What is a self employed solicitor?
A self-employed solicitor runs their own practice rather than working as an employee, taking responsibility for their own clients, workload and income. Many work through a platform firm, which provides regulatory cover, indemnity insurance and business support in return for a share of fees billed.
The two routes, and why the difference matters
There are two ways to practise as a self-employed solicitor, and they are not variations of the same thing.
A SRA freelance solicitor, practises on their own account under regulation 10.2 of the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations. You practise in your own name, not through a trading name or a service company, you cannot employ anyone in connection with the legal services you provide, and clients engage you directly and pay you directly. If you want to carry out reserved legal activities, which include conducting litigation, conveyancing, probate work, advocacy, notarial activities and the administration of oaths, you must have practised for at least three years since admission, and you cannot hold client money. You also arrange your own insurance, which must be adequate and appropriate but is not required to meet the SRA’s minimum terms.
As a consultant solicitor, you are self-employed for tax purposes but you practise through a firm that holds SRA authorisation. The firm’s authorisation covers reserved work, its client account handles client money, and its qualifying professional indemnity insurance covers your files. You keep your own clients and set your own hours, and you take an agreed share of the fees you bill.
How do self-employed solicitors get paid?
As a consultant at Setfords there is no salary, no billing target imposed on you, and no cap on what you can earn – your income is a direct function of the work you take on and the rates you agree with your clients. You will receive up to 80% of your billings, and all of Setfords’ industry-leading support is included within your fee split, at no extra cost.
Self-employed solicitor FAQs
Can a solicitor be self-employed?
Yes. Solicitors in England and Wales can practise on a self-employed basis either as an SRA freelance solicitor working on their own account, or as a consultant through an authorised law firm. Both remain regulated by the SRA and both require a current practising certificate.
What is the difference between a freelance solicitor and a consultant solicitor?
A freelance solicitor practises on their own account, in their own name, and is engaged and paid directly by clients. A consultant solicitor is self-employed but practises through an SRA-authorised firm, using the firm’s authorisation, client account and professional indemnity insurance. Consultants can carry out reserved work and handle client money through the firm; freelance solicitors face restrictions on both.
Do you need three years' experience to be a self-employed solicitor?
Three years since admission is required for an SRA freelance solicitor carrying out reserved legal activities such as litigation, conveyancing or probate. That specific restriction does not apply to consultants practising through an authorised firm, though firms set their own experience requirements. At Setfords, we require our consultants to have at least 5 years PQE.
How much do self-employed solicitors earn?
Earnings depend on the fees billed and the share agreed with the firm, so there is no fixed figure. Consultants at Setfords can earn up to 80% of their billings for example, if you bill £200,000, you will earn £130,000.
Do self-employed solicitors need their own insurance?
Consultants practising through an authorised firm are covered by the firm’s qualifying professional indemnity insurance. SRA freelance solicitors must arrange their own cover, which must be adequate and appropriate to the services provided but is not required to meet the SRA’s minimum terms.
Can you keep your clients if you become self-employed?
Usually yes, subject to any restrictive covenants in your current contract and to clients choosing to move with you. Review your contract before giving notice.
Is a self-employed solicitor still regulated?
Yes. The SRA Principles and the Code of Conduct for Solicitors apply whichever route you take, along with the Transparency Rules, and you remain answerable to the SRA. You need a current practising certificate. What changes is where the regulatory wrapper sits: a freelance solicitor is regulated as an individual practising on their own account, while a consultant practises under the firm’s authorisation and within its compliance framework.
Why become a self employed lawyer at Setfords?
Unlimited earning potential
Set your own work-life balance
Work from anywhere
150+ strong expert support team
Nationwide network of 650+ lawyers
A dedicated business development team
Making the move
Are you thinking about becoming a self employed lawyer? It’s a change that can bring many benefits and indeed reignite your passion for what you do. If you’re looking to move now, in six months, or even in years to come, we’re interested in speaking with you. To talk in more detail about discovering a better way of working, get in touch with us today.
What our consultants say
Not only do I now have happier clients, but also a healthier work-life balance. A true win-win.
David Miers
Consultant (Stress at Work)
I love that it’s all up to me – what I do, when I work, I’m the master of my own destiny.
Maria Schultz
Consultant (Residential and Commercial Property)
It gives you a better work life balance, it gives you greater work satisfaction and it can boost your self-esteem. It has made me a happier and more confident lawyer.
Thowheetha Shaah
Consultant (Family Law)
