Key Takeaway: Without effective engagement management, flexible talent on client assignments risk falling behind or missing the mark. Engagement managers are the connective tissue between flexible talent and the clients they support. With an experienced engagement manager in their corner, these professionals gain the clarity, tools, and support that turn uncertainty into confidence and effort into impact. 

Engagement management empowers flexible talent to thrive, rather than simply get by. By maximizing the value of their flexible talent, teams will accelerate results, elevate performance, and create lasting impact for the legal department.

Flexible Talent Face More Than a New Workload

Starting a new engagement is more than learning new tasks. It requires adapting quickly to unfamiliar expectations, complex workflows, and remote environments. Without guidance, even legal professionals with substantial experience can struggle to integrate quickly and deliver results. Engagement management bridges that gap, giving flexible talent the structure and support they need to succeed from day one. It also builds a connection to the client’s team and operating style, even when working remotely, creating trust and confidence early in the engagement. 

Context and Connection Drive Success

Legal professionals are not plug-and-play. Once flexible talent are matched with a client, an engagement manager steps in immediately. They coordinate onboarding, handle IT and HR setup, and act as a conduit between the client and the flexible talent. By offering insight into client expectations and how the client team operates, responsive engagement managers make it easier for flexible talent to settle in quickly and avoid common missteps.

Onboarding Is More Than Logistics 

Most engagements start remotely. While remote engagements have many benefits, there is no office tour, no casual introductions, and no walk-up helpdesk to answer IT questions. Engagement managers fill that void with a structured, supportive experience. Not only do they ensure that equipment arrives, system access is granted, and training is completed, but their role extends far beyond initial logistical steps. They prompt clients to prepare first-day assignments and make expectations and priorities clear. This proactive approach sets the tone for success, reduces downtime, and ensures flexible talent have what they need to contribute meaningfully from day one. 

The first day is just the beginning. Dedicated engagement managers follow up with professionals after the first two weeks, then monthly, and are available whenever needed. These conversations surface concerns, clarify expectations, and offer reassurance. They share client feedback so professionals know where they excel and where they can improve. In the secondment setting, this feedback loop is rare and invaluable. It drives ongoing growth and ensures flexible talent feel supported throughout the engagement, not just at the start.

Managing Challenges Before They Escalate

Not every assignment unfolds exactly as planned. Sometimes expectations misalign, or personalities don’t mesh. Engagement managers step in early to resolve issues by working with talent to adjust communication styles, clarify deliverable expectations, or, if necessary, revisit fit. Their goal remains the same: a successful engagement for everyone involved. This proactive approach protects the flexible talents’ reputation and ensures they have the tools and guidance to succeed when challenges arise. 

A Partner Who Understands Your World

Engagement managers do more than coordinate. They act as strategic partners with expertise in law, legal operations, and recruiting. They understand the business of law and the human side of work. This insight enables them to anticipate challenges, offer practical advice, and guide flexible talent to success in complex environments. Their ability to balance technical and interpersonal needs ensures smooth placements.

Final Thought 

Starting a new assignment is exciting, but it can also feel uncertain. Engagement management gives flexible talent the clarity, resources, and support to succeed from day one. From onboarding to ongoing check-ins, flexible talent have a partner who helps them navigate expectations, build confidence, and deliver their best work. Engagement managers bring the expertise that enables flexible talent to excel from the start. 

Learn more about Epiq Counsel.


Paige Elberger, Engagement Manager, Epiq Counsel

Paige Elberger is an Engagement Manager at Epiq Counsel, where she partners with clients and legal professionals to ensure successful secondments. Leveraging her background as a corporate lawyer, Paige delivers practical support throughout the engagement process. Before joining Epiq Counsel, Paige was a corporate associate at Dwyer Murphy Calvert LLP, DLA Piper LLP (US) and Latham & Watkins LLP, where she advised clients on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financings, company formations and general corporate matters. Paige earned her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.