PSL vs. Knowledge Lawyer: What's in a Title?

In UK law firms, titles matter—and nowhere is this more evident than in the world of legal knowledge and professional support. For senior lawyers considering a move away from traditional fee-earning, the distinction between Professional Support Lawyer (PSL) and Knowledge Lawyer can be an important factor in their decision-making.

While the core responsibilities of these roles are often aligned, the terminology used by firms is evolving—and with it, the perception of these positions both inside and outside the firm.

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The Origins of the Term “PSL”

The title Professional Support Lawyer has been in use in the UK since at least the 1990s. It became a formalised role in many City and international firms as a response to the growing complexity of legal practice and the need for internal legal expertise. PSLs are typically qualified lawyers who no longer undertake fee-earning work but instead support their practice areas by:

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• Drafting and maintaining precedents

• Delivering legal training to internal teams

• Providing updates on legal developments

• Assisting with know-how sharing and matter debriefs

• Supporting internal policies and regulatory guidance

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Over time, PSLs have become critical to legal knowledge management functions, ensuring that fee-earners are equipped with current, accurate, and practical legal information.

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The Emergence of the Title “Knowledge Lawyer”

In recent years, many law firms have adopted the title Knowledge Lawyer as an alternative to PSL. While both titles are still used across the legal sector, Knowledge Lawyer is becoming increasingly common—particularly in large international and US-headquartered firms with London offices.

The change in terminology reflects a broader shift in the legal market. The role has evolved beyond precedent maintenance and internal support. Today’s knowledge lawyers are often expected to:

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• Contribute to legal tech and innovation initiatives

• Assist with client-facing training and thought leadership

• Lead knowledge strategies across jurisdictions

• Collaborate with BD, compliance, and learning & development teams

• Engage in strategic projects aligned with firm-wide objectives

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As a result, the term Knowledge Lawyer is often viewed as a more modern, strategic title—one that better reflects the breadth of the role in today’s legal environment.

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Perceptions Among Fee-Earners

For senior associates and partners considering a transition into knowledge roles, the job title can carry significant weight. While the roles themselves may be substantively similar across firms, the title Knowledge Lawyer is often perceived by candidates as:

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• More aligned with external-facing work and strategic firm initiatives

• Closer in tone to traditional legal titles (e.g., Associate, Counsel, Partner)

• Less likely to be viewed internally as a “non-fee-earning support” role

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This matters particularly for lawyers with 8+ PQE who are making a long-term career decision and want the title to reflect the seniority and scope of their experience.

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How Law Firms Are Approaching Titles

There is no industry-wide standard, but current UK trends suggest:

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• City and US firms increasingly prefer Knowledge Lawyer, Senior Knowledge Lawyer, or Knowledge Counsel, especially in practice areas where cross-border collaboration, client training, and legal tech are key.

• Traditional UK firms and regional practices may still use PSL or Senior PSL, particularly where the role remains more internally focused.

• Some firms are adopting hybrid or bespoke titles such as Knowledge & Innovation Lawyer, Legal Knowledge Consultant, or Practice Development Lawyer—reflecting firm-specific structures or strategic priorities.

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Notably, even where titles differ, the role profiles may be identical. What varies is how the firm wants to position the role—internally, externally, and within the wider market.

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Why the Title Matters

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1. Talent Attraction – Job titles influence how appealing a role appears to experienced lawyers seeking a career change.

2. Internal Visibility – A modern title can help ensure the role is seen as central to the firm's legal practice, not just a back-office function.

3. Client Engagement – Where knowledge lawyers are involved in external events or training, the title can affect credibility with clients.

4. Career Progression– For some, Knowledge Lawyer is viewed as offering a clearer path to roles such as Head of Knowledge or Knowledge Partner.

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While Professional Support Lawyer and Knowledge Lawyer may describe similar responsibilities, the shift in language reflects an evolution in how law firms view knowledge roles—as strategic, high-value positions that are integral to legal service delivery and innovation.

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For firms, it’s worth reflecting on how job titles align with expectations. For candidates, it’s important to look beyond the title and examine the actual scope, visibility, and influence of the role within the firm.

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