Lawyers are trained to identify risk, solve difficult problems and protect their clients’ interests, but a law firm is also a regulated, people-led business.
When an issue concerns the firm itself, its owners or its lawyers, instructing an independent legal team can be the most appropriate course of action.
Law firms face the familiar pressures of succession, governance, property, employment and disputes, alongside sector-specific challenges such as SRA regulation, partnership dynamics and evolving funding models.
Even firms with considerable legal expertise may need external advice from time to time.
Our professional services team explains when a lawyer may instruct another lawyer.
Independence when it matters
Matters involving partners, directors, employees, complaints or claims can be sensitive.
External advisers provide objective analysis, a clear line between the firm and the issue, and the freedom to give candid advice.
This independence can be particularly important when dealing with disputes between partners or shareholders, internal investigations, employment grievances or situations where a conflict of interest may arise.
An external perspective can also help decision-makers assess the available options without becoming too closely involved in the issues themselves.
Specialist capability without permanent overhead
Even a well-resourced practice will not hold every specialism in-house. External solicitors can add focused expertise for a transaction, dispute, regulatory question or business-critical project.
For example, a law firm considering a merger, acquisition or change in ownership structure may require specialist corporate advice.
Similarly, complex employment matters, commercial disputes or property transactions may fall outside the firm's usual areas of expertise.
Accessing specialist advice when required allows law firms to address these issues without the need to maintain expertise across every legal discipline.
Capacity at pressure points
A merger, partner exit, urgent injunction, employment issue or premises transaction can arise while fee earners remain committed to client work.
Instructing external solicitors gives the firm additional capacity while allowing its lawyers to stay focused on their clients and existing responsibilities.
This can be particularly valuable during periods of growth, restructuring or significant organisational change, when legal matters affecting the firm may require substantial time and attention.
When might a law firm need external legal advice?
While the reasons for seeking external advice vary, there are several areas where law firms may benefit from independent legal expertise.
Structure, ownership, growth and succession
Decisions about the future structure and ownership of a law firm can have significant legal, financial and operational implications.
These may involve the choice of business vehicle, incorporation, governance arrangements, shareholder and partnership matters, mergers and acquisitions, reorganisations, investment and succession.
As non-lawyer ownership and private investment continue to shape the market, firms may also need advice on alternative business structures and options such as employee ownership trusts (EOTs).
For law firms considering a change in ownership, external legal advice can help navigate the regulatory, commercial and governance considerations involved.
Employee ownership, for example, requires careful planning around the ownership structure, governance arrangements and the transition of the business.
Partner, shareholder and commercial disputes
Disagreements between owners can affect decision-making, client relationships, cash flow and morale.
Partnership or shareholder difficulties, director exits and contractual disputes can be particularly challenging when those involved are responsible for managing the firm.
Independent legal advice can help firms understand their position, manage negotiations and identify a commercially workable route forward, while protecting the business and its relationships.
Employment and people issues
People are central to a law firm's performance.
Like any employer, law firms must manage contracts and policies, senior hires and exits, workplace disputes, internal investigations, TUPE, settlement agreements and Employment Tribunal claims.
However, when employment matters involve colleagues, partners or senior members of the firm, obtaining independent advice can be particularly valuable.
External employment lawyers can provide practical advice that recognises both the legal position and the reputational and operational context.
Law firms must also keep pace with changes in employment legislation, including the reforms introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Property, finance, technology and commercial contracts
A firm's premises, banking arrangements, supplier contracts, data and technology can be as important as its client work.
Whether negotiating a new lease, securing finance, reviewing commercial agreements or managing intellectual property and technology issues, law firms may encounter matters outside their usual areas of practice.
Some projects will also raise several legal issues simultaneously, requiring input from different specialists. In these circumstances, coordinated external advice can help ensure that the various legal and commercial considerations are addressed together.
Choosing the right external legal advisers
When instructing external solicitors, technical expertise is important, but so is an understanding of the commercial realities of running a law firm.
Law firm leaders must balance client service, people management, compliance and profitability, often while navigating complex legal and operational challenges.
External advisers should complement the firm's existing expertise, provide an independent perspective and help its leadership make informed decisions.
Contact Our Professional Services Team
Myerson Solicitors advises law firms, from high-street practices to national organisations, on matters including mergers and acquisitions, ownership and succession planning, and employment and commercial disputes.
As an independent, 100% employee-owned law firm, we understand the challenges of running a legal practice and the importance of practical, commercially focused advice.
0161 941 4000
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Simon Nolan
Senior Associate
Simon has experience acting as a Corporate Solicitor, acting as a Senior Associate in our team. Simon has specialist expertise in a variety of corporate instructions, including employee ownership trusts, share acquisitions and disposals, company reorganisations and incorporations.
About Simon Nolan