Start a Law Firm
Launch
Understand SRA authorisation, firm structure, branding and your business plan so you can open your doors with confidence.
See the steps
Your guide to going independent
Everything you need to start your own law firm.
Setting up on your own has never been more achievable. This free, practical guide walks you through every step — from SRA authorisation and compliance to choosing the right technology and winning your first clients.
Free, practical guidance
Aligned with SRA requirements
Powered by LEAP
Your 10-step roadmap
Ensure complianceStep 1
Decide your area of lawStep 2
Adopt the right technologyStep 8
Win your first clientNext
Informed guidance, aligned with UK regulation
SRA-aligned process Law Society resources Trusted supplier directory 25+ years in legal tech
Setting up a law firm
A modern firm is more achievable than ever
Given today's technology and the wider acceptance of remote working, it has never been easier or more affordable to start your own law firm.
Cloud technology has reshaped what a modern practice looks like, simplified IT, reduced overheads, flexible working and fully virtual offices.
10 steps
A clear path from idea to launch day
~90 days
The typical SRA authorisation timeline
Free
The full guide and 10-step checklist
25+ yrs
Of legal-technology expertise at LEAP
What the guide covers
Guidance across every part of your journey
Four connected themes take you from first idea to a thriving, fully compliant modern firm.
Compliance
Learn about COLP/COFA roles, professional indemnity insurance, AML and the ongoing obligations that keep you protected.
See the stepsConsultancy
Explore the decisions that shape a sustainable firm — pricing, cashflow, location and the people who can help you.
Browse the directoryGrowth
Discover how cloud technology, marketing and automation help turn your new firm into a lasting business.
Browse the directory
How it works
A clear path from ambition to authorised firm
Our 10-step guide breaks the journey into four simple phases — with practical detail and a checklist at every stage.
-
1
Prepare
Get compliant, choose your area of law and start building your business plan.
-
2
Decide
Settle billing, location and your firm's name — the foundations of your brand.
-
3
Set up
Adopt the right cloud technology and put your finances on a solid footing.
-
4
Grow
Market your practice, win clients and review your progress with the checklist.
Why use this guide
Built on the experience of thousands of firms
Start a Law Firm is brought to you by LEAP, the legal technology trusted by tens of thousands of lawyers worldwide. That means the guidance here is grounded in what actually works for modern, independent practices.
Regulation-first guidance
Every step is framed around current SRA requirements, so you build on solid, compliant foundations.
Technology that scales
Understand how to run your entire firm in the cloud - matters, billing, accounting and documents, from anywhere.
A trusted directory
A curated index of suppliers and services, insurance, training, finance and more, to support your firm.
Free resource
The Get Started Guide & 10-step checklist
Everything you need to plan your first — and most important — steps to setting up on your own. Practical, informed and completely free.
- Applying for your practising certificate
- Obtaining the right PII cover
- Choosing your firm structure
- Building your market strategy
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to set up a law firm in the UK?
Most firms are authorised within 3–6 months. The SRA aims to decide standard authorisation applications within 90 working days once a complete application is submitted. Our guide helps you prepare a complete, decision-ready application from day one.
Do I need SRA authorisation to start my own firm?
Yes. To deliver reserved legal activities you must be authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This includes appointing a COLP and COFA and putting a compliance framework in place.
How much does it cost to start a law firm?
Start-up costs vary, but typically include SRA application and practising fees, professional indemnity insurance (PII), technology and basic operating costs. A modern cloud-based firm can launch with far lower overheads than a traditional high-street practice.
What is professional indemnity insurance and do I need it?
PII is mandatory cover that protects clients if something goes wrong. You must have qualifying PII in place before you begin practising. Our help directory lists specialist brokers who can assist.
Can I run a law firm entirely from the cloud?
Yes. Modern firms run on cloud practice-management software, enabling remote working, virtual offices and lower overheads while remaining fully compliant.
Is the Start a Law Firm guide really free?
Yes. The Get Started Guide and accompanying 10-step checklist are completely free. Share a few details and we'll send them straight to your inbox.
Ready to take the first step?
Start with the free guide, then work through the 10 steps at your own pace. Everything you need to plan your own law firm is here.