Varsha Shah is a licensed conveyancer who has specialised in residential property for more than 30 years. She joined Setfords as a consultant in July 2025, after deciding she wanted the flexibility to work on her own terms.
We caught up with Varsha to talk about making the move.
What made you leave traditional practice?
I’ve been practicing law for a long time, and the flexibility of being a consultant is so much better than being employed. I can choose the hours I work, and joining Setfords fitted in perfectly with my lifestyle at the time.
I needed to get away from working 24/7. Having that flexibility as a consultant is what drew me in.
What’s your favourite thing about the way you work now?
There are so many things. Firstly, everyone at Setfords is brilliant: so helpful and so kind. Nothing’s too much trouble for anyone.
It’s nice to work somewhere with traditional values that’s also modern, and the technology is great. I like getting up in the morning to do the work now, and saving on commuting costs helps as well.
What surprised you most about consultancy?
As an employee, there are a lot of expectations on you, and you have to meet targets. What surprised me about consultancy is that there aren’t any. The only targets are the ones you set yourself, and you have a lot of flexibility in the way that you work. As long as you’re doing everything correctly, you can completely shape your own calendar.
What advice would you give someone considering the move to consultancy?
Definitely jump in, and not only feet first. Go all the way.
“It’s the best decision I’ve made, not only from a work perspective, but from a personal one too.”
Mental health wise, being at Setfords has made a real difference. It’s a different way of working, one I never thought I could do, and I’m so grateful I can.
Which Setfords support team could you not live without?
I can’t pick one, because all the teams are brilliant! Since day one, nobody has ever said no to anything I’ve asked of them.
Quickfire round
Tea or coffee?
Tea, for sure.
Home office or coffee shop?
Home office. I like my creature comforts.
Early bird or night owl?
Definitely an early bird. I need to be in bed by 9pm, and the quicker I can get into my PJs, the better!
If Varsha’s story has got you thinking, arrange a confidential call with our team to see how consultancy with Setfords could work for you.
