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Freelance & Fractional Counsel

For Freelance Solicitors​

And Fractional Counsel​

E-Solicitors Legal Services Marketplace

─────────────────────────────────────

Version 1.0 - January 2026

England and Wales

Important Notice​

  • BY REGISTERING ON THE PLATFORM AND ACCEPTING THESE TERMS, YOU ARE MAKING BINDING WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING YOUR REGULATORY STATUS, PRACTICE STRUCTURE, AND COMPLIANCE.

Who These Terms Apply To

These Terms apply to solicitors who provide legal services independently outside traditional law firm structures:

Freelance Solicitors authorised by the SRA to provide services directly to the public

Fractional Counsel providing part-time or portfolio General Counsel services

Consultant Solicitors operating as sole traders

Independent Legal Consultants with practising certificates

Portfolio Lawyers serving multiple clients on a flexible basis

Key Points You Must Understand

  • The Platform is a MARKETPLACE connecting you with clients seeking legal services

  • You remain individually regulated by the SRA

  • You bear full professional responsibility for your services

  • The Platform does NOT provide legal advice or legal services

  • When you accept instructions, the contract is directly with the client

  • We are NOT a law firm and are NOT regulated by the SRA, Law Society, or FCA

  • FREELANCE SOLICITORS: You CANNOT hold client money. You CANNOT employ others to do legal work. You must have your OWN Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Contents​

Part A: General Terms​

  1. Definitions and Interpretation

  2. Platform Status and Regulatory Position

  3. Nature of the Service

Part B: Freelance Solicitor Requirements​

  1. SRA Freelance Solicitor Framework

  2. Freelance Solicitor Eligibility

  3. Practice Restrictions for Freelance Solicitors

  4. Client Money Prohibition

  5. Employment Restrictions

Part C: Fractional Counsel Requirements​

  1. Fractional Counsel Framework

  2. Types of Fractional Arrangement

  3. Employment Status and IR35

  4. Multiple Client Considerations

Part D: Sra Regulatory Compliance​

  1. SRA Principles

  2. SRA Code of Conduct

  3. Client Care Requirements

  4. SRA Transparency Rules

  5. Professional Indemnity Insurance

  6. Continuing Competence

Part E: Aml/kyc Compliance​

  1. AML Obligations for Independent Practitioners

  2. Customer Due Diligence

  3. Sanctions Screening

  4. Record Keeping

Part F: Consumer Protection​

  1. Consumer Rights Act 2015

  2. Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013

  3. Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024

Part G: Client Relationships​

  1. Direct Client Relationship

  2. Engagement Letters and Retainers

  3. Vulnerable Clients

  4. Complaints Handling

  5. Legal Ombudsman

Part H: Fees and Payment​

  1. Platform Fees

  2. Fee Structures for Independent Practice

  3. Referral Fee Rules

  4. LASPO Prohibition

Part I: Business and Tax Considerations​

  1. Self-Employment Status

  2. Tax Obligations

  3. Business Insurance

Part J: General Provisions​

  1. Term and Termination

  2. Liability

  3. Data Protection

  4. Governing Law

Schedules​

Schedule 1: Freelance Solicitor vs Traditional Practice Comparison

Schedule 2: Freelance Solicitor Compliance Checklist

Schedule 3: Fractional Counsel Engagement Types

Schedule 4: IR35 Considerations Checklist

Schedule 5: AML Compliance Checklist

Part A: General Terms​

1. Definitions and Interpretation​

1.1 In these Terms, the following words have these meanings:

'AML' means anti-money laundering, including compliance with MLR 2017, POCA 2002, TA 2000, ECCTA 2023, and LSAG 2025.

'Client' means an individual or entity who instructs you to provide legal services.

'Consumer' means an individual acting for purposes wholly or mainly outside their trade, business, craft, or profession.

'E-SOLICITORS' means

Esol

Corporation Limited with Company number 16927988.

'Fractional Counsel' means a solicitor providing part-time, flexible, or portfolio General Counsel services to one or more organisations.

'Freelance Solicitor' means a solicitor authorised by the SRA to provide legal services to clients of their own, other than as a manager, owner, or employee of a firm, as an in-house lawyer, or through a 'non-commercial body'.

'HMRC' means His Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

'IR35' means the off-payroll working rules contained in Chapter 10 of Part 2 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003.

'LSAG 2025' means the Legal Sector Affinity Group Anti-Money Laundering Guidance 2025.

'MLR 2017' means the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (as amended).

'PII' means Professional Indemnity Insurance.

'Portfolio Counsel' means a solicitor providing legal services to multiple clients on an ongoing basis.

'SRA' means the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

'Sole Trader' means a self-employed individual operating as an unincorporated business.

2. Platform Status and Regulatory Position​

2.1 You acknowledge and agree that:

(a) The Platform is a technology marketplace facilitating introductions between clients and legal professionals;

(b) The Platform does NOT provide legal advice or legal services;

(c) The Platform is NOT a law firm, legal practice, or Alternative Business Structure;

(d) The Platform is NOT regulated by the SRA, Law Society, or FCA;

(e) The Platform does NOT hold client money;

(f) The Platform does NOT employ you - you are an independent practitioner;

(g) The Platform is NOT responsible for determining your employment or tax status.

3. Nature of the Service​

3.1 When you accept instructions through the Platform:

(a) You enter into a contract directly with the client;

(b) You are solely responsible for providing legal services;

(c) The Platform is not a party to your retainer with the client;

(d) Professional duties are owed by you to the client;

(e) You bear full professional and regulatory responsibility.

Part B: Freelance Solicitor Requirements​

ℹ This Part applies specifically to Freelance Solicitors as defined by the SRA. Freelance Solicitors have specific regulatory requirements that differ from solicitors practising through traditional law firms.

4. Sra Freelance Solicitor Framework​

4.1 A Freelance Solicitor is a solicitor who:

(a) Provides legal services to clients of their own;

(b) Is NOT a manager, owner, or employee of an authorised firm;

(c) Is NOT practising as an in-house lawyer;

(d) Is NOT providing services through a 'non-commercial body'.

4.2 Freelance Solicitors are individually authorised by the SRA and must comply with:

(a) SRA Principles;

(b) SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs;

(c) Specific requirements for freelance practice;

(d) All applicable legislation including MLR 2017 and consumer protection laws.

5. Freelance Solicitor Eligibility​

5.1 To register on the Platform as a Freelance Solicitor, you must:

(a) Hold a current practising certificate as a solicitor of England and Wales;

(b) Be authorised by the SRA to practise as a Freelance Solicitor;

(c) Have your own Professional Indemnity Insurance meeting SRA requirements;

(d) Not be subject to any conditions preventing freelance practice;

(e) Not be suspended or struck off the Roll.

5.2 You warrant that at registration and continuously:

(a) Your practising certificate is current and unrestricted;

(b) You are in good standing with the SRA;

(c) You have disclosed any regulatory findings or investigations;

(d) Your PII is current and adequate;

(e) You will notify the Platform of any changes to your status.

6. Practice Restrictions for Freelance Solicitors​

6.1 As a Freelance Solicitor, you CAN:

  • Provide reserved and unreserved legal services directly to clients

  • Provide services to individuals and businesses

  • Work from any location

  • Set your own fees and working arrangements

  • Use your own professional title

6.2 As a Freelance Solicitor, you CANNOT:

  • Hold client money - you MUST NOT receive or hold money on behalf of clients

  • Employ anyone to carry out legal work

  • Practise through a body corporate or LLP

  • Share fees with non-lawyers (except permitted referral fees)

  • Hold yourself out as a law firm

  • CLIENT MONEY PROHIBITION: Freelance Solicitors are absolutely prohibited from holding client money. Any breach of this prohibition is a serious regulatory matter and will result in immediate termination from the Platform.

7. Client Money Prohibition​

7.1 You warrant and undertake that you will NOT:

(a) Receive money on behalf of clients;

(b) Hold money in escrow for transactions;

(c) Operate a client account;

(d) Handle completion money in conveyancing;

(e) Receive settlement funds in litigation;

(f) Accept money for disbursements from clients.

7.2 Alternative arrangements for client payments:

(a) Direct payment between parties;

(b) Third-party escrow services;

(c) Licensed conveyancers for property transactions;

(d) Referral to a law firm for matters requiring client money handling.

7.3 If a matter requires client money handling:

(a) You must inform the client before accepting instructions;

(b) You must arrange alternative handling through an authorised firm;

(c) You must not proceed if no suitable alternative is available.

8. Employment Restrictions​

8.1 You warrant that you do NOT employ anyone to:

(a) Carry out legal work;

(b) Provide legal services to clients;

(c) Act under your supervision on legal matters.

8.2 You MAY use:

(a) Administrative support (non-legal work only);

(b) Virtual assistants for scheduling, etc.;

(c) Outsourced services (accountants, IT, etc.);

(d) Counsel (barristers) instructed on behalf of clients.

  • If you wish to employ others to do legal work, you must establish a law firm (Recognised Body or Licensed Body) and can no longer practise as a Freelance Solicitor.

Part C: Fractional Counsel Requirements​

ℹ Fractional Counsel provide part-time or flexible General Counsel services to organisations. This may be as an employee, consultant, or through various hybrid arrangements.

9. Fractional Counsel Framework​

9.1 Fractional Counsel typically:

(a) Provide General Counsel or legal department services part-time;

(b) Serve multiple clients/organisations simultaneously;

(c) Offer flexible arrangements (days per week/month);

(d) May work on-site, remotely, or hybrid;

(e) Provide strategic and operational legal support.

9.2 Fractional Counsel services may include:

(a) Contract review and negotiation;

(b) Regulatory compliance advice;

(c) Corporate governance support;

(d) Risk management;

(e) Legal department management;

(f) External counsel coordination;

(g) Board and management advisory.

10. Types of Fractional Arrangement​

10.1 Fractional Counsel may operate through various structures:

A. Freelance Solicitor Model

Operating as a Freelance Solicitor providing fractional GC services directly to clients.

Advantages: Full independence, multiple clients permitted

Restrictions: Cannot hold client money, cannot employ others

Insurance: Own PII required

B. Consultant through Law Firm

Working as a consultant through an SRA-authorised law firm.

Advantages: Access to firm resources, client money handling available

Considerations: Firm's terms apply, fee sharing arrangements

Insurance: Covered by firm's PII

C. Part-Time Employment

Employed part-time by one or more organisations as in-house counsel.

Advantages: Employment protections, benefits

Considerations: IR35 not applicable, PAYE applies

Insurance: Employer's insurance applies

D. Hybrid Arrangements

Combination of the above structures for different clients.

Considerations: Clear separation needed, multiple insurance considerations

  1. EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND IR35

11.1 If you provide services through your own limited company or as a sole trader:

(a) IR35 (off-payroll working rules) may apply;

(b) Medium and large clients are responsible for determining your status;

(c) You must cooperate with status determination requests;

(d) Incorrect status determination has significant tax implications.

11.2 Factors indicating self-employment (outside IR35):

(a) Right to substitute - you can send someone else;

(b) Mutuality of obligation - no ongoing obligation to provide/accept work;

(c) Control - you determine how, when, and where work is done;

(d) Financial risk - you bear the risk of the engagement;

(e) Business structure - you have multiple clients.

11.3 Factors indicating employment (inside IR35):

(a) Personal service required - you must do the work yourself;

(b) Ongoing engagement - regular, expected work;

(c) Client control - client directs how work is done;

(d) Integration - you are part of the client's organisation;

(e) Exclusivity - you work mainly or only for one client.

  • IR35 status is a matter for tax law. You should seek professional tax advice. The Platform does not determine your employment status for tax purposes.

12. Multiple Client Considerations​

12.1 When serving multiple clients as Fractional Counsel:

(a) You must conduct conflict checks for each new client;

(b) Information barriers may be required between clients;

(c) Each client must be informed of your fractional arrangements;

(d) Confidentiality must be maintained between clients;

(e) Time must be managed to meet all client commitments.

12.2 Conflict considerations:

(a) You cannot act for competing businesses in same sector if conflict arises;

(b) You must decline instructions where conflicts cannot be managed;

(c) Informed written consent may be obtained for potential conflicts;

(d) SRA Code Rule 6.1 applies - do not act where own interest conflicts with client.

Part D: Sra Regulatory Compliance​

  • THE WARRANTIES IN THIS PART ARE FUNDAMENTAL. BREACH MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION AND REGULATORY CONSEQUENCES.

13. Sra Principles​

13.1 You warrant compliance with the seven SRA Principles:

(a) Principle 1: Uphold the rule of law and proper administration of justice;

(b) Principle 2: Uphold public trust and confidence in the profession;

(c) Principle 3: Act with independence;

(d) Principle 4: Act honestly;

(e) Principle 5: Act with integrity;

(f) Principle 6: Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion;

(g) Principle 7: Act in the best interests of each client.

13.2 Where Principles conflict, those safeguarding the wider public interest (Principles 1 and 2) take precedence.

14. Sra Code of Conduct​

14.1 You warrant compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct, including:

(a) Rule 1.4: Only act on proper instructions from clients;

(b) Rule 3.2: Ensure service is competent and delivered timely;

(c) Rule 3.4: Consider client's attributes, needs, and circumstances;

(d) Rule 6.1: Do not act where own interest conflicts with client;

(e) Rule 6.2: Provide services taking account of vulnerability;

(f) Rule 6.3: Keep client affairs confidential;

(g) Rule 8.6: Give clients information for informed decisions;

(h) Rule 8.7: Ensure clients receive best possible costs information;

(

i

) Rule 8.9: Inform clients of their right to complain.

15. Client Care Requirements​

15.1 Under SRA Code Rule 8, you must provide clients with:

(a) Clear description of work to be done;

(b) Your name and confirmation of your Freelance Solicitor/independent status;

(c) Costs information - basis of charges, estimates;

(d) Complaints procedure;

(e) Legal Ombudsman contact details (including THREE time limits);

(f) SRA contact details;

(g) Data protection notice;

(h) Confirmation you cannot hold client money (for Freelance Solicitors).

16. Sra Transparency Rules​

16.1 For specified services, you must publish pricing information:

(a) Employment tribunal claims (unfair/wrongful dismissal);

(b) Immigration matters (certain applications);

(c) Debt recovery (up to £100,000);

(d) Licensing applications;

(e) Motoring offences (summary only).

ℹ Freelance Solicitors cannot provide conveyancing or probate services requiring client money handling, so Transparency Rules for those services typically would not apply.

17. Professional Indemnity Insurance​

17.1 As a Freelance Solicitor or independent practitioner, you MUST have your own PII:

(a) Minimum cover as required by SRA;

(b) Policy must cover all services you provide;

(c) Insurance must be from a qualifying insurer;

(d) Coverage must remain in force throughout your practice.

17.2 PII Requirements:

Practice Type

Minimum Cover

Notes

Freelance Solicitor

As per SRA Rules

Own policy required

Consultant via firm

Firm's policy

Verify coverage scope

Fractional employed

Employer's policy

Verify coverage scope

Limited company

Company policy

Directors & Officers also

17.3 You must:

(a) Provide evidence of PII cover on request;

(b) Notify the Platform immediately if cover lapses;

(c) Ensure coverage is adequate for the work undertaken;

(d) Maintain run-off cover when ceasing practice.

18. Continuing Competence​

18.1 You warrant that you:

(a) Maintain competence in your practice areas;

(b) Reflect on your practice and identify development needs;

(c) Undertake relevant continuing professional development;

(d) Only accept instructions in areas where you are competent;

(e) Refer matters requiring specialist expertise to appropriate practitioners.

Part E: Aml/kyc Compliance​

  • AML OBLIGATIONS ARE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS. BREACH MAY CONSTITUTE A CRIMINAL OFFENCE.

19. Aml Obligations for Independent Practitioners​

19.1 As an independent practitioner, you are personally responsible for AML compliance when conducting:

(a) Buying/selling real property or business entities;

(b) Managing client money, securities, or assets;

(c) Opening or managing bank accounts;

(d) Creating, operating, or managing companies;

(e) Creating, operating, or managing trusts;

(f) Tax advice.

19.2 You must have:

(a) A written practice-wide risk assessment;

(b) Documented CDD procedures;

(c) Staff training (if you have any non-legal staff);

(d) Record keeping systems;

(e) SAR reporting procedures.

ℹ Freelance Solicitors cannot hold client money, which limits exposure to some AML risks. However, AML obligations still apply to relevant work.

20. Customer Due Diligence​

20.1 You must conduct CDD including:

(a) Identify the client - full name, DOB, address;

(b) Verify identity from reliable, independent source;

(c) Identify beneficial owners (MORE THAN 25% per LSAG 2025);

(d) Understand purpose of relationship;

(e) Conduct ongoing monitoring.

  • LSAG 2025: Beneficial owner threshold changed from '25% or more' to 'MORE THAN 25%'.

20.2 Enhanced Due Diligence is MANDATORY for:

(a) Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) - foreign and domestic;

(b) High-risk third countries (FATF lists);

(c) Complex or unusually large transactions;

(d) Any higher-risk situation.

21. Sanctions Screening​

21.1 You must screen all clients and transactions against:

(a) UK Sanctions List (OFSI);

(b) UN sanctions lists;

(c) EU sanctions lists (where relevant);

(d) OFAC lists (for US-connected matters).

  • If a sanctions match is found - DO NOT proceed. Report immediately. Providing services to sanctioned persons is a criminal offence.

22. Record Keeping​

22.1 You must retain:

(a) CDD records for 5 years after the end of the business relationship;

(b) Transaction records for 5 years after the transaction;

(c) Training records;

(d) Risk assessment documentation.

Part F: Consumer Protection​

  1. CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT 2015

23.1 When acting for consumers, you warrant:

(a) Services are performed with reasonable care and skill;

(b) Services are provided as described;

(c) Services are provided within a reasonable time;

(d) Contract terms are fair and transparent;

(e) Consumers are protected from unfair terms.

  1. CONSUMER CONTRACTS REGULATIONS 2013

24.1 For distance/off-premises contracts with consumers:

(a) 14-day cancellation right applies (unless waived for immediate service);

(b) Pre-contract information must be provided;

(c) Model cancellation form must be available;

(d) If not informed of cancellation right, period extends to 12 months + 14 days.

  1. DIGITAL MARKETS, COMPETITION AND CONSUMERS ACT 2024

25.1 Under DMCCA 2024:

  • Drip pricing - all mandatory costs must be disclosed upfront

  • Fake or misleading reviews

  • Unfair commercial practices

(a) Total price must be stated when first displayed;

(b) No hidden fees may be added during the transaction.

Part G: Client Relationships​

26. Direct Client Relationship​

26.1 You acknowledge that:

(a) All legal services are provided by you directly to the client;

(b) The retainer is between you and the client only;

(c) The Platform is not a party to the retainer;

(d) You bear full professional responsibility.

26.2 You must clearly communicate to clients:

(a) Your status as a Freelance Solicitor or independent practitioner;

(b) That you are not part of a law firm;

(c) Any limitations on your services (e.g., cannot hold client money);

(d) Your insurance arrangements.

27. Engagement Letters and Retainers​

27.1 You must provide each client with:

(a) A written engagement letter or client care letter;

(b) Clear scope of work;

(c) Costs information (SRA Code Rules 8.6-8.7);

(d) Terms of engagement;

(e) Complaints procedure;

(f) Legal Ombudsman information (including THREE time limits).

27.2 Engagement letters should clearly state:

(a) You are a Freelance Solicitor / independent practitioner;

(b) Services are provided by you personally;

(c) You cannot hold client money (for Freelance Solicitors);

(d) Your PII arrangements;

(e) How matters requiring client money will be handled.

28. Vulnerable Clients​

28.1 Under SRA Code Rules 3.4 and 6.2:

(a) Consider client's attributes, needs, and circumstances;

(b) Make reasonable adjustments for vulnerable clients;

(c) Do not take unfair advantage of clients;

(d) Comply with Mental Capacity Act 2005 where relevant.

29. Complaints Handling​

29.1 You must have a complaints procedure that:

(a) Is in writing and available to clients;

(b) Allows complaints to be made easily;

(c) Provides for acknowledgment within specified timeframes;

(d) Provides for final response within 8 weeks;

(e) Informs clients of the Legal Ombudsman.

30.1 Clients may complain to the Legal Ombudsman.

30.2 Time limits - Clients must complain:

(a) Within ONE YEAR of the act or omission; AND

(b) Within SIX YEARS of the act or omission (longstop); AND

(c) Within SIX MONTHS of receiving your final response.

  • These time limits are STRICT. Ensure clients are informed of them in your client care letter.

Part H: Fees and Payment​

31. Platform Fees​

31.1 Platform fees may include:

(a) Registration/subscription fees;

(b) Referral fees for client introductions;

(c) Transaction or success fees;

(d) Premium listing or visibility fees.

31.2 Platform fees are separate from legal fees charged to clients.

32. Fee Structures for Independent Practice​

32.1 Common fee structures for independent practitioners:

(a) Hourly rates;

(b) Fixed fees for defined work;

(c) Retainer arrangements (monthly/quarterly);

(d) Day rates (common for Fractional Counsel);

(e) Capped fees;

(f) Success fees (where permitted).

32.2 For all fee arrangements, you must:

(a) Provide clear costs information before starting work (SRA Code Rule 8.6-8.7);

(b) Update clients if costs will exceed estimates;

(c) Issue clear invoices;

(d) Comply with SRA Transparency Rules where applicable.

33. Referral Fee Rules​

33.1 Under SRA Code Rule 5.1:

(a) Any referral fee must be permitted by law;

(b) The fee must not compromise client interests;

(c) Clients must be informed of the referral arrangement;

(d) Your independence must not be affected.

34. Laspo Prohibition​

  • Referral fees are PROHIBITED for personal injury and clinical negligence matters under LASPO 2012 sections 56-60.

34.1 You warrant that you will NOT:

(a) Pay any referral fee for a PI or clinical negligence matter;

(b) Receive any referral fee for a PI or clinical negligence matter;

(c) Enter into any arrangement 'in substance' a prohibited referral fee.

34.2 Breach of LASPO is:

(a) A CRIMINAL OFFENCE with maximum £50,000 fine;

(b) A serious regulatory breach;

(c) Grounds for immediate termination.

Part I: Business and Tax Considerations​

  • The Platform does not provide tax, employment, or business advice. The following is for information only. You should seek professional advice.
  1. SELF-EMPLOYMENT STATUS

35.1 As a Freelance Solicitor or independent practitioner:

(a) You are self-employed for tax purposes;

(b) You are responsible for your own tax affairs;

(c) You do not receive employment benefits from the Platform;

(d) The Platform does not control how you perform your work.

35.2 Self-employment indicators:

(a) You have multiple clients;

(b) You control how and when you work;

(c) You bear financial risk;

(d) You provide your own equipment;

(e) You can accept or decline work.

36. Tax Obligations​

36.1 As a self-employed practitioner, you are responsible for:

(a) Registering for self-assessment with HMRC;

(b) Submitting annual tax returns;

(c) Paying income tax and National Insurance contributions;

(d) Registering for VAT if turnover exceeds the threshold;

(e) Maintaining proper accounting records.

36.2 If you operate through a limited company:

(a) Corporation tax obligations apply;

(b) IR35 rules may apply to individual engagements;

(c) PAYE for salary/dividends;

(d) Companies House filing requirements.

37. Business Insurance​

37.1 Beyond PII, you should consider:

(a) Public liability insurance;

(b) Cyber and data breach insurance;

(c) Business interruption insurance;

(d) Equipment and contents insurance;

(e) Directors and Officers insurance (if limited company).

Part J: General Provisions​

38. Term and Termination​

38.1 These Terms commence on registration and continue until terminated.

38.2 Either party may terminate on 30 days' written notice.

38.3 We may terminate immediately if:

(a) You breach any material warranty;

(b) Your practising certificate lapses or is revoked;

(c) Your PII lapses;

(d) You are subject to SRA regulatory action;

(e) You hold client money (Freelance Solicitors);

(f) You breach AML or LASPO requirements.

39. Liability​

39.1 We are not liable for:

(a) The quality of legal services you provide;

(b) Any advice given by you;

(c) Your regulatory breaches;

(d) Your tax or employment status;

(e) Indirect or consequential losses.

39.2 You indemnify us against claims arising from:

(a) Your breach of these Terms;

(b) Your provision of legal services;

(c) Your regulatory breaches;

(d) Tax or employment status disputes.

40. Data Protection​

40.1 Each party complies with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

40.2 Your personal data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

40.3 You are responsible for client data protection compliance.

41. Governing Law​

41.1 These Terms are governed by English law.

41.2 The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.

SCHEDULE 1: FREELANCE SOLICITOR VS TRADITIONAL PRACTICE

Feature

Freelance Solicitor

Law Firm Solicitor

In-House Counsel

Client money

Prohibited​

Permitted

N/A (employer)

Employ legal staff

Prohibited​

Permitted

Employer decides

Own PII required

YES

Firm provides

Employer provides

COLP/COFA

N/A (individual)

Required

N/A

Client account

Prohibited​

Required if holding

N/A

Practice name

Own name only

Firm name

Employer name

Reserved activities

YES

YES

For employer only

Multiple clients

YES

Via firm

Employer only

Transparency Rules

Applicable

Applicable

N/A

SRA Principles

YES

YES

YES

Schedule 2: Freelance Solicitor Compliance Checklist​

Requirement

Confirmed

Current practising certificate

☐

Authorised for freelance practice

☐

Own PII in place (meeting SRA requirements)

☐

No regulatory conditions preventing practice

☐

Complaints procedure in place

☐

Client care letter template prepared

☐

Legal Ombudsman info included (3 time limits)

☐

AML risk assessment completed

☐

CDD procedures documented

☐

Sanctions screening procedures

☐

Confirm NOT holding client money

☐

Confirm NOT employing legal staff

☐

Transparency Rules pricing published (where applicable)

☐

Registered for self-assessment with HMRC

☐

VAT registration (if applicable)

☐

SCHEDULE 3: FRACTIONAL COUNSEL ENGAGEMENT TYPES

Type

Description

Typical Structure

Key Considerations

Part-Time GC

Regular days per week/month

Retainer or employment

IR35 if self-employed

Interim GC

Temporary full coverage

Fixed term contract

Handover planning

Project GC

Specific project delivery

Project fee

Clear scope needed

Advisory GC

Strategic advice only

Hourly or retainer

Limited execution

Portfolio GC

Multiple part-time clients

Multiple retainers

Conflict management

Schedule 4: Ir35 Considerations Checklist​

Factors to consider when assessing employment status for IR35 purposes:

Factor

Points to Outside IR35

Points to Inside IR35

Substitution

Right to send substitute

Must perform personally

Control

You decide how work is done

Client directs methods

Mutuality

No ongoing obligation

Expectation of continued work

Financial risk

You bear business risk

Guaranteed payment

Equipment

You provide own

Client provides all

Integration

Clearly external

Part of organisation

Exclusivity

Multiple clients

Work mainly for one

Basis of payment

Per project/deliverable

Time-based like employee

  • This is guidance only. IR35 status depends on specific facts. Seek professional tax advice.

Schedule 5: Aml Compliance Checklist​

Requirement

Confirmed

Practice-wide risk assessment completed

☐

Risk assessment reviewed within 12 months

☐

CDD procedures documented

☐

Beneficial ownership (>25%) verification procedures

☐

Source of funds verification procedures

☐

EDD procedures for PEPs and high-risk

☐

OFSI sanctions screening procedures

☐

UN/EU/OFAC screening (where relevant)

☐

SAR reporting procedures understood

☐

5-year record retention system

☐

Training completed (if any staff)

☐

LSAG 2025 guidance reviewed

☐

Document Information​

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Regulatory Framework

Legal Services Act 2007

SRA Standards and Regulations 2019 (as amended 2025)

SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs

SRA Freelance Solicitor Requirements

SRA Indemnity Insurance Rules 2023

SRA Transparency Rules 2019

Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (as amended)

LSAG Anti-Money Laundering Guidance 2025

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023

Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012

Consumer Rights Act 2015

Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024

Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (IR35)

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Related Documents

Solicitor Terms and Conditions V1.0

Platform Terms for Law Firms V1.0

Platform Terms for Non-UK/Dual Qualified Lawyers V1.0

Privacy Policy V1.0

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Document Version: 1.0

Effective Date: January 2026

Last Updated: January 2026

Next Review: July 2026

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