header-logo header-logo

Independent lawyering: is it for me?

27 July 2017
Issue: 7756 / Categories: Features , Profession
printer mail-detail
nlj_7756_scomo

​Can you afford to become an independent solicitor? Can you afford not to? Two consultants at virtual firm Scott-Moncrieff & two career experts share their experiences

Increasing numbers of solicitors are going freelance, inspired by flexible working and keeping the lion’s share of billable hours. Others find it the best post-merger escape route. The fact is, freelance solicitors tend to evangelise about their new-found spare time to spend with the family and on other interests. But that sticky first year flying solo remains a challenge for many. Consultants at the UK’s longest-established virtual firm, Scott-Moncrieff, explain below how they overcame their trepidations.

Funding first steps

Terence Channer, who specialises in actions against the police at Scott-Moncrieff, is open about the tough decision he had to make to fund his move into freelance work: ‘I sold my house to fund my career. I didn’t have a partner with an income to soften the blow but I knew I needed greater freedom, especially away from office politics.’

While a house sale might not be a viable option

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
Ceri Morgan, knowledge counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, analyses the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd, which reshapes the law of fiduciary relationships and common law bribery
The boundaries of media access in family law are scrutinised by Nicholas Dobson in NLJ this week
Reflecting on personal experience, Professor Graham Zellick KC, Senior Master of the Bench and former Reader of the Middle Temple, questions the unchecked power of parliamentary privilege
Geoff Dover, managing director at Heirloom Fair Legal, sets out a blueprint for ethical litigation funding in the wake of high-profile law firm collapses
James Grice, head of innovation and AI at Lawfront, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal sector
back-to-top-scroll