Steven Tempelman has over 25 years of experience as an in-house employment counsel. He supports an in-house Legal team as a Senior Employment Counsel for a 250,000+ employee hospitality company. He provides valuable legal advice concerning compliance with laws and regulations and leads strategic compliance initiatives. Steve has consistently contributed as a valued team member on a range of projects, for organisations from start-ups to global Fortune 100 companies. He is a key legal advisor with a track record of achieving business goals quickly and effectively and is valued by clients. Steve is a persuasive presenter who has trained employees of all levels in organisational leadership and various complex legal subjects in employment law, resulting in increased compliance and reduced costs to his clients.
 

1.    How has Epiq Counsel enabled you to apply your legal expertise?

With over 25 years of diverse in-house employment law experience, I have had the privilege of contributing my skills to teams eager for someone who can seamlessly integrate and make immediate contributions.
 

2.    What motivated you to choose a flexible legal career path with Epiq Counsel?

I was truly impressed by the extensive range of employers and substantive work areas that Epiq offers. Currently, I am engaged with a client who oversees a large hourly workforce within a service environment, an area in which I previously had limited experience. This opportunity has enriched my understanding significantly. Furthermore, I am now also overseeing immigration matters, allowing me to deepen my knowledge in this critical area of law.
 

3.    What has been your favorite part about working with Epiq Counsel?  

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been the ability to make a meaningful difference and add value to the client team. By leveraging my background in areas where the team had less expertise, I have been able to provide immediate assistance and efficiently turn around projects. This not only supports the team’s existing talents in focusing on their core responsibilities but also helps bridge essential gaps in coverage.
 

4.    How has the flexibility of Epiq Counsel allowed you to deepen or broaden your legal expertise?

The diverse roster of clients at Epiq Counsel has afforded me the opportunity to broaden my legal knowledge significantly. I have been able to expand my expertise to encompass employment immigration law and tackle complex wage and hour issues specific to the service sector.
 

5.    What advice would you give to legal professionals considering a transition to a flexible legal career?

I encourage legal professionals to embrace this wonderful opportunity. Transitioning to a flexible legal career can lead to substantial growth in various areas of expertise, and it provides exposure to different legal teams, work styles, and environments. Ultimately, you will discover how to integrate into diverse teams, offering distinctive value that enhances your marketability as a legal professional.
 

6.    In what ways do you see the legal industry evolving to accommodate flexible, on-demand legal talent?

As firms like Epiq gain recognition among Chief Legal Officers, we will witness an increased demand for project-based engagements. This will extend beyond traditional leave coverage and M&A work, as companies seek additional support for investigations and litigation. The evolution toward accommodating flexible, on-demand legal talent is an exciting development for our industry.