At a Glance
- Tasks: Build your own legal practice with the freedom to choose clients and work remotely.
- Company: Join a supportive network of entrepreneurial lawyers in Manchester.
- Benefits: Earn 70-80% of billables, enjoy flexible contracts, and receive business development support.
- Other info: Opportunity to scale your practice and exceed traditional salary limits.
- Why this job: Gain autonomy while having the safety net of established firms and resources.
- Qualifications: Senior lawyers with in-house experience and a strategic mindset.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
What if you could earn more than a full-time General Counsel — without the internal politics, fixed salary ceiling, or executive treadmill? We’re helping experienced in-house lawyers in Manchester explore fractional General Counsel opportunities. By starting this career path with us, you gain the best of both worlds: The credibility and infrastructure of established firms and referral partners — combined with the freedom to build a high-value portfolio practice on your own terms. This is what we call self-employment with a safety net — autonomy with structure, income with scalability.
What You’ll Receive
- 70–80% of billables paid directly to you
- Flexible contract structure — choose your portfolio of clients
- Remote-first with optional office access
- Full compliance, trust accounting, and PI insurance support
- Administrative and billing infrastructure handled for you
- The ability to scale from 1 retained client to 5+ over time
Business Development Support from The SELL Life
We don’t just place you and disappear. You receive:
- Personalised strategy to position yourself as a retained strategic advisor
- Frameworks for packaging fractional GC services into predictable monthly retainers
- Access to a curated referral network of commercial lawyers and founders
- Vendor discounts and member benefits that rival national firms
- Courses, templates, and playbooks for scaling a portfolio practice
- Regular CPD and strategy sessions focused on growth, not just compliance
- Live sessions designed to solve business development bottlenecks
Who is This For?
- Senior lawyers with in-house experience who:
- Are already acting as a strategic business partner
- Want higher income potential than fixed executive salary
- Prefer influence over internal hierarchy
- Are commercially minded and confident advising founders or boards
- Value autonomy but don’t want to build everything from scratch
The Result
- Most experienced counsel transitioning to fractional models:
- Replace or exceed their corporate salary
- Work across diverse, growth-focused businesses
- Build equity-like upside through long-term client relationships
- Create a practice that belongs entirely to them
This is not a traditional role. It’s a platform to build something of your own — with the backing of an international network of entrepreneurial lawyers.
Next Step
Apply confidentially.
General Counsel employer: The SELL Life
The SELL Life in Derby is an exceptional employer for independent solicitors seeking to build their own practice with unparalleled support. With a focus on autonomy and flexibility, you can enjoy the rewards of your hard work while benefiting from expert guidance in client acquisition and business development. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, ensuring that you have the resources and support needed to thrive in your legal career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow lawyers and business owners in your area. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sharing your expertise. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing those lucrative fractional General Counsel gigs.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a personal website or LinkedIn profile that highlights your experience and the unique value you bring as a strategic advisor. Use case studies or testimonials to demonstrate how you've helped businesses thrive — this will make you stand out to potential clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to companies that align with your interests and pitch your services. Tailor your message to show how you can help them grow and navigate legal challenges — this shows initiative and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our resources! At StudySmarter, we’ve got loads of tools and support to help you succeed. From courses to templates, take advantage of what we offer to refine your business development strategy and scale your practice effectively. Apply through our website to get started!
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Unique Value:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight what makes you stand out. We want to see how your experience as a strategic business partner can bring value to our team. Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us how they’ve shaped your approach to law and business.
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to customise your application for this role. We’re looking for senior lawyers who are commercially minded and confident in advising founders or boards. Make sure your application reflects that by using relevant examples from your past experiences.
Be Authentic:We appreciate authenticity! Let your personality shine through in your written application. Share your motivations for wanting to transition to a fractional model and how you envision building your own practice with us. We want to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we offer and how we can support your journey.
How to prepare for a job interview at The SELL Life
✨Know Your Value
Before stepping into the interview, take some time to reflect on your unique skills and experiences. Understand how your background as a strategic business partner can add value to the role of a fractional General Counsel. Be ready to articulate this clearly.
✨Research the Company
Dive deep into the company’s mission, values, and recent developments. Knowing their approach to fractional General Counsel services will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their vision.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think of specific examples from your past where you've successfully navigated complex legal challenges or provided valuable business advice. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Business Acumen
Since the role involves advising founders and boards, be prepared to discuss how you can leverage your legal expertise to drive business growth. Highlight any experience you have in commercial law and how it can benefit potential clients in a fractional capacity.
