Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services
By Robert Taylor, CEO and General Counsel at Legal Futures Associate 360 Law Services
The legal profession in England and Wales is currently undergoing a major shift, with increasing numbers of solicitors and licensed conveyancers opting to leave traditional law firms in favour of consultancy practices. This change is driven by the growing demand for greater autonomy, higher earnings, and an improved work-life balance. Once a niche career path, consultancy-based legal work is now becoming a mainstream choice for many legal professionals, reshaping the landscape of the profession.
Reports suggest that a third of solicitors could be working as consultants by 2026, marking a clear trend towards more flexible and modernised legal practices. This article delves into the factors driving this shift, supported by insights from sources such as the Law Society Gazette and the Financial Times, and explores how firms like 360 Law Services are facilitating the transition for legal professionals moving to consultancy.
The decline of traditional law firms and the rise of consultancy models
While the number of solicitors in England and Wales has continued to grow, the number of traditional law firms has seen a steady decline. As of January 2025, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) recorded 208,525 solicitors on the roll, slightly down from the 2021 figure of 209,215, which had seen a notable increase. At the same time, the number of private practice law firms dropped to below 9,176 – marking the lowest figure in over a decade.
This decline in law firms is attributed to several factors, including market consolidation, rising regulatory costs, and shifting work preferences. Many solicitors are increasingly opting for independent consultancy roles and its offer of greater freedom and control over one’s career.
Why legal professionals are choosing the consultancy model
The consultancy model appeals to solicitors and licensed conveyancers for several key reasons:
- Greater autonomy and flexibility
Traditional law firms are often associated with rigid working structures that impose long hours, demanding billing targets, and top-down management. In contrast, the consultancy model provides legal professionals with complete autonomy over their work.
Consultants can select their own clients, allowing them to work with individuals or businesses that align with their expertise and interests. They can decide their own workload, choosing how much or how little they take on based on their capacity and goals. Additionally, consultants can set their own schedules, giving them control over their working hours and enabling a better work-life balance including the option to work remotely or from home.
A survey by the Law Society Gazette revealed that 65% of lawyers felt that remote working positively impacted their well-being. For many solicitors, especially those with family commitments, flexibility has become a top priority, leading to a preference for consultancy roles over traditional firm employment.
- Higher earning potential
One of the most compelling aspects of consultancy work is the significant increase in earnings. At traditional law firms, solicitors typically retain only 20-30% of their billings, with the remainder covering overheads and partner profits. In consultancy models, however, solicitors can retain between 70% and 85% of their billings. This results in a substantial increase in take-home pay.
For example, while senior associates in traditional firms may earn between £70,000 and £100,000 per year, a consultant solicitor with a strong client base and billing record can earn £150,000 to £240,000 annually. Some high-performing consultants even report earnings in excess of £300,000. This earning potential, combined with the flexibility of the consultancy model, makes it an increasingly attractive option for legal professionals.
- Better work-life balance
Traditional law firms are notorious for their demanding work environments, with many solicitors working 60 or more hours per week, often at the expense of their personal lives. This culture of overwork is linked to high stress levels and burnout, which are prevalent in the legal profession.
The consultancy model offers a solution to this problem. Solicitors have the freedom to choose their workload and can take control over the amount and type of work they take on. They can avoid firm-imposed targets giving them a more flexible and balanced approach to their careers. Additionally, solicitors can spend more time with family and engage in personal pursuits, fostering a healthier work-life balance.
The growth of the consultancy model is expected to continue as solicitors and conveyancers are increasingly choosing the consultancy model for its autonomy, higher earnings, and better work-life balance. This flexibility enables legal professionals to build careers that align with their lifestyle, rather than sacrifice personal well-being for work.
Why move into a consultancy role?
For those considering a move into consultancy, firms like 360 Law Services offer a comprehensive platform that supports legal professionals in making the transition. The firm provides:
- Operational support: Cloud-based case management, compliance assistance, and marketing resources.
- High earning potential: Consultants can retain between 70% and 85% of their billings, maximising their income.
- Flexibility: Work where and when you choose, with no rigid targets.
- A global team: Access to over 750 lawyers worldwide.
360 Law Services offers a supportive environment for solicitors and licensed conveyancers looking to maintain their independence while enjoying the financial and professional benefits of consultancy.
