Be your own boss by taking control of your income, your career and your life.
2019 marked a milestone of 100 years of women in law. It was a momentous occasion and one that Setfords took delight in celebrating. Currently, 61% of the firm’s consultant lawyers are female and make up 65% of our top 20 billers and 64% of our total employees. We’re always looking for more talent to join our female lawyer network and embrace a better way of working. Work around family commitments, hobbies, travel, and more, all while earning better rewards and building a career that works for you with like-minded colleagues.
I’m so happy that I made the move to Setfords; I won’t go back to my old life.
Marija Markovic, Consultant Family Solicitor
The Role
We are currently seeking UK qualified lawyers from across England and Wales, with five-plus years of post qualified experience. Compared to traditional setups, our network of more than 450 lawyers enjoy excellent financial remuneration, a better work-life balance, and are free from the distraction of office politics, management responsibility and billing targets. At Setfords, you can experience the best of both worlds. Enjoy being self-employed and work when and where you want whilst knowing that our expert Guildford-based team is on hand to provide you with all of the professional support you need to deliver a great service for your clients.
It has removed a lot of stress from my life. No commuting, more flexibility, more time with my children.
Anne Thomas, Consultant
The Key Benefits Of Our Female Lawyer Network
Earn up to 80% of what you bill
At a typical law firm, you might expect to keep only around a third of your billings. At Setfords, it can be up to 80%. Not only are you able to work to a flexible schedule, but you can also earn more for doing so.
Decide your hours
You don’t have to work to someone else’s schedule. That means no more regimented 9-5 hours! Work whenever suits you and your clients best. Attend family events and other commitments without feeling guilty for missing work, or serve your clients better by being there when they really need you.
No billing targets
Are you fed up with impossible billing targets? At Setfords, you can set your own targets and goals that are better suited to your personal ambitions and the direction you want to take your career in.
Work from wherever suits you most
Lengthy commutes can be a thing of the past! Work from home, your own office, one of the Setfords offices, or even from abroad! With no culture of presenteeism, you have the freedom to choose the best location for you.
Choose your clients
It’s up to you how many clients you take on at any one time and who they are. Work in particular areas of interest and serve your clients better by giving each one the personal attention they deserve.
Award-winning support hub in Guildford
Experience all the benefits that self-employment can bring without any of the time-consuming admin! Our support teams are on hand to help with anything from IT to business development. Find out more by clicking here.
Free marketing and sales support teams
Our expert marketing and sales support teams are here to help you develop your presence and attract new clients in your chosen area of law.
A perfect work-life balance determined by you
Whatever the ideal work-life balance looks like to you, you’ll have the freedom to create it at Setfords. Finally, you can fit your career around your life, not your life around your career. Feel happier and more fulfilled with time to pursue your passions both in and outside of law.
t’s been more successful than I could possibly have imagined.
Jane Lockyer, Real Estate Consultant
A career that works around your lifestyle
We have found that the “new model” has enabled mothers to get back into their careers at their own pace, compared to the pressures of a traditional model firm, where this often seems impossible. Equally, it is there for lawyers who want to cut ties with office management and politics, not having to deal with staffing costs, and those simply wanting to practice law and maximise their earning potential.
Following Maternity Leave, I wanted to return to work, but I also sought flexibility to be available to my young family when they needed me and to have the time to enjoy them. The bonus is that I can have my career at a pace that suits my home life rather than allowing my job dictates my work-life balance.
Lauren Dimmack, Consultant Lawyer
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!
At Setfords we will empower you to fulfil your dreams. So whether it’s earning more money, achieving a greater work-life balance, or both, we will work day and night to ensure you get the back-up you need to reach your full potential.
Guy Setford, Co-CEO
