If you enjoy your firm and the people in it but still feel something is missing, Kayleigh’s story may resonate. After years in local practice, she wanted the flexibility to shape her own career and give each client the best service she could offer. Like many solicitors considering consultancy, she worried about whether the work would come. In this case study, she shares how she compared her options, how she built her client base in Devon, and why she believes being personable is one of a consultant’s greatest strengths.
Kayleigh Kryulko Coombe went from university straight into a local law firm as a receptionist and admin assistant. She stayed and worked through nearly every role there: assistant, secretary, legal secretary and paralegal. She then completed her LPC and training contract to qualify as a solicitor. In January 2026, she joined Setfords as a consultant in residential conveyancing.
“I think residential property chose me, and I think a lot of people would say the same thing. When you leave university, not a lot of people actually know what residential conveyancing is, because it’s not a particular subject that you learn on the degree.”
Outgrowing the local firm model
Kayleigh spent her whole career in local firms before consultancy. She speaks warmly about those years, but also about what she wanted that they couldn’t offer.
“As much as I loved the people that I worked with and really enjoyed my time at the firms, and I’ve learned a lot from some of the really amazing people that have been at those firms, ultimately your career decisions are down to somebody else. And there isn’t the flexibility that consultancy brings. So even if you like the people and you like the firm, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right fit for you as a person.”
A more personal service for her clients
Kayleigh now works with clients in Dawlish and nearby areas, including Exeter, Torquay and East Devon. Controlling her own caseload has changed how she approaches each matter.
“With conveyancing, it’s very easy to fall into a trap of what we call bulk conveyancing, where you have a lot of files and not enough time for all of those people. I think being a consultant has allowed me to actually take on slightly less work, but in my opinion, do a better job, because I’ve been able to give more of myself to each transaction.”
Her area has plenty of established law firms and estate agents. She has found that the direct relationship is what sets her apart.
“If you’re looking for a really personal service, then I think a lot of clients have welcomed consultancy and the fact that they deal with me directly and in person, as opposed to dealing with a big outfit where they might be dealing with assistants instead of the solicitor.”
The teams behind her practice
Kayleigh compared four or five platform firms before joining Setfords, writing out a pros and cons list for each. Like many solicitors weighing up the move, her biggest question was whether the work would come.
“There is always that concern of what if people don’t want to use my services? What if people don’t want to come to me? I have a mortgage myself so the uncertainty of earnings was very real. Ultimately, if you don’t get the work, you don’t get paid, which is why choosing the right consultancy practice to suit your specific circumstances is so important.”
The Setfords’ marketing team produced flyers that informed potential clients that Kayleigh was based in Dawlish and the surrounding areas.
“When I first started, they were very supportive and assisted me in marketing campaigns and getting my name out there. So it wasn’t a case that I stepped into consultancy and was completely on my own.”
Setfords’ 200+ strong support team works behind the scenes for its consultants. Alongside marketing, it’s teams include compliance, IT, business development, admin, post-completion and secretarial support, among others.
“They seem to go above and beyond and they are always contactable. So even if it’s an awkward time, you normally get an answer.”
Advice for conveyancers considering the move
Consultancy has also given Kayleigh more time for local networking, something which was hard to fit in around usual working hours when she was employed. It’s shaped the advice she’d give anyone considering the move.
“Don’t be afraid to be yourself. I think when you work at traditional law firms, there is an expectation to be more commercial, more business-like, more polished. Obviously you have to be professional, but you can also be personal and be yourself. People will refer work to you if you are authentic and friendly. So don’t be afraid to be those things. You can be a professional lawyer and still show your human side.”
Thinking about your next move?
Like Kayleigh, you could run your own practice with a 200+ strong support team behind you. Speak with our recruitment team today for a free, confidential conversation about what consultancy with Setfords could look like for you.
