For many solicitors, the idea of leaving behind the security of a salaried job to become a consultant solicitor feels like a bold step. There’s the appeal of greater flexibility, higher earning potential, and autonomy over your practice, but also the natural concerns about whether it’s the right move.
At Taylor Rose, we’ve helped countless solicitors make this transition successfully. Here’s what to expect, the challenges you might face, and why so many legal professionals are choosing consultancy as their future.
Why Make the Move?
The traditional law firm structure works well for some, but it often comes with long hours, rigid targets, and limited financial growth. As a consultant solicitor, you take control of your own career—you decide when and where you work, how much you charge, and which clients you take on.
Some of the biggest advantages of making the transition include:
• Greater Flexibility – No more rigid office hours or unrealistic billing targets. You set your own schedule.
• Higher Earnings Potential – Instead of a fixed salary, you retain a significant portion of your billings (up to 75% with Taylor Rose), meaning your income directly reflects your hard work.
• Control Over Your Workload – You choose the clients and cases that interest you rather than being assigned work that doesn’t align with your strengths or goals.
• Work-Life Balance – More control over your time means more opportunity to balance work with family, hobbies, or even travel.
Overcoming the Common Concerns
Despite the clear benefits, making the leap from employment to self-employment can feel daunting. Here are some of the most common concerns and how they’re addressed.
What if I don’t have enough clients?
One of the biggest fears is whether you’ll have a steady stream of work. If you already have a strong client base, transitioning is smoother. But even if you don’t, Taylor Rose provides marketing support, guidance on client acquisition, and the reputation of a nationally recognised firm to help you build your business.
I don’t want to handle all the admin.
Running your own practice doesn’t mean handling every administrative task alone. Taylor Rose offers full back-office support covering compliance, IT, invoicing, and more. You focus on legal work while we handle the rest.
Will I feel isolated working alone?
Unlike traditional firms, where you’re surrounded by colleagues, consultancy can seem solitary. However, Taylor Rose has a strong consultant community, with regular networking events, peer support, and a dedicated Consultant Liaison Team to ensure you’re never on your own.
What about financial stability?
Leaving behind a steady pay check is a major consideration. However, many solicitors find that with the ability to retain a larger percentage of their billings, their earnings increase significantly. Plus, without the pressure of billable hours imposed by a firm, you can focus on working smarter, not just harder.
What to Expect
Moving from an employed role to a consultancy position isn’t an overnight switch. It requires planning, but the process is straightforward with the right support.
1. Planning Your Exit – Decide when the best time is to transition. If you have a notice period, use that time to start thinking about your client base and business strategy.
2. Setting Up – With Taylor Rose, there’s no need to worry about compliance, insurance, or IT setup—we take care of the essentials so you can start working immediately.
3. Building a Routine – While you’ll have flexibility, it’s important to establish a routine that keeps your business running efficiently. Many consultants set regular working hours to stay productive.
4. Growing Your Client Base – Whether through referrals, networking, or marketing support from Taylor Rose, growing your practice takes time, but it’s an investment in your future success.
Is It the Right Move for You?
If you’re feeling restricted in your current role, frustrated by a lack of earning potential, or simply ready for more independence, consultancy could be the perfect fit. Many solicitors who make the transition wonder why they didn’t do it sooner.
At Taylor Rose, we’ve designed our Consultant Solicitor Programme to make the shift as seamless as possible. With support, guidance, and a structure that allows you to thrive, the move to consultancy isn’t just a change in career—it’s a transformation in the way you work and live.
Thinking about making the switch? Get in touch with our Consultant Recruitment Team today to explore how Taylor Rose can support your transition.