In this blog post, Janine shares her journey to achieving a better work-life balance and how becoming a Consultant Solicitor has transformed her life. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) since 2001, Janine has built a wealth of expertise in areas such as estate administration, Wills, deed of variation, Powers of Attorney, and Court of Protection applications. Through her experience as a Consultant at Taylor Rose, she reveals how this career shift has allowed her to achieve greater flexibility while continuing to provide high-level legal services.
A key advantage of working as a consultant solicitor is the flexibility it provides. Unlike traditional law firm positions, consultant solicitors have greater control over their work schedules. This autonomy allows for a better work-life balance, as you can choose when and where to work, making it easier to arrange personal commitments around your professional obligations.
After years in private practice, I made the decision to leave the traditional law firm world and pursue a new path as a consultant solicitor. This was just as the UK was emerging from lockdown, a time that may not have seemed ideal for such a bold step. However, the lack of effective “people” management in my previous role had left me feeling disillusioned. I was tired of the feeling that my life was controlled by others, rather than me steering my own course.
“I wanted to control the world around me, rather than it controlling me,” I realised. The more I thought about it, the more it became clear: I needed to find a way to take back control of my time, my career, and my happiness.
One of the main driving forces behind this decision was the desire to spend more time with my ill father and my grandchildren. In a traditional solicitor role, I had little flexibility with my hours, making it difficult to prioritise family. “I wanted to work hours that suited me, rather than being at the mercy of an employment contract.”
Consultancy offered the flexibility I was looking for. I now have the ability to arrange my work around my personal commitments. Whether it’s taking my elderly mother to her health appointments or spending an afternoon in the park with my grandchildren, I can make it happen. While I occasionally work evenings or weekends, the ability to shape my own schedule means that my life feels more balanced and fulfilling.
Now, as I approach my fourth year as a consultant solicitor, I can honestly say that this change has transformed my life. “My consultancy is nearly into its fourth year. I have a thriving business. I am the happiest I have been in a long time. I can say, hand on heart, that I wouldn’t change a thing. Consultancy has truly changed my life for the better.”
Becoming a consultant solicitor has not only allowed me to build a successful career but has also given me the freedom to prioritise what matters most.