Reasons to become a consultant

No. As a consultant solicitor at Setfords, you are responsible for covering the cost of your own practising certificate.  What Is a Practising Certificate?  A practising certificate is a mandatory annual requirement for all solicitors in England and Wales, issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Without one, you cannot legally practise as a solicitor. The cost

If you’re considering making the move to consultancy, it helps to know what the journey to getting started actually looks like. At Setfords, the process is straightforward, efficient and entirely remote-friendly. You won’t need to visit us in person at any point, unless you want to.  The Joining Process  The process typically follows these steps:  What to Expect  The process is designed to be as

Yes. When you join Setfords, you’ll receive comprehensive onboarding training for all our systems and processes. And if you ever need a refresher down the line, that’s available too.  What to Expect When You Join  Starting with a new firm means getting to grips with new systems. At Setfords, that process is supported from day one. Your onboarding training

Yes. Setfords holds Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation.  What Is CQS Accreditation?  The Conveyancing Quality Scheme is a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices, awarded by the Law Society. It signals to clients and lenders alike that a firm meets a rigorous set of standards around technical expertise, client service and practice management.  Not every

Yes. Setfords is on all major UK lender panels, making it suitable for both residential and commercial conveyancing work.  Why This Matters  For conveyancing solicitors, panel membership is essential. Lender panels are lists of approved solicitors and law firms that mortgage lenders will work with. If a firm isn’t on a lender’s panel, it cannot act for

Yes. If you have an assistant you already work with and trust, you are welcome to bring them with you when you join Setfords.  How It Works  Bringing your own assistant is entirely your choice and sits on top of the support already provided by Setfords. As covered in our guide to paralegal support, the administrative and

As a consultant solicitor, having the right support around you can make a real difference to how efficiently you run your practice. Here’s what Setfords provides and what your options are.  What’s Included in Your Fee Split  While we don’t provide paralegal assistance specifically, Setfords offers a wide range of support included in your fee split. This includes various administrative and

If you’re considering a move to consultancy, one of the first questions you’ll want to answer is whether you meet the experience requirements. At Setfords, the bar is set with good reason.  The Minimum Requirement  Setfords typically requires at least 5 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in your chosen practice area. Post-qualification experience refers to the number of years you have practised

No. Setfords will not become your successor practice.  What This Means  A successor practice is a firm that takes on the legal liabilities and obligations of a closing firm. Setfords does not operate in this way. Our model is built around consultancy, not acquisition or succession.  If you are closing or winding down your own firm and

No. Setfords currently only offers consultancy roles and does not acquire other law firms.  What This Means in Practice  If you’re looking to sell your practice, Setfords isn’t the right fit for that. However, if you’re considering winding down your firm and moving to a more flexible way of working, consultancy could be a compelling alternative worth exploring.  As a consultant solicitor at

Yes. Setfords provides SRA-compliant Professional Indemnity Insurance as part of the consultancy arrangement.  What This Means for You  Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) is a mandatory requirement for all solicitors in England and Wales. It protects you and your clients in the event that a claim is made against you for a mistake or oversight in your legal

Yes. When you join Setfords as a consultant solicitor, all the software you need to run your practice is provided. There are no additional legal software purchases required.  What’s Included: Setfords provides everything you need to work effectively from day one:  No Hidden Software Costs  This ties in with the broader Setfords model. As covered in our guide to back office support,

One of the first things solicitors want to know before making any career move is what it’s going to cost them. At Setfords, the answer is refreshingly straightforward.  No Joining Fee  There is no joining fee at Setfords. You won’t be asked to pay anything upfront simply to become a consultant.  Equipment Deposit  You will need to pay a

If you’re researching consultancy roles, you’ve likely come across both Setfords and Taylor Rose. Both are platform law firms offering consultancy models, so it’s a fair question to ask what actually sets them apart.  Fee Share Structure  One of the first things any solicitor considering consultancy will look at is earning potential. At Setfords, you can earn between 50% and 80% of what you

Yes. As part of the joining process, you will need to sign several documents, including a consultancy agreement and regulatory and compliance documentation.  Paperwork Made Simple  All documents requiring signature can be completed electronically, so there’s no need to print, post or visit an office. For more on the remote-friendly nature of the joining process, take a look at

No. As a consultant solicitor, you can work fully remotely. At Setfords, there is no requirement to visit our offices at any point.  Our Offices Are There If You Need Them  That said, if you would like a physical base to work from, you are more than welcome to use our office spaces. We have

Consultancy is a rewarding model, but it does come with a clear expectation. As a consultant solicitor at Setfords, you will be expected to bring in your own work alongside any support you may receive from our business development team.  Building Your Own Practice  This is one of the key differences between consultancy and a

Yes. Setfords provides consultants with access to Practical Law (PLC), one of the UK’s leading legal research platforms, subject to role and practice area.  What Is Practical Law?  Practical Law is a comprehensive legal research platform widely used by solicitors across the UK. It provides up-to-date practice notes, standard documents, checklists and legal updates across a broad

One of the most common questions from solicitors considering the move to consultancy is ‘will I receive leads?’ The good news is yes: at Setfords, you won’t be starting from scratch.  Business Development Support at Setfords  Our dedicated business development team generates over 25% of the firm’s business, equal to millions of pounds worth of work each year covering the vast

When you join Setfords as a consultant solicitor, you’re not going it alone. One of the biggest advantages of our model is the level of support sitting behind you, so you can focus entirely on your clients and your practice.  Industry-Leading Support, Included in Your Fee Split  All our comprehensive back-office support is included within your fee