Building your own firm is a dream that appeals to a lot of lawyers. It promises autonomy, flexibility, and the chance to shape your own future. It’s only natural to wonder how you’d manage the practical side of things. The perceived challenges, managing overheads, building infrastructure, and handling the day-to-day operations can make the leap feel like a big one.
This is where consultancy can make the difference. It offers a way to grow your own practice within the supportive framework of an established firm. You get the backing you need, compliance, systems, and essential resources, while keeping the independence to build something in line with your own goals and values.
For anyone with an entrepreneurial spark, it’s a chance to lead with purpose and create a practice on your own terms, without carrying the weight of everything alone.
Take the experience of Sophie Durkin, Chartered Legal Executive & Partner at Taylor Rose. She’s successfully built her own team under the consultancy model in York, and her story shows just what’s possible:
“I approached this transition with careful planning. I began by identifying the kind of clients we wanted to support and the services we could offer most effectively. From there, I brought together a team whose strengths complemented one another and aligned with our shared vision. We put in place clear communication practices, streamlined systems, and a flexible framework that allowed us to deliver consistently high standards while supporting individual growth. A number of the team have also expanded by hiring assistants to help with the administrative tasks so they can focus on the legal work and quality of service.
To ensure everything was set up professionally, we worked with legal and financial advisors to formalise our consultancy agreements, protect client data, and define clear terms for how we operate as a team. Taking the time to establish a solid foundation gave us peace of mind and allowed us to focus fully on our work and our clients.
This experience has taught me the importance of building trust, both within the team and with clients and third-party referrers. Leading a team requires clarity, empathy, and the willingness to step back and let others shine. As a consultant, I’ve also learnt how crucial it is to remain adaptable and listen carefully to what clients really need. Most of all, I’ve found that creating a space where people feel valued and empowered leads to the most rewarding outcomes for everyone involved.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about expanding our capabilities and exploring new areas of growth. We plan to continue investing in team development, staying ahead of trends in our field, and building long-term relationships with clients. The flexibility and strength of our model give us the ability to evolve organically while staying true to our values and vision.”
Sophie’s story is a great reminder that with the right planning and support, becoming a consultant lawyer can give you the best of both worlds: the freedom to grow your own practice, combined with the reassurance of working within a structure that supports you and your clients.
If you’re thinking about how to take greater control over your career, whether that’s better work-life balance, building a team around shared values, or simply shaping a practice that feels truly yours, consultancy could be the route forward.
Our consultant recruitment team would be more than happy to talk it through with you, answer your questions, and explore how it might work for you. You can reach us on 020 3551 8100; we’d love to help you take the next step.