An increasing number of lawyers are exploring alternatives to traditional law firms. Firms like Setfords offer more flexibility, autonomy, and fulfilment to entrepreneurial lawyers who are looking to escape the high-pressure environment of conventional law practices.
This article provides insights into building a fulfilling legal career outside of the traditional setting, whether you’re a lawyer contemplating a move or an existing consultant hoping to advance your business.
Why Consider Consultancy?
Is working as a consultant lawyer really a better option? Consultancy firms are on the rise, with more and more lawyers choosing to join them each year. In fact, Setfords was the top recruiter among all law firms in 2023, not just platform firms, which shows the appeal of this model. But what exactly makes it so popular?
The Desire for Flexibility and Autonomy
A key drive for many consultant lawyers is the desire for greater control over their professional lives. Traditional law firms are demanding, with strict targets and little control over which clients or cases you handle. As a consultant solicitor, you set your own hours, decide on your clients, and enjoy far more autonomy over your work. This flexibility is especially appealing to those looking to achieve a healthier work-life balance or pursue personal interests alongside their legal careers.
Financial Potential
Consultant solicitors typically take home a greater percentage of their billings than they would at a traditional firm, making it an attractive option for lawyers motivated by financial growth. It’s true that you don’t have a guaranteed salary, as you would in a traditional firm, but entrepreneurial consultants with the drive to make the model work often find that their income can far exceed what they earned in a traditional firm.
At Setfords, we offer lawyers comprehensive support in this area, helping them grow their practices without many of the administrative burdens you might expect. Our marketing team assists them in promoting their services locally and beyond, while our industry-leading business development team drives more than 25% of all Setfords’ annual billings for our lawyers each year. This, combined with our other support, is provided at no additional cost, leaving our consultants free to focus on client work rather than getting bogged down in operational tasks.
How to Build a Fulfilling Career as a Consultant Solicitor
1. Define Your Goals
To ensure you’re building a career that is fulfilling for you personally, the first step is to identify your goals. What do you want to achieve in the role? Maybe it is to give your clients more time and attention, create a work-life balance that allows you to pursue the things you love, focus on a particular niche, or maximise your earning potential. For most lawyers, it’s a mixture of factors that draws them to consultancy. Whatever your goals, understanding what motivates you will help you make decisions that align with your long-term plans.
2. Take Advantage of the Support Available
While consultancy offers independence, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do everything alone. Leverage the support provided by your platform law firm – which is extensive at Setfords. Taking advantage of these resources frees up more of your time to focus on your clients – which is probably the reason you chose a career in law in the first place!
At Setfords, our consultants have unlimited access to our award-winning support and wellbeing team. From daily administrative assistance to marketing strategies designed to help you grow your business, you’ll have everything you need to grow your practice, your way.
3. Build a Strong Professional Network
Success as a consultant solicitor often depends on the strength of your professional network. Networking is essential for generating new clients, staying updated with industry trends, and meeting other lawyers to collaborate with. Attending both in-person and online events, maintaining relationships with other professionals, and participating in social media networks can all open up valuable opportunities that help you make the most of consultancy life.
Additionally, being a consultant lawyer and part of a platform firm gives you immediate access to a broad network of lawyers who specialise in different areas. This can be a great way to connect with others who can offer professional support – a key component of building a fulfilling career. At Setfords, we have a network of more than 500 lawyers from a wide range of practice areas, making it simple for our consultants to form those all-important connections.
4. Prioritise Client Relationships
Building strong client relationships is essential for any lawyer, but perhaps even more so for consultant lawyers seeking to make the most of their careers. Establishing trust with clients naturally leads to more repeat business and referrals – the backbone of any thriving consultancy. So, those looking to maximise their potential as consultants should prioritise this focus, which is easier to do with the flexibility and autonomy that the platform law model provides.
Life as a consultant lawyer can be a step toward a more flexible and fulfilling legal career. While transitioning from traditional law can feel daunting, with the right support from your firm and effort on your part, the opportunities are immense.
Whether you’re considering consultancy or are already there, remember that this career offers more than autonomy. It also provides the chance to build a business that aligns with your goals, interests, and values, leading to a more rewarding and fulfilling path.
If you’re ready to explore where consultancy can take you, Setfords is here to help you build the career you deserve. As a pioneering platform law firm, we offer a comprehensive support package, including access to our expert support team, industry-leading technology, and a competitive fee-share arrangement. Please get in touch today for a confidential conversation.
