Emyr Kerfoot and Alexandra Collett’s Journey from Traditional Lawyers to the Fee Share Model

Transitioning from Traditional Law to the Fee Share Model

Legal 500 listed lawyers Emyr Kerfoot and Alexandra Collett, specialising in dispute resolution and commercial litigation, moved from a traditional firm to Excello Law in 2017, with their paralegal at the time Daisy.  The team specialises in handling a wide range of contentious matters for companies and professional practices, as well as private individuals.  They have broad experience of all manner of disputes across a wide spectrum of sectors and industries, including shareholder and partnership disputes as well as insolvency and commercial issues.  Alex and Emyr offer insights into their transition and valuable practical advice for aspiring fee share partners.

A Catalyst for Change

Emyr and Alex’s journey into the fee share model was spurred by their quest for greater autonomy and flexibility without compromising on their professional aspirations. As Alex reflects, “As a new mother,  I was concerned that working part-time in law would be difficult, particularly with deadline-driven litigation work; at the same time, I didn’t want to go back full time because I would miss out on seeing my daughter grow up.”  Meanwhile, Emyr, a seasoned partner at multiple law firms, yearned for greater independence and control over his work. He explains, “I wanted more autonomy over the way I worked and dealt with clients and their matters.  I believed that I could earn as much working for myself as a consultant as I was paid salary-wise, and that has turned out very well.”

Initial Steps and Challenges

Transitioning from traditional partnership to the fee share model demanded careful planning and strategic decision-making.  Alex emphasises the importance of thorough research and consideration of existing obligations.  She recalls, “You need to research and plan your move – first consider what are your existing obligations to your employer by considering your employment contract.” Emyr highlights the significance of addressing logistical challenges, including the movement of clients and their matters whilst carefully considering any applicable restrictive covenants.  Alex stresses practical elements, “you need to find a good accountant, think about incorporation and take advice on tax and pensions, as well as investing in some equipment of your own, including a laptop and a printer”.

Navigating Client Relationships

Central to their success in the fee share model was the cultivation of trust and credibility among clients and peers. Emyr stresses the importance of maintaining a steady stream of work and leveraging referrals from professional networks. He notes, “Most referrals in any firm are internal and that is no different at Excello. We have been fortunate to have had many opportunities to build up relationships with the Excello network of lawyers and our colleagues have been the source of a considerable amount of our work.”  Establishing positive relationships and delivering exemplary service were instrumental both in securing client loyalty and fostering strong working relationships with fellow consultants. Alex affirms, “You need to have confidence and self-belief – what has worked well for you up to this point is likely to continue to work well for you in the fee share model, and the reality is that we have never been quiet.”

Choosing Excello

Emyr and Alex found in Excello Law a supportive environment and a network of like-minded professionals that made their transition from traditional law seamless. Alex recalls, “This office in Chester was brand new.” The opening of Excello’s Chester office in 2017 served as a catalyst for their decision. Emyr explains, “The Chester office is ten minutes from home , and I still like to be going to work rather than working from home every day.” He emphasises the importance of an office setting for collaborative work, especially with paralegals or trainees. “It’s whatever works for you and gives us greater opportunities to meet people and collaborate,” adds Emyr.

Their choice to join Excello Law aligned with their shared values. Excello’s unwavering support was apparent from the start.  As Alex acknowledges, “Jo and George made a great impression, and we loved the ethos of the firm. The support we have had has been brilliant and was apparent from the start.” This support extended to the integration of Daisy, their paralegal, into the team. Emyr underscores this by stating, “Emyr and I wanted to bring on our paralegal Daisy, who we had worked with previously, and Excello were incredibly supportive not only in bringing her on board, but with starting her on a training contract and eventually qualifying as a solicitor.”

Traits of a Successful Consultant Solicitor

Reflecting on their journey, Alex and Emyr highlight key attributes essential for thriving in the fee share model. Emyr emphasises, “Self-confidence, realism, and personability are paramount, alongside conscientiousness and self-discipline.” Alex adds, “It’s important to be practical and to realise it is still a job, albeit a far more flexible one if you manage your work and time effectively.”  Alex and Emyr offer advice for individuals contemplating a leap into the fee share model.  Embracing opportunity and self-confidence are pivotal, alongside planning and a willingness to adapt. With the right mindset and determination, the fee share model can herald newfound fulfilment and professional satisfaction. As Emyr states, “If you’re attracted to the model and to having more independence and control over your career, my advice is just go for it.“