What’s the Difference Between a Consultant and Locum Solicitor?

Summary

1. Locum Solicitors work on a short-term basis to cover gaps within legal teams, while Consultant Solicitors operate independently, often serving multiple clients.
2. Locums are typically engaged via agencies for fixed periods, whereas consultants build their own practices, often through traditional or New Model Law Firms.
3. The employment status differs: locums may be treated as employees or temps, while consultants are self-employed and manage their own tax and insurance obligations.
4. Both roles are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), but compliance, indemnity insurance, and tax implications differ significantly.
5. Choosing between the two depends on your preference for stability vs autonomy, your client development skills, and your desired work-life balance.

As the desire for a more balanced life continues among professionals, especially Generation Z, many solicitors are choosing to step away from partnership tracks and explore more flexible ways of working. Two increasingly popular options are becoming a Locum Solicitor or a Consultant Solicitor.

Both offer greater control over working hours and location, but they differ significantly in structure, responsibilities, earning potential, and lifestyle. To find out which is right for you, read on.

What is a Locum Solicitor?

A Locum Solicitor is a legal professional brought in on a temporary basis to cover absences, workload surges, or interim gaps in staffing. These roles are often filled quickly and require solicitors who can adapt fast and work with minimal supervision. You might be stepping in for a solicitor on maternity leave, or supporting a firm through a busy litigation period.

What is a Consultant Solicitor?

A Consultant Solicitor operates as a self-employed practitioner, either through a traditional or New Model Law Form or independently. Rather than filling a gap in a team, consultants typically deliver specialist legal advice and manage their own portfolio of clients or work with firms on a fee-share basis.

How do Locum Solicitors and Consultant Solicitors work? 

Locum Solicitor

Locums are often placed through legal recruitment agencies and may be expected to start at short notice. They work on-site in most cases, fitting into an existing team and using the firm’s resources and case management systems. Contracts range from days to months.

Consultant Solicitor

Consultants tend to work in traditional or New Model Law Firms. You’ll set your own fees, choose your practice areas, and decide when and where to work. Common areas include commercial law, family law, and employment law.

Typical Consultant Solicitor work arrangements include working from home, using cloud-based systems, and setting terms with clients directly.

What are the legal and regulatory considerations?

While both locums and consultants are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), their obligations differ when it comes to insurance, tax, and compliance.

• When it comes to professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) Locum Solicitors are typically covered by the law firm’s policy. Consultant Solicitors must often secure their own PII, especially if practising independently.
• Locum Solicitors who work via agencies may fall within IR35, which affects how tax and National Insurance are paid. Consultants, as self-employed people, manage their own tax affairs and may set up as sole traders or limited companies.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Locum Solicitor

Advantages

• Immediate placements with limited business development required
• Exposure to varied areas of law and firm cultures
• Predictable short-term income

Disadvantages

• Less autonomy over work and location
• Limited say in workload or systems used
• Roles may dry up in quiet periods

Consultant Solicitor

Advantages

• Complete flexibility in working hours and clients
• Potential for higher income through fee splits or direct client billing
• Ideal for solicitors with niche expertise

Disadvantages

• Must find and retain clients
• You may be responsible for own insurance and compliance
• Income may be irregular

Which is right for me – Locum or Consultant Solicitor?

If you enjoy the structure of firm-based work but want variety, locum work could suit you. It’s especially useful for solicitors returning from a career break or those seeking experience in new practice areas.

If you value autonomy and have an entrepreneurial mindset, consultancy offers greater freedom, especially in a New Model Law Firm, where all administration, insurance, and regulation matters are dealt with for you, allowing you to concentrate on what you do best, advising and representing clients.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want clients handed to me, or do I want to build my own?
• Am I comfortable working alone and marketing my services?
• Do I prefer short-term certainty or long-term independence?

These questions can help you decide whether Locum Solicitor is the right path or whether you should become a Consultant Solicitor.

Wrapping up

The difference between Locum and Consultant Solicitor in England and Wales lies in more than just job title, it’s about how you want to work, who you want to work for, and the kind of legal career you want to build.

Both paths support flexible, autonomous working, and each offers meaningful alternatives to the traditional partnership track. With the right support and knowledge, you can make a choice that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and ambition.

FAQs

Can I switch from being a Locum Solicitor to a Consultant Solicitor?
Yes. Many solicitors move between roles depending on lifestyle, client base, and career goals. The key is understanding the structural and regulatory differences.

Do Consultant Solicitors need their own law firm?
No. Many operate under New Model Law Firms that provide regulatory cover, admin support, and PII.

Is IR35 relevant to Locum Solicitors?
It can be. If you’re working through an agency or limited company, you may fall within IR35, affecting your tax position.

Who pays for insurance?
For Locum Solicitors, the host firm typically covers insurance. Consultant Solicitors must usually arrange their own PII.

Which is better for work-life balance?
Consultancy generally offers more autonomy and control, but locum work can provide reliable income without the pressure of generating clients.

How Nexa Law can help you launch your own legal practice without prohibitive costs and stress

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 thinking of launching your own legal practice in 2025, 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.