Spencer West
Build Your Own Legal Practice (Without the Overhead)

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Who we are
At Spencer West, we believe there is a better way to practise law.
Many senior lawyers reach a point in their careers where they want greater control over their clients, their time, and their future. Some consider starting their own law firm, but are reluctant to give up the support, collaboration, and professional community that comes with being part of something bigger.
At Spencer West, you can be in business for yourself, but never by yourself.
We are a leading full-service international law firm built around a modern, entrepreneurial model that enables lawyers to run and grow their own practices without practising alone. Our community of more than 360 partners across 25+ jurisdictions combines the independence of business ownership with the support, resources and connectivity of an established international firm.
Everything we do is guided by our core values of collaboration, entrepreneurship and excellence. We work seamlessly across borders, share opportunities generously, and help one another build successful practices while delivering exceptional service to clients.
The opportunity
If you have ever considered launching your own practice but are hesitant about going it alone, Spencer West could be the ideal next step.
We provide the platform, infrastructure and international network that allows you to focus on what matters most: your clients, your expertise and the growth of your practice. Spencer West offers a proven model for ambitious lawyers who want to build something of their own.
With Spencer West, you can:
- Run your own practice while benefiting from the reputation and support of an established international law firm
- Maintain your independence without the isolation and operational challenges of practising alone
- Access comprehensive support across compliance, finance, billing, marketing, technology and practice management
- Collaborate with high-calibre lawyers across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas
- Benefit from a strong referral culture and opportunities for cross-border client work
- Work flexibly, with control over where, when and how you practise
- Be rewarded transparently for the work you do and the business you generate
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Who we look for
We are interested in speaking with experienced lawyers who want the autonomy of running their own practice while remaining part of a collaborative and supportive professional community.
Legal expertise
You will be an established and respected lawyer, typically with at least 8 years' post-qualification experience. Our partners come from leading City, national and international firms, senior in-house positions, boutique practices and independent firms.
Entrepreneurial mindset
You are excited by the prospect of building your own practice and taking greater ownership of your professional future. You may be looking to operate as an individual practitioner or have ambitions to build and grow a team around you.
Client-centric
You will have an established or developing client following and enjoy building long-term client relationships. While Spencer West provides a highly collaborative environment, strong internal referral networks and opportunities to work with colleagues across jurisdictions and practice areas, partners are expected to generate and grow their own client relationships and sources of work. This opportunity is best suited to lawyers who are excited by the prospect of building their own practice and taking ownership of its success.


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Collaborative approach
While you value independence, you do not want to work in isolation. You enjoy sharing ideas, introducing opportunities, collaborating with trusted colleagues and being part of a community of like-minded professionals.
Essential Requirements
- An active practising certificate/ license to practice law in one of Spencer West's existing jurisdictions.
- Willingness to operate on a self‑employed basis (as a sole trader or via a limited company – your choice).
- Able to work remote first or work from one of our local offices.
Our recruitment & onboarding process
Our process is designed to be straightforward, professional and efficient.
Step 1
Introductory video call with a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
Step 2
First meeting* with a member of the senior management team in the relevant jurisdiction.
Step 3
Second meeting* with another member of the management team or with a colleague from a relevant location or practice area.
Step 4
Background checks are conducted.
Step 5
Onboarding & training on our systems and meeting various members of our support team (including marketing, accounts and technology).
(*Meetings may be held virtually or in person, depending on candidate location & availability)
If you are looking for a firm that allows you to practise at the highest level, grow your business, and work on your own terms, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV online to be considered.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
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