What happens when a career in hospitality at sea turns into a 20-year legal career, and then into self-employment by design?

In this episode of The SELL Life for Lawyers Podcast, Lofty sits down with Jackie Kitching, a self-employed residential conveyancer working with Taylor Rose inside their innovative Consultant Solicitor Program.

Jackie didn’t follow the traditional law school path.

Instead, she worked six years aboard the QE2, built deep client-service instincts, trained while working full-time, and spent two decades honing her craft before stepping into consultancy.

We unpack:

• Why flexibility, not money, was the real driver

• How confidence grows when clients validate your work
• Why fewer, higher-quality matters can beat high-volume stress
• What surprised her most about business development and the League

• Client service skills compound over time
• Financial awareness is essential before going solo
• Business development doesn’t have to feel “salesy”
• Confidence follows evidence, especially client feedback
• Lifestyle design beats default career progression
• The hidden financial realities of conveyancing cashflow

This is an honest, grounded conversation for experienced lawyers or conveyancers who feel the pull toward autonomy but want clarity before making the leap.If you’re considering self-employment, consultant life, or simply a calmer way to practice law, this one’s for you.

Episode Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Intro & across-the-pond hello

01:20 – From the QE2 to law: Jackie’s unconventional start

03:40 – Why hospitality prepared her for conveyancing

05:10 – Career training while working full-time

07:30 – Long firm stints vs flexibility

09:45 – Deciding to go self-employed

11:30 – The financial realities of conveyancing

13:10 – Confidence, reviews & word of mouth

15:20 – Any regrets leaving employment?

17:00 – Niche focus: fewer matters, higher quality

19:10 – What surprised her about the League

21:00 – Advice for lawyers considering self-employment

Resources & LinksThe Self-Employed Lawyers League:

https://thesell.life/start-here

Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn:  Jackie Kitching

Connect with Lofty on LinkedIn: Lofty