DR Solicitors, a specialist healthcare law firm and part of Dow Schofield Watts’ Legal Division, has announced the launch of a new consultancy model that enables senior lawyers to bring their own clients and work while leveraging the infrastructure, support and reputation of an established legal platform.

The initiative marks a significant evolution in DR’s approach and an expansion of its traditional healthcare client base, reflecting the firm’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurial lawyers who seek autonomy, flexibility, and control over their careers.

Previously focused on delivery-only consultancy, DR is now empowering consultants with established networks to retain and grow their client base without the administrative burden of running a practice.

“We are creating a structure where consultants can focus on what they do best – advising their clients – while we handle the back-office, compliance and operational support,” said Shru Morris, CEO of Dow Schofield Watts, the business advisory group that acquired DR Solicitors in 2024. “This is about enabling lawyers, no matter what their sector or specialism is, to thrive independently, backed by a recognised and respected brand in the legal sector”.

Under the new model, consultants at DR Solicitors can choose to:

• Bring their own clients and matters, continuing long-standing relationships within a trusted framework.
• Focus solely on delivery, working on matters sourced through DR’s central team without business development pressures.

This flexibility allows senior lawyers to tailor their careers to their strengths and networks, giving them the freedom to grow their practice while maintaining the security and operational support of an established firm.

The consultancy platform offers an alternative to conventional law firm structures, which often require long hours, high billing targets and leave fee-earners with limited control over the value they generate. DR Solicitors’ model allows consultants to retain a larger share of billings, maintain client relationships and design their own schedules – all within a regulated, branded and supportive environment.

It’s a model that continues to grow in popularity among senior lawyers, attracting talent from bigger City law firms. DR Solicitors recently announced annual growth in consultants of more than 40 per cent year-on-year, bringing the total to 26. Of these consultants, 85 per cent joined from Magic, Silver Circle and top-tier law firms.

Morris added: “We’re increasingly seeing senior lawyers make the move to consulting platforms, with the benefits becoming ever clearer. It’s why we must evolve the model to provide more options for those with established networks, setting DR Solicitors up for continued growth over the coming years.”