Many legal professionals will be all too familiar with Helena’s story. Long inflexible hours, heavy targets, and the battle between providing good client service and meeting business expectations

I was prompted to look at consultancy having left a city firm to raise a family. I was keen to continue practising what I love but find a better work-life balance than I had previously, enjoy my family and choose my own hours and workload with flexibility.

“The reality is that freedom and being in control of my time, the versatility at my disposal, and support to help develop a balanced work scenario is better for all parties, including my clients. This completely defines consultancy for me.”

Helena has an impressive 17 years of property experience and prides herself on being friendly, approachable but also meticulous when it comes to helping her clients navigate the property ladder.

The law is surprisingly a customer service driven sector, a working knowledge of the law is not enough. Clients expect their Solicitors to be accessible and service-centric, but often it is the very working environment that traditional law firms employ that impedes this.

Helena acknowledges this in her interactions with clients and that as a specialist property Solicitor, it is not just about the normal legal challenges and pressure to meet time orientated deadlines.

“It is fulfilling my responsibility to all the stakeholders, especially the client. Helping first-time buyers achieve their dream of getting onto the property ladder, helping a variety of people transcend through one of life’s most momentous occasions, to hear the relief and excitement when their new home is officially theirs. It is so rewarding.”

In a sector where Solicitors face increasing performance pressure and mental health challenges without seeing this reflected in their remuneration, ‘wellbeing’ is no longer a buzzword but a necessity. Helena advocates that more professionals need to combine work with a love of life and freedom, to travel, earn better, and be employed by an understanding boss (themselves)!

“Finding the right balance is the key to success and Taylor Rose stood out from all the others. My interview was transparent and encouraging, their fee split was very favourable, and management were so friendly. The administrative and IT support at Taylor Rose is impressive and they gave full training and access to good workflow, systems, and other enabling tools which are a must for end-to-end administration.”

Helena is a reflection that when you create an environment where Solicitors can do their best work, everyone benefits, further attested by her numerous positive client testimonials.

“If consultancy was available when I first started practising it is something I would have looked at much earlier. My advice to anyone who desires a better work-life balance is to bite the bullet and do it. Get organised, develop objectives, create a plan. The technological advances make consultancy in the legal sector a true reality.”

“It can be an incredible journey.”