Become a freelance solicitor and take control of your income, your career and your life
Are you fed up with working long hours, stressful billing targets, and not being able to choose your clients? Do you want to achieve a better work-life balance while still advancing your career in a direction that suits you? Perhaps you want to be more present for family and passions outside of work or simply reignite your love for law. No matter your motivations, if you’re looking to move away from life in a traditional law firm and embrace all of the freedoms this can bring, Setfords can offer what you’re looking for.
We exist to make your life as a lawyer more rewarding, flexible and fulfilling. With award-winning services and support, Setfords delivers a better way of working that puts you first.
Why become a freelance solicitor at Setfords?
Unlimited earning potential
Set your own work-life balance
Work from anywhere
150+ strong expert support team
Nationwide network of 500+ lawyers
A dedicated business development team
Join our national network
As a consultant at Setfords, you don’t have to manage teams, but you can be part of one. Our consultants have access to more than 500 other lawyers across multiple disciplines. This network allows them to serve their clients better because they can confidently cross-refer work to other highly talented lawyers. We strongly believe that happier clients mean happier lawyers, so this is just one of the many ways in which your working life can improve at Setfords.
Our consultants also regularly work in teams to deliver pitches or handle large-scale projects. Whether you enjoy working independently or on team-led projects, our wide and varied network ensures that you can reap all of the benefits of freelance working whilst also being a part of something bigger.
Why choose Setfords for consultancy?
We have been established since 2006 and are now one of the largest fee-share firms in the UK. Many firms with similar models only offer the bare minimum when it comes to supporting their lawyers. Aside from the basics such as insurance, CMS and admin support, freelance solicitors are often left to generate their work independently.
On the other hand, Setfords invests heavily in lead generation. And, we have an award-winning marketing and business development department, which has helped generate an additional £3m worth of business for our consultants in the last year.
Frequently asked questions
We have recently invested in a new system to make the delivery of leads to our consultants even smoother, giving them greater flexibility and control over the process.
Yes, as a consultant you do not have to work exclusively with us. The majority of our consultant lawyers don’t choose to take on multiple roles, but we understand that you may wish to and do not restrict your ability to do so.
Setfords consultants are also free to set up their own office locations, and we have a number of these locations across the country.
Absolutely! One of the biggest perks of being a consultant solicitor is the fact that you can set your own schedule. Whether you want to make the most of your early mornings, take meetings on weekends to fit your client’s schedule, or stick to the traditional 9-5, as a consultant solicitor it’s totally up to you.
Most of our consultants choose to work primarily from home, but it all depends on what’s best for you and your clients. Whatever you choose, you won’t have to relocate, and we welcome consultants who are based all over England, Wales, and beyond.
It’s highly likely that one of the other 500+ solicitors will be able to cover you during this time. We encourage networking with your fellow consultant solicitors, and the staff at Head Office can help you find people to cover you too. Failing that, you can bring in locum cover, but this is almost never necessary!
What’s next?
Becoming a consultant at Setfords works well for many people, but we understand that it can be a big step to take. Whether you want to make the move now, in six months, or even in years to come, you can still get in touch to find out more. We are always happy to chat in more detail about how the exciting prospect of becoming a freelance solicitor can work for you and answer any further questions you might have.
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)
