Inspire Legal Group, formally known as Foster Clay, has launched its new-breed virtual law firm, with the aim of giving lawyers the tools to build their own practices and develop related ventures, such as technology offerings.
The firm currently has 23 lawyers working across the UK as consultants, with full back-office support as they build their practices. They aim to double the number of consultants by the end of 2022.
The firm is open to lawyers of all levels and currently employs solicitors, licensed conveyancers and paralegals, as well as legal entrepreneurs and engineers who require a support structure to create their own tech products. Inspire currently has a team of 11 staff working in Scarborough to support the lawyers.
Founders of Inspire Legal Group, Natalie Foster and Isabel Bathurst, have also set up Inspire Crypto—a business that will help to develop products enabling property transactions to proceed via blockchain, and Inspire Legal Academy which will equip lawyers and other legal professionals with the skills they need to take advantage of the world of blockchain, smart contracts and legal engineering.
Natalie is a former business manager at Barclays Bank, who made the move to law and business development within the legal market. She says: 'It’s not about growth for growth’s sake—it’s about inspiring lawyers to see there are many different things they can do in practice and to find new ways of delivering legal services. We are a group of colleagues where everyone has a stake in the success of the business.'
Isabel is an experienced complex injury and clinical negligence solicitor. She adds: 'It's all about vision and facilitation; our goal is a supportive yet virtual, flexible working environment for lawyers and other professionals, with a focus on technology and modern, innovative working practices.'
