After completing your legal exams and gaining your qualification, there are a number of paths you can take. You could work for a law firm as an associate solicitor, apply for a legal adviser role in a non-law related business, or build your own business and become a freelance solicitor.
Working as a freelance solicitor has a number of great benefits. You’ll have more control over your hours, allowing you to work to a schedule that suits you and your lifestyle. You’ll also be able to choose which clients you want to work with, meaning you’ll deal with fewer difficult clients and be able to turn down projects with unrealistic deadlines.
Being the one in charge of the business will also give you free reign to be creative when building the image of your brand, so you can present yourself and your services in a way that aligns with your values. However, before you rush off to get your new business cards printed, there are a few important factors to take into account.
Read on to find out what you need to consider when becoming a freelance solicitor.
Having the correct qualifications
If you’ve already qualified as a solicitor, you’ll have this part covered. However, if you’re considering studying law, there are a few important things to be aware of. To become a solicitor in the UK, most people start by obtaining a law degree. If you choose this route, ensure you’re aware of the A levels you’ll need to have to be accepted into the universities you’re interested in attending.
It’s also possible to become a qualified solicitor without a law degree, usually via an apprenticeship scheme or through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, although it may take longer to gain your qualification.
Having the correct insurance
Before you begin offering your freelance legal services, it’s essential to take out all the necessary insurance policies to protect you and your business. This will ensure any claims made against you are handled quickly and in the appropriate manner, which will reduce the level of disruption to your business.
Solicitors’ professional indemnity insurance also provides protection against your business financially, in the event you’re faced with making a compensation payment to a client or third party. As a practising solicitor in the UK, if you’re authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), then you’re obliged under their Indemnity Insurance Rules to obtain professional indemnity insurance.
Practice authorisation
You may or may not need to get your practice authorised, depending on the legal services you offer. If you only provide non-reserved legal services, you are not required to obtain authorisation for your practice, although you can choose to if you wish.
However, if your practice provides immigration services, claims management or financial services which require regulation and you aren’t already regulated by a suitable regulatory body, you will need to get practice authorisation.
