The consultant-led law firm Setfords Solicitors has seen a large spike in applications as the impact of COVID-19 is felt across the traditional legal industry.
Ninety-eight lawyers applied to the national firm in March 2020, a 120% increase compared to the same period last year.
Setfords co-CEO Guy Setford said: “In this time of upheaval many lawyers are taking time out to consider what they want their future legal careers to look like.
“For many, this is the first time they have experienced the tremendous benefits of home working.
“For others we are speaking to, the trauma of being told the future of their firm is unsure is making them reassess the benefits of traditional ways of working. They are giving more thought to the potential benefits of working as a consultant, and the ability to take greater control of their careers and their future.”
Those applying to become home-working, self-employed fee-sharers include a number of lawyers furloughed or facing pay-cuts and freezes on bonuses.
Firms across the legal sector have announced measures to lower overheads following the Government-imposed lockdown that has seen much of Britain come to a standstill. The social distancing measures have also put pressure on firms to encourage their staff to work from home.
Guy Setford said: “The entire legal industry is facing an unprecedented challenge, and it is not surprising to see firms having to make some very difficult decisions around staffing, particularly those not naturally set-up for home working.
“We are fortunate to have a business model built around it, and a structure that gives lawyers a much greater take-home share of their earnings.
“We want to do everything we can to support the industry and look forward to helping those in need of a new legal home.”
Co-CEO Chris Setford added: “Our main concern is the wellbeing of our loved ones and that of our lawyers, staff and customers.
“But we also appreciate the financial impact the pandemic is having on households across Britain, and we are pleased our business model allows lawyers to continue to operate and provide much-needed help to their clients.”
He added: “Despite the lockdown, there are still many out there in need of legal support and once restrictions are eased we expect to see a very rapid rise in instructions across all sectors.”
Setfords is an award-winning full-service law firm with more than 250 consultant lawyers, nearly all of whom work from home.
More than 70 support staff are normally based at the firm’s head office in Guildford, but since social distancing measures were implemented, most are now working remotely while continuing to provide support to consultants.
The vast majority who join Setfords as consultants go on to be a huge success, earning more money, experiencing less office politics, and enjoying a better-work life balance. The next consultant could be you. So get in touch today and take the next step towards a happier life. If you are looking to apply for a consultancy role, visit www.consultantsolicitor.co.uk