Setfords is doubling its London office as it builds out its tech business

Setfords has doubled the size of its London office, with the platform firm taking another two floors at its Chancery Lane base, bringing its footprint to around 12,000 sq ft.

The move comes ten years after Setfords first opened in London. The firm had around 160 lawyers at the time, compared with more than 650 today, making it the UK's biggest platform firm.

Setfords’ lawyers are largely self-employed consultants who keep a share of the fees they generate, with Setfords providing the technology and back-office infrastructure. Many work flexibly or remotely.

The firm now operates from 15 offices and meeting locations across the UK, including its Guildford head office, Manchester and Reading.

The platform model has grown rapidly in the UK in recent years, with firms including Keystone Law and Taylor Rose also competing to attract lawyers looking to work outside the traditional partnership structure.

Tech push

The extra London space will also support Setfords’ growing technology operation, which is becoming an increasingly important part of the firm’s strategy.

Setfords Technology Solutions, a separate business established last year, has already grown to around 30 people. Earlier this year, the firm launched Halo, its own technology platform for lawyers and back-office staff.

Co-chief executive Chris Setford said the firm was “not just building a bigger law firm”, but also a “vertically integrated technology and data business”. He said London would play an important role in attracting the tech talent the firm will continue to need.

Setfords is one of a growing number of UK law firms backed by private equity. Phoenix Equity Partners acquired a stake in the business in 2021.

Reports earlier this year said Setfords had appointed investment bankers to explore a potential sale of the business.