From working on the QE2 to Conveyancing Freedom w/Jackie Kitching

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
-The hidden financial realities of conveyancing cashflow
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

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.

Key Themes & Takeaways

Non-traditional pathways into law can become your biggest edge
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

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 & Links

The Self-Employed Lawyers League: https://thesell.life/start-here

Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn:   / jackie-kitching-5a88b0b2  

Connect with Lofty on LinkedIn:   / jasonmloft