How Do Consultant Solicitors Get Paid?

Summary

• Consultant solicitors at Nexa Law work independently, usually on a commission-based structure, keeping a high percentage of the fees they bill.
• Earnings are uncapped and directly linked to performance, client base, and business development, unlike traditional salaried associate or partner roles.
• Consultant solicitors handle their own tax, pensions, and financial planning, often operating as self-employed or through personal service companies.
• Flexibility is central: consultants set their own hours, manage their workload, and may build a personal brand or work under the firm’s platform.

What is a consultant solicitor at Nexa Law?

At Nexa Law, our consultant solicitors are self-employed rather than traditional employees. 

Instead of fixed salaries and rigid billable targets, consultant solicitors build their own client relationships and control how and when they work. We provide the administration support, insurance, technology, compliance, and branding, leaving you to focus on building your own practice.

How does the payment structure differ from traditional law firms?

Traditional firms usually offer associates a fixed salary with possible bonuses, while equity partners share in the profits. Consultant solicitors, however, are paid through a commission model. This means the solicitor retains a percentage of the fees billed to clients, and the New Model Law Firm takes a smaller share for providing support and infrastructure.

At Nexa Law, there is no salary cap. Your earnings depend on the volume and quality of your client portfolio. Our consultants, who have a loyal client base, entrepreneurial flair, and a robust work ethic, easily out-earn those working in a traditional law firm partnership.

What percentage of fees do consultant solicitors typically retain?

Typically, New Model Law Firms offer a very competitive fee split with the consultants retaining the largest share. 

Compared with associates’ fixed pay or partners’ profit share, these splits give you direct control of your income. It is not unusual for experienced consultants with established clients to earn well above six figures annually.

How do consultant solicitors invoice clients?

Consultant solicitors generally raise invoices through the New Model Law Firm’s billing platform. The firm issues invoices under its name, ensuring compliance with professional regulations, and then passes the appropriate share to the consultant.

This system means you benefit from centralised financial administration, including chasing payments and managing trust accounts. At Nexa Law, we allow consultants to develop their personal brand alongside ours, giving them flexibility in how they present their practice.

Are there overheads or costs deducted from consultant remuneration?

One of the attractions of working in a New Model Law Firm like Nexa Law is that you avoid the heavy overheads of running a private practice. We cover the cost of:

• Professional indemnity insurance (PII)
• Technology systems and case management software
• Compliance and regulatory oversight
• Administrative and marketing support
• Legal research

How is tax and national insurance handled?

Consultant solicitors are self-employed or operate through a personal service company. This means they are responsible for their own tax returns, national insurance contributions, and pension planning.

Unlike salaried solicitors, there is no automatic PAYE system. Many consultants work with accountants to manage tax efficiently, and some set up limited companies for added flexibility. 

Are there minimum targets or billable hours?

Unlike traditional firms, consultant solicitors have no mandatory billable hour targets. They decide how much to work, who to represent, and when to take time off.

This flexibility makes consultancy appealing to those seeking a better work-life balance. The choice is yours as to whether you want to build a full-time, high-revenue practice or take on fewer clients and spend more time with your family or doing personal hobbies.

Concluding comments

The consultant solicitor model in England and Wales is increasingly popular for solicitors seeking independence, higher earning potential, and flexibility. Instead of fixed salaries, consultants earn a share of the fees they generate, supported by the infrastructure of a New Model Law Firm.

With no billable hour targets, uncapped earnings, and the chance to build a personal brand, consultancy is a compelling career path. Unlike many other New Model Law Firms, Nexa eliminates all start-up costs. There are no hidden fees or financial burdens. All you need to begin is a compatible notebook PC, mobile device, printer, and basic stationery. In addition, we do not charge any excess on PI claims.

Joining Nexa Law allows you to transition seamlessly into the world of consultancy.

If you’re curious about becoming a consultant solicitor, please give us a call. We would love to hear about your commercial ambitions and tell you how we can support them. 

Schedule a call or fill in our contact form.

We look forward to celebrating your success.

FAQs

How do consultant solicitors in England and Wales get paid?
Consultant solicitors are typically paid on a commission basis. At Nexa Law, our consultants receive a very competitive fee split. There are no fixed salaries or bonuses; earnings are directly linked to the work the solicitor brings in.

Do consultant solicitors have a salary or minimum income guarantee?
No. Consultant solicitors do not receive a salary or guaranteed income. Their earnings depend entirely on the fees they generate. This model offers uncapped earning potential but requires solicitors to build and maintain their own client relationships.

Who handles the invoicing and payment collection for consultant solicitors?
The law firm typically issues invoices under its name and collects payments from clients. Once payment is received, the solicitor’s agreed share is transferred. This system ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and simplifies financial administration for consultants.

Are consultant solicitors responsible for their own tax and pensions?
Yes. Most consultants are self-employed or operate through personal service companies. They are responsible for their own tax returns, national insurance contributions, and pension arrangements. Many work with accountants to manage their finances efficiently.

What support do consultant solicitors receive from the firm?
New Model Law Firms usually provide core infrastructure, including professional indemnity insurance, case management software, compliance support, and billing systems. Consultants benefit from centralised support while retaining control over their working hours, fees, and client development.