrations. There is an element of uncertainty when it comes to what assignment will land on your desk next and who you will support – so it is a bit unpredictable.

What is the most rewarding?
Definitely the quality of work and the people I have met. On my most recent assignment, I have been working with banks all over the world as well as an exciting fintech start-up that has amazing people all driving towards the same goal.

By going freelance, have you been able to expand your practice into areas of law that you might not have had access to in a traditional law firm setting?
Not necessarily, but I do have the ability to focus on those assignments that are of interest to me. I have quite varied experience , but I can see how freelancing might be a good way to achieve this for someone whose top priority was more directional in this way.

What top 3 tips would you give to someone who’s considering going freelance?
Be flexible, patient and work hard to become an invaluable part of the team.

What top 3 tips would you give to a client who’s considering hiring a freelancer?
Hire as if you were hiring a full-time employee, look for someone with varied experience, and set realistic availability windows.