Many lawyers are drawn to the profession because of their passion for law, only to be overwhelmed by long hours, unrealistic targets, and rigid working structures. At Setfords, we’re changing that. With flexibility and support built around you, we make it easier for lawyers to thrive.
This message resonates particularly strongly during Wellbeing Week in Law, an initiative devoted to raising awareness about mental health and encouraging action across the legal profession.
This Wellbeing Week in Law, we spoke to Consultant Chartered Legal Executive Maria Richards about how she has found success and balance in her legal career with Setfords.
Leaving Traditional Law Behind
“I began my journey at Setfords in March 2022, specialising in residential property.
Before joining Setfords, I served as Head of Department for a residential property team at a large traditional firm. My responsibilities were predominantly managerial, leaving little room for direct client engagement. While I greatly enjoyed this, I found myself longing for the client-facing work that had always been at the heart of my career.
I sought a change from traditional structures and a career that offered greater control over my future. Confident in my technical, client management, and leadership skills, I felt prepared to embark on this new chapter.”
Maria chose Setfords because of the balance we offer, not just for lawyers seeking greater flexibility, but between our industry-leading support and personal approach:
“Setfords offered the balance I was seeking: the infrastructure of a large firm combined with flexibility and a personal touch. The onboarding process was straightforward and well-structured. Post-signing, the induction process was excellent, particularly the training on technology systems and the accessible intranet and knowledge base centre.
I was fortunate to receive support from another consultant, Jon Pastor, who kindly offered me the use of his office and was readily available to assist with my questions. His generosity made the transition even smoother.”
Growing a Business on Your Terms
Setfords’ platform law model offers ultimate freedom, so you can build the kind of business that works for you. Whether you’re looking to scale back your hours to fit around life or build something bigger, we’re here to support your ambitions.
In just three years, Maria has built her practice from scratch, and now employs four assistants who work with her from her converted garage office. She says:
“To start, I set myself achievable targets and developed a concise business plan. This gave me motivation to step outside my comfort zone while maintaining realistic expectations. Initially, I thought I’d start small.
However, I underestimated the strength of both my reputation and my own drive. Within six months, I asked my twin sister to assist with administrative tasks. By month ten, I brought on another assistant from my previous firm.
My business continued to thrive, and after a year, I began searching for a full-time assistant, which led to Petra joining my team. Training lawyers has always been a passion of mine, and six months ago, Claire, who was looking to develop her skills, joined the team. Since then, we’ve worked together seamlessly, and our growth has been remarkable.”
Flexibility That Transforms Lives
Despite her business’s success, it’s not all about work. With Setfords, Maria has found a great work-life balance. She says:
“The flexibility at Setfords has been transformative. I now have complete control over my working hours, workload, and entrepreneurial endeavours, allowing me to focus on growing my business while reaping the rewards of my efforts.
I love being in control of my work and schedule, which has not only improved my professional life but also had a profound impact on my personal life. My health has seen significant improvement, my finances are in a better place, and, most importantly, I now have more quality time to spend with my family. It’s a balance I never thought I could achieve, and it’s been truly life-changing.”
Wellbeing With Real Results
This Wellbeing Week in Law, we’re shining a spotlight on our Lawyer Wellbeing Team, the first in the industry when it was set up in 2020. We understand that wellbeing means different things for different consultants, but aim to support them all to find success and balance with Setfords. Indeed, for Maria, wellbeing is all about balance:
“For me, wellbeing revolves around balance—feeling at ease physically, mentally, and emotionally, while fostering connections with others and finding purpose in daily life.
Setfords’ Wellbeing Team has been incredibly supportive. Raj regularly checks in to ensure everything is running smoothly, offering reassurance that help is available should I need it. These interactions are particularly meaningful, such as during key industry changes like the Stamp Duty adjustments.”
But how has Maria’s wellbeing improved since joining Setfords, thanks to the flexibility and support we offer? She says:
“Since joining Setfords, my wellbeing has improved dramatically. I still have a strong work ethic, but now my schedule is on my own terms and I’ve found ways to integrate balance into my daily routine. I converted my home’s integral garage into a dedicated office space, creating a professional yet welcoming environment for clients. My team works alongside me in the office throughout the week, and we often take my dog Luna for walks along the beach during lunch breaks.
This shift has had a positive impact not only on me but also on my family, as they’ve witnessed my transition from constant stress to a happier, healthier outlook on life.
My 15-year-old daughter joins us in the office daily after school, sharing her experiences and benefiting from the positive energy. Inspired by our work, she has chosen to study A Level Law, Sociology, and Maths at college starting this September, which fills me with pride.”
Considering Consultancy?
Maria has some final words of advice for lawyers who are considering consultancy, but are on the fence:
“Consultant life at Setfords suits a broad range of professionals, from those starting their careers to experienced lawyers seeking flexibility or entrepreneurial opportunities. While the lack of a guaranteed salary may seem daunting, the rewards are significant, and the business team provides excellent support to help generate income and secure new client opportunities.”
Maria’s story shows what’s possible when lawyers take back control of their careers. If you’re ready to reshape your future with more flexibility, a better focus on wellbeing, and the support you need to ensure success on your terms, get in touch for a confidential conversation.
