What Is a Consultant Solicitor UK

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. Here’s what a consultant solicitor is, and why it matters.

A consultant solicitor is a qualified lawyer who works independently or on a self-employed basis, often in association with a larger law firm or consultancy model. Instead of being a salaried employee, they operate as an independent contractor, managing their own clients, workload, and income.

Consultant solicitors are fully qualified professionals who offer legal services in the same way as traditional solicitors. The main difference is the structure of their working arrangement—they typically keep a larger share of their fees and have greater control over their time and client base.

This model has grown in popularity in recent years as technology and flexible working have transformed the legal sector. Many experienced solicitors are choosing consultancy work as an alternative to the traditional partnership route.

How Consultant Solicitors Work

Consultant solicitors usually work under the umbrella of a regulated law firm. The firm provides compliance, insurance, and administrative support, while the consultant handles the legal work and client relationships.

For example, a consultant solicitor might:

• Use the firm’s brand, systems, and professional indemnity insurance.

• Manage their own clients, billing, and schedule.

• Work remotely or from shared office spaces.

• Pay a percentage of their earnings to the firm in exchange for back-office support.

This arrangement allows solicitors to operate with autonomy while ensuring they remain compliant with regulatory requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Who Becomes a Consultant Solicitor

Consultant solicitor roles often attract experienced lawyers who have spent several years working in traditional law firms. Many are former partners, senior associates, or specialists who prefer the flexibility of working independently without the management pressures of partnership.

However, some mid-career solicitors also transition into consultancy because it offers a better work-life balance and the ability to focus on specific areas of law or niche client groups.

Consultancy models are especially popular in fields such as commercial law, property, employment, family, and private client services, where solicitors can maintain strong client relationships and manage cases independently.

The Benefits of Being a Consultant Solicitor

For lawyers, the consultant model offers several advantages:

1. Flexibility and Independence
Consultant solicitors control their own hours, clients, and workload. They can choose when and where they work, which appeals to those seeking a more balanced lifestyle or semi-retirement.

2. Higher Earnings Potential
Instead of receiving a fixed salary, consultant solicitors typically earn a percentage of their billed fees, often 60–80 percent. This means the more work they bring in, the higher their income.

3. Freedom to Build a Personal Brand
Consultants can develop their own network, niche, and marketing strategy. Many use digital marketing, LinkedIn, and local SEO to attract clients directly.

4. No Office Politics or Management Duties
Consultant solicitors focus on client work rather than firm administration or staff management, which can reduce stress and improve efficiency.

5. Continued Professional Support
Although they work independently, consultants still benefit from a law firm’s compliance team, insurance cover, and legal resources.

Challenges of Being a Consultant Solicitor

While consultancy offers freedom and flexibility, it also comes with challenges.

1. Responsibility for Business Development
Consultant solicitors are responsible for generating their own clients. Without a regular flow of work from a firm, they must be proactive in marketing and networking.

2. Income Variability
Earnings can fluctuate depending on workload, client payments, and market conditions. There’s no guaranteed salary, so strong financial management is essential.

3. Administrative Tasks
Although the firm provides some support, consultants often handle their own billing, client communications, and scheduling. Time management becomes key to success.

4. Isolation
Working remotely or independently can sometimes feel isolating compared to being part of a traditional team. Many consultants combat this by joining networking groups or co-working spaces.

How Law Firms Benefit from Consultant Solicitors

The consultant model also benefits law firms. By working with consultants, firms can expand their services without the overhead costs of full-time staff. It allows firms to:

• Offer clients a broader range of expertise.

• Operate more efficiently with lower fixed costs.

• Attract experienced solicitors who prefer flexible arrangements.

This setup creates a mutually beneficial relationship—consultants get autonomy and higher earnings, while firms gain expertise and extended reach.

Regulation and Professional Standards

Consultant solicitors are regulated by the same professional standards as traditional solicitors. They must:

• Hold practising certificates issued by the SRA.

• Follow strict rules on client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and professional conduct.

• Work under a firm that maintains proper indemnity insurance and compliance procedures.

Clients who work with consultant solicitors receive the same legal protections as those using any other SRA-regulated law firm.

The Rise of the Consultant Solicitor Model

The consultant solicitor model has grown significantly in the past decade, driven by technology, flexible working trends, and changing client expectations. Cloud-based systems, digital communication tools, and online document management allow solicitors to work effectively from anywhere.

This trend is reshaping the legal industry by providing clients with more choice and giving solicitors the freedom to work independently while maintaining high professional standards.

Should Clients Use a Consultant Solicitor

Yes, clients can safely and confidently work with consultant solicitors, as they offer the same level of expertise and legal protection as traditional firms. In fact, many clients find consultants more accessible, responsive, and cost-effective since overheads are lower.

For complex cases, consultants may collaborate with other specialists within the firm’s network, ensuring clients receive comprehensive advice across different areas of law.

Final Thoughts

A consultant solicitor is a fully qualified lawyer who works independently while remaining affiliated with a regulated law firm. They combine the expertise of traditional solicitors with the flexibility of modern working practices, offering clients a more personal and efficient service.

For experienced solicitors, consultancy provides freedom, control, and the opportunity to build a thriving practice on their own terms. For clients, it means expert legal advice delivered with the same professionalism and protection as any established firm.

You may also want to read what is a conveyancing solicitor and what is a notary solicitor, or visit our Solicitors Hub.