If you’ve been considering consultancy for a while but haven’t yet made the move, Neena’s story may feel familiar. She had wanted to be her own boss for years, and her first attempt didn’t come together. When the right opportunity came, she was ready. In this case study, she talks about planning the transition, choosing her specialisms from day one, and finding a community of like-minded lawyers on Chancery Lane.
Neena Jhawer qualified at the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office, prosecuting HM Revenue and Customs offences as part of central government. She had wanted to work for herself for years. An earlier attempt at consultancy didn’t come together, but a change in her career gave her the opening she needed. She joined Setfords in 2024 and specialises in fraud and health and safety.
“I’d always wanted to do it. I always wanted to work for myself. That was always a driver for me.”
Making the move to Setfords
Before approaching Setfords, Neena spoke to consultants already practising criminal law. Setfords London Office on Chancery Lane also put her exactly where she wanted to be. Her main concern was whether consultancy would be financially viable.
“Because I’d been considering it for quite a while, I was able to make the transition by having the necessary buffers in place financially, in order for me to make that jump while I was bedding in and setting up my own business.”
Time spent where it counts
Joining Setfords meant Neena could choose her specialisms from the outset. Many of her clients come to her at some of the hardest points in their lives, and having the time to support them properly has helped her build lasting relationships.
“I’m not tied up in team meetings or managing people or being managed myself. So being able to be really organic and provide a bespoke service to my clients and assist them through very difficult times, that’s made possible because of the consultancy model.”
A community on Chancery Lane
The London office is set up so consultants can come in and work alongside administrative staff. Neena’s favourite part of her working day is the walk past the High Court on her way in.
“You have your own caseload and you work for yourself, but there is a whole community that you can connect with who work in your area.”
For lawyers weighing up the move, her advice comes back to the reason she made it herself.
“If you’re thinking about becoming a consultant and you’re thinking about working for yourself and being your own boss, that should be enough to allow you to make that move to Setfords, because that’s exactly what will happen.”
Thinking about your next move?
If Neena’s story resonates with you, arrange a confidential chat with our team to see how the model could work for you.
