Susan Lyons is a consultant solicitor with more than 25 years’ experience across residential and commercial property. She also handles wills, probate and charity law, with a specialism in religious charities.
Susan joined Setfords in 2015, and we caught up with her to talk about why she made the move, how it’s worked out, and how consultancy lets her fit in everything from tennis to travel.
What made you leave traditional practice?
There were a number of reasons. Mainly, it was the disproportionate amount of time wasted on internal meetings, marketing activity and day-to-day office management.
As an independent, self-employed consultant, I can set my own targets. If I hit them, I see the rewards myself, rather than chasing ever-changing goalposts.
What’s your favourite thing about the way you work now?
Not having to deal with traffic jams! Seriously, it’s the flexibility. I can be anywhere, whether that’s at home, in a hotel room or in my campervan, work my own hours and earn my own rewards.
What surprised you most about consultancy?
At first, you do miss the tearoom gossip, office drinks and general sociability. But as you choose your own hours, you can build in social events. I’m off to tennis at 4pm today!
There’s time for impromptu dog walks too, and no need to ask permission for doctor’s appointments or car services.
What advice would you give someone considering the move to consultancy?
If you have a reasonable following and five or more years’ experience, do it. For newer qualifiers, I’d say get experience and a client following under your belt first. Enjoy the sociability of medium and large firms, then consider consultancy.
It’s ideal for anyone bringing up children, small or large, who wants to be there for school pick-ups and plays without the guilt. That goes for mums and dads.
“I wish this way of working had been around when my little one, now 32, was little!”
If you have a passion, hobby or love of travel you want more time for, it opens up so many possibilities. I’ve travelled to Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Spain, France, Portugal, America and Greece. Next, I’m hoping to go to Japan via Tasmania, and back through South America.
Which Setfords support team could you not live without?
As a conveyancer, it has to be accounts! So much of what I do involves handling client money, so having a team I can rely on there makes a real difference.
Quickfire round
Tea or coffee?
Coffee.
Home office or coffee shop?
Home office generally, or a hotel room or my campervan!
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl. Twit twoo!
Any pets?
Lola the pug!
If Susan’s story has got you thinking, arrange a confidential call with our team to see how consultancy with Setfords could work for you.
