Welcome from Lucy Scott-Moncrieff CBE
I co-founded ScoMo, as we affectionately call the Firm, over 30 years ago and today I am proud that the team is bigger and stronger than ever. We attract lawyers who are recognised leaders in their field and our management and admin structure ensures they can perform at the top of their game.
Not only is our team stronger, the range of services for people and businesses we offer has expanded, with employment and company commercial work being the current growth areas.
With all this progress, one thing has remained constant: ScoMo’s commitment to delivering high quality legal services at an affordable cost. This underpins our firmly-held ethos and is reflected in our continued pioneering of Legal Aid matters, public law and working for people who require dependable, reliable advice.
Legal Services
Scott-Moncrieff offers legal advice throughout England and Wales, through face-to-face contact or online, via Skype or by phone. We advise people, companies and other organisations on a full range of legal issues, bringing the full weight of expert teams of specialists to supporting and advising our clients.
Funding
At ScoMo we know that funding is a key issue. It’s why we maintain our commitment to Legal Aid cases. For a whole range of legal services the firm endeavours to find an appropriate method of financing the advice and help that you need. This includes working to a strict, agreed budget; on a no win no fee basis; legal expenses insurance; or Legal Aid.
ScoMo never charges clients until the funding arrangement has been agreed and the way forward approved.
And, of course, we offer a free no obligation initial consultation.
Fee Information for Selected Services
Scott-Moncrieff aims to provide high level legal services at an affordable rate. Every case is unique and legal costs vary depending on the nature and complexity of the matter. Below are a range of hourly rates for the specific types of work listed.
- Probate (uncontested cases with all assets in the UK): £250 – £410 per hour (+VAT) and disbursements along with a percentage of between 0.75% and 1%.
- Employment tribunals (claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal): £250 – £410 per hour (+VAT) and disbursements.
- Debt recovery (up to £100,000): £250 – £410 per hour (+VAT) and disbursements.
Please contact us if you would like more information on legal costs for your case.
Quality of Service
Some time ago ScoMo achieved the Lexcel accreditation, which is awarded only to those firms that can demonstrate a genuine and full commitment to the highest practice management standards as overseen and audited annually by the Law Society.
We have stringent quality controls, but if – for any reason – you are unhappy with the service you have received, please let us know. We’ll work with you to find a way forward.
About our Founder & Managing Director - Lucy Scott-Moncrieff
Lucy is the managing director of the firm. She set it up in 1987, after the birth of her first child, as she wanted the flexibility of self-employment to combine work with motherhood. At that time, she was starting to specialise in mental health and human rights law, and for several years the firm expanded gently into other areas of social welfare law as word of mouth spread about the freedoms and benefits of working for a virtual law firm.
In recent years, Lucy has spoken and written widely on the benefits of this way of working, and the firm now covers private client and commercial work. As its growth has been incremental, Lucy has been able to ensure that the guiding principles of excellence in client service and friendliness within the firm have been maintained.
Lucy has not only built her firm, but has also built her reputation as a mental health and human rights lawyer, and as a promoter and supporter of the profession and its values.
She has been a Law Society Council member since 2002, was Law Society President during the 2012/13 term and is now Chair of its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Lucy was the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards from 2016-2021. She is the Co-Chair of the Legal Aid and Access to Justice Committee of the International Bar Association, was also a commissioner with the Judicial Appointments Committee and, as well as being a Tribunal Judge, she also sits as a Judge for the Court of Protection.
She is a member of the Bach Commission on Access to Justice.
Lucy has been an Act Commissioner, was a founder member of the QC Appointments Panel, was a commissioner with Postcomm from 2008 to 2011, and is an associate with Verita, which carries out investigations on behalf of public bodies.
Many of her cases, taken by way of judicial review, including those before the ECtHR, have been reported over the years. One of her clients was the first person to obtain a declaration of incompatibility under the Human Rights Act. The resulting remedial order altered the discharge criteria affecting all those detained under the Act.
Over Thirty years of Scott-Moncrieff & Associates
I set up my own practice 30 years ago, after the birth of my older son, and just as he has grown to a strapping 6’4”, scomo has grown from its beginnings as a mental health law firm to one that now covers many areas of law, for people in many different circumstances; and as it has grown and evolved it has created a way of working that more and more solicitors are now adopting.
The reputation of a law firm rests on the quality of its lawyers and systems, and I am very proud to have such excellent colleagues, some of them recognised as leaders in their fields, and all of them dedicated to providing the best possible service to their clients. We attract independent-minded lawyers, some of who handle ground-breaking cases and who are recognised by their peers and the media as being among the best of the best. We are all able and willing to stand up for our clients when the going gets tough, as evidenced by our pioneering casework on behalf of vulnerable clients challenging the power of the State. We are user-friendly, and approachable.
The way the firm is organised means that our lawyers can devote themselves to their clients, rather than to the needs of the firm, so that every client, whatever their circumstances and wherever they are in the country, gets a personal service from their solicitor. Whether you are a private client seeking public law guidance, or a local business involved in litigation, you will always be looked after by a highly-experienced lawyer and will always receive the highest level of service.
The other source of pride for me is that we have created something new in how we work. We are a virtual, or dispersed firm, and I believe we were the first in the world to work like this: I have spoken about how we work to lawyers all over the world, and no-one has ever said that they knew of anyone who had done anything like it before.
A huge advantage of our structure is that our lawyers are in charge of their own careers. I am very interested in equality and diversity in law firms, and our way of working is one in which everyone can flourish, including people with caring responsibilities and those who want to pursue other interests alongside legal practice.
We have created a fresh approach to the law, enabling lawyers to work in a way that best suits their talents and in a way that ensures they remain close to their clients. These advantages are being recognised more and more by other firms, who are adopting aspects of what we started 30 years ago.
But we have no sense of complacency; of ‘job done’. Clients’ expectations are constantly evolving, as are the tools that we can use to serve them, and our ethos of continuous change in delivery and continued commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards means that we will be keeping busy for the next 30 years and more.
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news & blogs
Mary Lowe: “This is the most profitable way to practice law in the 21st Century”
Click here to read more
“I have been in practice 28 years and have had the most enjoyable year since joining Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd 16 months ago. I was previously a Director in a Company with four fellow Directors, two offices and 20+ staff operating in the traditional method. A virtual law firm allows superb flexibility allowing you to work from home to suit family commitments. I have made the best decision for myself and my family. I have an office close to home to separate work and home life but I can work from home whenever I chose and whenever my children are unwell or during school holidays.
It is delightful to concentrate on your clients’ needs fully and have complete peace of mind that all administrative work is carried out competently at Head office; all SRA regulations are up to date and adhered to; accounts regulations are up to date and adhered to and all software is installed and managed. For once you can concentrate on being a lawyer without spending hours per week running your practice and attending to the needs of office administration; staff; technology and so forth. Your time is free to fee earn. Plus after working very hard you know with certainty that you are earning most of every bill paid.
I employ two staff, one of which lives 200 miles away, but types for me remotely. Office overheads are greatly reduced with a virtual law firm. This is the most profitable way to practice law in the 21st Century and I am pleased Lucy Scott-Moncrieff had such foresight. I am further delighted to be contracted to such a modern practice and to be part of such a great team.”
Laura Janes:“I joined ScoMo when I was pregnant with my second child…I needed the flexibility to work in a way that suited me and my family.”
Click here to read more
“My practice is fairly niche. It revolves around the needs of my particular client group: mainly children and young people in detention. I joined ScoMo when I was pregnant with my second child. At that time, I wanted to continue with my practice but I needed the flexibility to work in a way that suited me and my family. I was also halfway through a professional doctorate.
Five years on, I have completed my doctorate and developed my practice significantly to include mental health and civil damages work with the support and encouragement of experienced colleagues at ScoMo.
I employ legal assistants to support my practice. This allows me to ensure that my own flexible working hours are used as efficiently as possible and that my clients can contact my team throughout the working week.
The set up at ScoMo enables me to continue to develop my practice alongside my other commitments which includes teaching at London South Bank University and working as a legal consultant for a national charity.”
Mitchell Woolf: “Being a consultant solicitor is very important in enabling me to obtain a balance in my working life”
Click here to read more
“I started working as a consultant solicitor at ScoMo over ten years ago. At the time, I was an academic and wanted to test some ideas about bringing challenges on behalf of vulnerable and disabled children. Working as a consultant solicitor at ScoMo has given me the opportunity to take cases and also continue working in the academic field.
Being a consultant solicitor is very important in enabling me to obtain a balance in my working life that allows me to pursue my work in a way that suits me. It allows me to have control over my caseload and leaves me with the autonomy to explore areas of challenge that interest me.
Working with other like-minded people, gives us an ethos that means that I do not feel isolated even if I am not sharing an office with other consultants.”
Richard Barr: “You join the firm as a self-employed consultant. The support services are provided in return for the firm receiving a percentage (usually 30 per cent)”
Click here to read more
See published article here.
Mark Tunstill: “I see ScoMo as a firm which allows maximum flexibility at work…It also provides a great return.”
Click here to read more
“Having been in practice for the past 25 years or so, in the City and West end, I see ScoMo as a firm which allows maximum flexibility at work. It also provides a great return, with consultants keeping most of the fees received. The atmosphere is collegiate despite most of us being dispersed across the country and even the globe: the internet, email and telephone allow this and are proving to be the main tools for legal practice in the 21st century.
“The ScoMo experience is hassle-free. In particular, consultants are not engaged in any time-consuming office admin, allowing us to concentrate solely on advancing our clients’ interests. The Kingsway office is there for those of us who wish to use it, but attendance is not required and there is no commuting! The cloud-based practice management system is hyper-secure and contains all client files which means that all I need is a laptop and smartphone to work wherever I choose.”
Terence Channer: “work from anywhere in the world at my own pace…excellent!”
Click here to read more
<p>“In March 2012, I approached the prospect of working for a virtual law firm with a large degree of excitement. I found the thought of having autonomy and control over my working hours and operations to be extremely appealing. Throughout my career I have been “systems driven” so the idea of harnessing the latest technology to increase profitability, efficiency and create a healthy work/life balance was a challenge that I relished.<br> Like most lawyers I’ve had such an attachment to paper over the years. However, approximately two and a half years ago I went totally paperless which was the last obstacle to total freedom. Therefore, a paperless office, video conference meetings and a cloud-based practice management system have been key to fully exploiting virtual working; work from anywhere in the world at my own pace…excellent!”</p>
Bev Lambert: “the opportunity to work flexibly and remotely was extremely attractive”
Click here to read more
<p>“I joined ScoMo in 2014 when, as the mother of three young children, the opportunity to work flexibly and remotely was extremely attractive. The positive and supportive ethos that was immediately apparent within the ScoMo organisation and the opportunity to work alongside many highly experienced and independent-minded lawyers were further persuasive factors. Most of all I was drawn by the opportunity to increase my professional autonomy, to build my own client base and to take greater control of my work so as to ensure both efficient and ethical working practice.<br> I have since built a wide and varied caseload, drawing on my previous knowledge and experience as well as expanding into new areas. I have recruited a small team of lawyers and administrative assistants who support me in offering insolvency, restructuring and property litigation advice. The flexibility of the role has enabled me to also retain a very stimulating position as an Associate Lecturer in Law for The Open University.”</p>
Mike Powell: “ScoMo has provided me with the necessary support when I have needed it and consultants are happy to assist each other…I have not looked back”.
Click here to read more
“Before joining ScoMo I was considering whether or not to set up my own firm until an ex-colleague suggested working as a self-employed solicitor. I looked at various firms but what I liked about ScoMo was its ethos and the calibre of its lawyers, a number of whom are highly respected in their area of law. I also liked the fact that ScoMo would be responsible for much of the admin involved such as providing indemnity insurance, dealing with regulatory bodies, accounts and archiving etc. Also, the consultancy agreement was straightforward, i.e. the consultant retained most of their fees regardless of income for a given year unlike other firms which operate on a sliding scale.
Scott-Moncrieff provides a cloud-based integrated case management and email system which means that files can be accessed anywhere online securely as the system is maintained and backed up centrally and nothing needs to be stored on a consultant’s own computer. ScoMo has provided me with the necessary support when I have needed it and consultants are happy to assist each other. Since joining ScoMo in 2011, I have not looked back. If a lawyer is self-reliant and confident of generating their own work, I can recommend working as a self-employed consultant lawyer and from my own experience I would highly recommend working for ScoMo.”
Mary Lowe: “This is the most profitable way to practice law in the 21st Century”
Click here to read more
“I have been in practice 28 years and have had the most enjoyable year since joining Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd 16 months ago. I was previously a Director in a Company with four fellow Directors, two offices and 20+ staff operating in the traditional method. A virtual law firm allows superb flexibility allowing you to work from home to suit family commitments. I have made the best decision for myself and my family. I have an office close to home to separate work and home life but I can work from home whenever I chose and whenever my children are unwell or during school holidays.
It is delightful to concentrate on your clients’ needs fully and have complete peace of mind that all administrative work is carried out competently at Head office; all SRA regulations are up to date and adhered to; accounts regulations are up to date and adhered to and all software is installed and managed. For once you can concentrate on being a lawyer without spending hours per week running your practice and attending to the needs of office administration; staff; technology and so forth. Your time is free to fee earn. Plus after working very hard you know with certainty that you are earning most of every bill paid.
I employ two staff, one of which lives 200 miles away, but types for me remotely. Office overheads are greatly reduced with a virtual law firm. This is the most profitable way to practice law in the 21st Century and I am pleased Lucy Scott-Moncrieff had such foresight. I am further delighted to be contracted to such a modern practice and to be part of such a great team.”
“I have been in practice 28 years and have had the most enjoyable year since joining Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd 16 months ago. I was previously a Director in a Company with four fellow Directors, two offices and 20+ staff operating in the traditional method. A virtual law firm allows superb flexibility allowing you to work from home to suit family commitments. I have made the best decision for myself and my family. I have an office close to home to separate work and home life but I can work from home whenever I chose and whenever my children are unwell or during school holidays.
It is delightful to concentrate on your clients’ needs fully and have complete peace of mind that all administrative work is carried out competently at Head office; all SRA regulations are up to date and adhered to; accounts regulations are up to date and adhered to and all software is installed and managed. For once you can concentrate on being a lawyer without spending hours per week running your practice and attending to the needs of office administration; staff; technology and so forth. Your time is free to fee earn. Plus after working very hard you know with certainty that you are earning most of every bill paid.
I employ two staff, one of which lives 200 miles away, but types for me remotely. Office overheads are greatly reduced with a virtual law firm. This is the most profitable way to practice law in the 21st Century and I am pleased Lucy Scott-Moncrieff had such foresight. I am further delighted to be contracted to such a modern practice and to be part of such a great team.”
Laura Janes:“I joined ScoMo when I was pregnant with my second child…I needed the flexibility to work in a way that suited me and my family.”
Click here to read more
“My practice is fairly niche. It revolves around the needs of my particular client group: mainly children and young people in detention. I joined ScoMo when I was pregnant with my second child. At that time, I wanted to continue with my practice but I needed the flexibility to work in a way that suited me and my family. I was also halfway through a professional doctorate.
Five years on, I have completed my doctorate and developed my practice significantly to include mental health and civil damages work with the support and encouragement of experienced colleagues at ScoMo.
I employ legal assistants to support my practice. This allows me to ensure that my own flexible working hours are used as efficiently as possible and that my clients can contact my team throughout the working week.
The set up at ScoMo enables me to continue to develop my practice alongside my other commitments which includes teaching at London South Bank University and working as a legal consultant for a national charity.”
“My practice is fairly niche. It revolves around the needs of my particular client group: mainly children and young people in detention. I joined ScoMo when I was pregnant with my second child. At that time, I wanted to continue with my practice but I needed the flexibility to work in a way that suited me and my family. I was also halfway through a professional doctorate.
Five years on, I have completed my doctorate and developed my practice significantly to include mental health and civil damages work with the support and encouragement of experienced colleagues at ScoMo.
I employ legal assistants to support my practice. This allows me to ensure that my own flexible working hours are used as efficiently as possible and that my clients can contact my team throughout the working week.
The set up at ScoMo enables me to continue to develop my practice alongside my other commitments which includes teaching at London South Bank University and working as a legal consultant for a national charity.”
Mitchell Woolf: “Being a consultant solicitor is very important in enabling me to obtain a balance in my working life”
Click here to read more
“I started working as a consultant solicitor at ScoMo over ten years ago. At the time, I was an academic and wanted to test some ideas about bringing challenges on behalf of vulnerable and disabled children. Working as a consultant solicitor at ScoMo has given me the opportunity to take cases and also continue working in the academic field.
Being a consultant solicitor is very important in enabling me to obtain a balance in my working life that allows me to pursue my work in a way that suits me. It allows me to have control over my caseload and leaves me with the autonomy to explore areas of challenge that interest me.
Working with other like-minded people, gives us an ethos that means that I do not feel isolated even if I am not sharing an office with other consultants.”
“I started working as a consultant solicitor at ScoMo over ten years ago. At the time, I was an academic and wanted to test some ideas about bringing challenges on behalf of vulnerable and disabled children. Working as a consultant solicitor at ScoMo has given me the opportunity to take cases and also continue working in the academic field.
Being a consultant solicitor is very important in enabling me to obtain a balance in my working life that allows me to pursue my work in a way that suits me. It allows me to have control over my caseload and leaves me with the autonomy to explore areas of challenge that interest me.
Working with other like-minded people, gives us an ethos that means that I do not feel isolated even if I am not sharing an office with other consultants.”
Richard Barr: “You join the firm as a self-employed consultant. The support services are provided in return for the firm receiving a percentage (usually 30 per cent)”
Click here to read more
See published article here.
See published article here.
Mark Tunstill: “I see ScoMo as a firm which allows maximum flexibility at work…It also provides a great return.”
Click here to read more
“Having been in practice for the past 25 years or so, in the City and West end, I see ScoMo as a firm which allows maximum flexibility at work. It also provides a great return, with consultants keeping most of the fees received. The atmosphere is collegiate despite most of us being dispersed across the country and even the globe: the internet, email and telephone allow this and are proving to be the main tools for legal practice in the 21st century.
“The ScoMo experience is hassle-free. In particular, consultants are not engaged in any time-consuming office admin, allowing us to concentrate solely on advancing our clients’ interests. The Kingsway office is there for those of us who wish to use it, but attendance is not required and there is no commuting! The cloud-based practice management system is hyper-secure and contains all client files which means that all I need is a laptop and smartphone to work wherever I choose.”
“Having been in practice for the past 25 years or so, in the City and West end, I see ScoMo as a firm which allows maximum flexibility at work. It also provides a great return, with consultants keeping most of the fees received. The atmosphere is collegiate despite most of us being dispersed across the country and even the globe: the internet, email and telephone allow this and are proving to be the main tools for legal practice in the 21st century.
“The ScoMo experience is hassle-free. In particular, consultants are not engaged in any time-consuming office admin, allowing us to concentrate solely on advancing our clients’ interests. The Kingsway office is there for those of us who wish to use it, but attendance is not required and there is no commuting! The cloud-based practice management system is hyper-secure and contains all client files which means that all I need is a laptop and smartphone to work wherever I choose.”
Terence Channer: “work from anywhere in the world at my own pace…excellent!”
Click here to read more
<p>“In March 2012, I approached the prospect of working for a virtual law firm with a large degree of excitement. I found the thought of having autonomy and control over my working hours and operations to be extremely appealing. Throughout my career I have been “systems driven” so the idea of harnessing the latest technology to increase profitability, efficiency and create a healthy work/life balance was a challenge that I relished.<br> Like most lawyers I’ve had such an attachment to paper over the years. However, approximately two and a half years ago I went totally paperless which was the last obstacle to total freedom. Therefore, a paperless office, video conference meetings and a cloud-based practice management system have been key to fully exploiting virtual working; work from anywhere in the world at my own pace…excellent!”</p>
<p>“In March 2012, I approached the prospect of working for a virtual law firm with a large degree of excitement. I found the thought of having autonomy and control over my working hours and operations to be extremely appealing. Throughout my career I have been “systems driven” so the idea of harnessing the latest technology to increase profitability, efficiency and create a healthy work/life balance was a challenge that I relished.<br> Like most lawyers I’ve had such an attachment to paper over the years. However, approximately two and a half years ago I went totally paperless which was the last obstacle to total freedom. Therefore, a paperless office, video conference meetings and a cloud-based practice management system have been key to fully exploiting virtual working; work from anywhere in the world at my own pace…excellent!”</p>
Bev Lambert: “the opportunity to work flexibly and remotely was extremely attractive”
Click here to read more
<p>“I joined ScoMo in 2014 when, as the mother of three young children, the opportunity to work flexibly and remotely was extremely attractive. The positive and supportive ethos that was immediately apparent within the ScoMo organisation and the opportunity to work alongside many highly experienced and independent-minded lawyers were further persuasive factors. Most of all I was drawn by the opportunity to increase my professional autonomy, to build my own client base and to take greater control of my work so as to ensure both efficient and ethical working practice.<br> I have since built a wide and varied caseload, drawing on my previous knowledge and experience as well as expanding into new areas. I have recruited a small team of lawyers and administrative assistants who support me in offering insolvency, restructuring and property litigation advice. The flexibility of the role has enabled me to also retain a very stimulating position as an Associate Lecturer in Law for The Open University.”</p>
<p>“I joined ScoMo in 2014 when, as the mother of three young children, the opportunity to work flexibly and remotely was extremely attractive. The positive and supportive ethos that was immediately apparent within the ScoMo organisation and the opportunity to work alongside many highly experienced and independent-minded lawyers were further persuasive factors. Most of all I was drawn by the opportunity to increase my professional autonomy, to build my own client base and to take greater control of my work so as to ensure both efficient and ethical working practice.<br> I have since built a wide and varied caseload, drawing on my previous knowledge and experience as well as expanding into new areas. I have recruited a small team of lawyers and administrative assistants who support me in offering insolvency, restructuring and property litigation advice. The flexibility of the role has enabled me to also retain a very stimulating position as an Associate Lecturer in Law for The Open University.”</p>
Mike Powell: “ScoMo has provided me with the necessary support when I have needed it and consultants are happy to assist each other…I have not looked back”.
Click here to read more
“Before joining ScoMo I was considering whether or not to set up my own firm until an ex-colleague suggested working as a self-employed solicitor. I looked at various firms but what I liked about ScoMo was its ethos and the calibre of its lawyers, a number of whom are highly respected in their area of law. I also liked the fact that ScoMo would be responsible for much of the admin involved such as providing indemnity insurance, dealing with regulatory bodies, accounts and archiving etc. Also, the consultancy agreement was straightforward, i.e. the consultant retained most of their fees regardless of income for a given year unlike other firms which operate on a sliding scale.
Scott-Moncrieff provides a cloud-based integrated case management and email system which means that files can be accessed anywhere online securely as the system is maintained and backed up centrally and nothing needs to be stored on a consultant’s own computer. ScoMo has provided me with the necessary support when I have needed it and consultants are happy to assist each other. Since joining ScoMo in 2011, I have not looked back. If a lawyer is self-reliant and confident of generating their own work, I can recommend working as a self-employed consultant lawyer and from my own experience I would highly recommend working for ScoMo.”
“Before joining ScoMo I was considering whether or not to set up my own firm until an ex-colleague suggested working as a self-employed solicitor. I looked at various firms but what I liked about ScoMo was its ethos and the calibre of its lawyers, a number of whom are highly respected in their area of law. I also liked the fact that ScoMo would be responsible for much of the admin involved such as providing indemnity insurance, dealing with regulatory bodies, accounts and archiving etc. Also, the consultancy agreement was straightforward, i.e. the consultant retained most of their fees regardless of income for a given year unlike other firms which operate on a sliding scale.
Scott-Moncrieff provides a cloud-based integrated case management and email system which means that files can be accessed anywhere online securely as the system is maintained and backed up centrally and nothing needs to be stored on a consultant’s own computer. ScoMo has provided me with the necessary support when I have needed it and consultants are happy to assist each other. Since joining ScoMo in 2011, I have not looked back. If a lawyer is self-reliant and confident of generating their own work, I can recommend working as a self-employed consultant lawyer and from my own experience I would highly recommend working for ScoMo.”
Mary Lowe: “This is the most profitable way to practice law in the 21st Century”
Click here to read more
“I have been in practice 28 years and have had the most enjoyable year since joining Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd 16 months ago. I was previously a Director in a Company with four fellow Directors, two offices and 20+ staff operating in the traditional method. A virtual law firm allows superb flexibility allowing you to work from home to suit family commitments. I have made the best decision for myself and my family. I have an office close to home to separate work and home life but I can work from home whenever I chose and whenever my children are unwell or during school holidays.
It is delightful to concentrate on your clients’ needs fully and have complete peace of mind that all administrative work is carried out competently at Head office; all SRA regulations are up to date and adhered to; accounts regulations are up to date and adhered to and all software is installed and managed. For once you can concentrate on being a lawyer without spending hours per week running your practice and attending to the needs of office administration; staff; technology and so forth. Your time is free to fee earn. Plus after working very hard you know with certainty that you are earning most of every bill paid.
I employ two staff, one of which lives 200 miles away, but types for me remotely. Office overheads are greatly reduced with a virtual law firm. This is the most profitable way to practice law in the 21st Century and I am pleased Lucy Scott-Moncrieff had such foresight. I am further delighted to be contracted to such a modern practice and to be part of such a great team.”
Laura Janes:“I joined ScoMo when I was pregnant with my second child…I needed the flexibility to work in a way that suited me and my family.”
Click here to read more
“My practice is fairly niche. It revolves around the needs of my particular client group: mainly children and young people in detention. I joined ScoMo when I was pregnant with my second child. At that time, I wanted to continue with my practice but I needed the flexibility to work in a way that suited me and my family. I was also halfway through a professional doctorate.
Five years on, I have completed my doctorate and developed my practice significantly to include mental health and civil damages work with the support and encouragement of experienced colleagues at ScoMo.
I employ legal assistants to support my practice. This allows me to ensure that my own flexible working hours are used as efficiently as possible and that my clients can contact my team throughout the working week.
The set up at ScoMo enables me to continue to develop my practice alongside my other commitments which includes teaching at London South Bank University and working as a legal consultant for a national charity.”
Mitchell Woolf: “Being a consultant solicitor is very important in enabling me to obtain a balance in my working life”
Click here to read more
“I started working as a consultant solicitor at ScoMo over ten years ago. At the time, I was an academic and wanted to test some ideas about bringing challenges on behalf of vulnerable and disabled children. Working as a consultant solicitor at ScoMo has given me the opportunity to take cases and also continue working in the academic field.
Being a consultant solicitor is very important in enabling me to obtain a balance in my working life that allows me to pursue my work in a way that suits me. It allows me to have control over my caseload and leaves me with the autonomy to explore areas of challenge that interest me.
Working with other like-minded people, gives us an ethos that means that I do not feel isolated even if I am not sharing an office with other consultants.”
Richard Barr: “You join the firm as a self-employed consultant. The support services are provided in return for the firm receiving a percentage (usually 30 per cent)”
Click here to read more
See published article here.
Mark Tunstill: “I see ScoMo as a firm which allows maximum flexibility at work…It also provides a great return.”
Click here to read more
“Having been in practice for the past 25 years or so, in the City and West end, I see ScoMo as a firm which allows maximum flexibility at work. It also provides a great return, with consultants keeping most of the fees received. The atmosphere is collegiate despite most of us being dispersed across the country and even the globe: the internet, email and telephone allow this and are proving to be the main tools for legal practice in the 21st century.
“The ScoMo experience is hassle-free. In particular, consultants are not engaged in any time-consuming office admin, allowing us to concentrate solely on advancing our clients’ interests. The Kingsway office is there for those of us who wish to use it, but attendance is not required and there is no commuting! The cloud-based practice management system is hyper-secure and contains all client files which means that all I need is a laptop and smartphone to work wherever I choose.”
Terence Channer: “work from anywhere in the world at my own pace…excellent!”
Click here to read more
Like most lawyers I’ve had such an attachment to paper over the years. However, approximately two and a half years ago I went totally paperless which was the last obstacle to total freedom. Therefore, a paperless office, video conference meetings and a cloud-based practice management system have been key to fully exploiting virtual working; work from anywhere in the world at my own pace…excellent!”
Bev Lambert: “the opportunity to work flexibly and remotely was extremely attractive”
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“I joined ScoMo in 2014 when, as the mother of three young children, the opportunity to work flexibly and remotely was extremely attractive. The positive and supportive ethos that was immediately apparent within the ScoMo organisation and the opportunity to work alongside many highly experienced and independent-minded lawyers were further persuasive factors. Most of all I was drawn by the opportunity to increase my professional autonomy, to build my own client base and to take greater control of my work so as to ensure both efficient and ethical working practice.
I have since built a wide and varied caseload, drawing on my previous knowledge and experience as well as expanding into new areas. I have recruited a small team of lawyers and administrative assistants who support me in offering insolvency, restructuring and property litigation advice. The flexibility of the role has enabled me to also retain a very stimulating position as an Associate Lecturer in Law for The Open University.”
Mike Powell: “ScoMo has provided me with the necessary support when I have needed it and consultants are happy to assist each other…I have not looked back”
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“Before joining ScoMo I was considering whether or not to set up my own firm until an ex-colleague suggested working as a self-employed solicitor. I looked at various firms but what I liked about ScoMo was its ethos and the calibre of its lawyers, a number of whom are highly respected in their area of law. I also liked the fact that ScoMo would be responsible for much of the admin involved such as providing indemnity insurance, dealing with regulatory bodies, accounts and archiving etc. Also, the consultancy agreement was straightforward, i.e. the consultant retained most of their fees regardless of income for a given year unlike other firms which operate on a sliding scale.
Scott-Moncrieff provides a cloud-based integrated case management and email system which means that files can be accessed anywhere online securely as the system is maintained and backed up centrally and nothing needs to be stored on a consultant’s own computer. ScoMo has provided me with the necessary support when I have needed it and consultants are happy to assist each other. Since joining ScoMo in 2011, I have not looked back. If a lawyer is self-reliant and confident of generating their own work, I can recommend working as a self-employed consultant lawyer and from my own experience I would highly recommend working for ScoMo.”