file clerk/office assistant

junior legal secretary

receptionist

administrative assistant

business development executive

Setfords-Solicitors

Setfords is a company that tries, it doesn’t always succeed in its goals but it does try! Generally, it’s a good place to work - if that’s what you want to be doing. It’s not a place to sit around on your phone or clock watch. It’s a law firm, there are deadlines and targets to meet, so you will occasionally be rushed off your feet or get home dead tired. But there’s weekly mediation mornings and a gym to loosen yourself up or equally get you fired up for the day. Breakfast and lunch are on the house and theres plenty of options with snacks available throughout the day. 

There is progression, but you have to really work for it. Sometimes it would seem that favouritism has a play in it but what company doesn’t struggle with that? There have been times where people have been held back as a suitable/competent replacement hasn’t been found. HR are always busy and can often be difficult to track down when you need them but the managers are approachable enough to stand in. 

The company has big goals for the future and the staff: inclusivity and diversity being one of them. They have committees for Diversity, the Environment and Socials to keep the days fresh. 

The hours can be long and if you’re in one of the integral teams like Admin or Secretaries - flexible working isn’t really an option (definitely not long term). The firm tends to prioritise the welfare of those higher up in the company but again, what company doesn’t? 


I have never worked in such an awful environment. This company doesn’t treat it’s staff with any respect. They will tell you that you’re going to progress and then you never will. If you’re an ‘admin assistant’ this means you will be only filling and scanning ALL DAY. The staff are rude, toxic and will talk behind your back. You can’t trust anyone in Setfords. 

Please don’t apply to this company if you value yourself. It’s breeds toxicity and will ultimately make you feel incredibly low. 

Don’t be fooled by the flashy gym and bar, it’s truly not worth it. Being valued and thanked for your hard work is worth more than these small hand outs. 

If you’re reading this review and are thinking ‘oh well, that’s only one persons experience’ and are still wanting to apply/ turn up for your first day, please don’t. Everyone that works in admin feel very low and they all complain about how much they hate their jobs. 

Please don’t apply or sign a contract to work for this company. You will be making a massive mistake.

If you're in for a rollercoaster ride of disappointment, look no further than Setfords. Their recent online reviews, all posted around the same day – a bit WEIRD, wouldn't you say?

The admin staff are nice on the whole but working at Setfords is like entering a world where chaos is the norm. A typical day is running around trying to get files together and making sure you respond to the most important lawyers. The Cybersecurity breach was a nightmare for everyone and we were running around with bosses who were never there. We were left to deal with everything alone.

The culture is definitely different and the bosses have a, 'unique' way of running things. If you're into mind games, power struggles, and trying to figure out passive-aggressive hints, you'll fit right in! The most enjoyable part of the job was seeing who was that weeks favorite.

I have learnt that if you can survive the drama and you might come out tougher and smarter. 

Not only was this a horrible working environment where the managers are lazy and rather rude, but there is a clear favouritism in the office. No training for anything, you are thrown into roles where they expect you to know how to do things without being taught how to. Very gossipy, you can feel who is wanted and who isn't. Children for managers so no issue will be solved. There is no precision or care with how important documents are handled. Everyday another important document is either lost or there is an issue. Didn't feel any support from anyone. Just a terrible company that makes you feel low and unworthy.

Try to actually manage people properly, perhaps take some courses on how to run a solicitor's. Don’t make nineteen year old managers if they will have a bad attitude and be very condescending and rude all the time.

Setfords is a fast growing firm who are constantly changing. Having been in many roles at Setfords through progression, it definitely has come with it's challenges but jobs are not meant to be easy. Sometimes it can be pure chaos due to busy periods throughout the year which much similar to other businesses.

Day to day tasks are all different depending on what department you are in but as with all jobs, you have your mundane tasks and the tasks you enjoy.

Management have always been supportive and what a lot of people forget is that they are also have very busy job to do so are not always available at every request but they will always make time for you as soon as possible. 

The hardest part of the job is definitely keeping up with the demand during extremely busy periods. 

The most enjoyable part is the job itself (as long as you're in the right role for yourself) and the people, there are a lovely bunch of people who work at Setfords. 

Poorly managed senior business development and marketing team.
Managers are inadequately trained, unprofessional and hostile to change.
Staff morale and the general working atmosphere is extremely negative as a result.
Very inflexible and unfriendly workplace - no leeway with start/finish times, must take lunch at set time and general chat between staff is discouraged.

Senior management of the firm and the HR team remained generally oblivious to this and didn't attempt to intervene or improve the situation despite many indicators that there were problems.

The company lacks vision and there is no sense of community.

Advice to Management

Improve how you treat/compensate your non-legal staff or you will continue to have such a high turnover of people. Change the toxic, old fashioned culture where senior partners get away with treating people like dirt.

I joined Setfords as a Junior Legal Secretary in November 2021 and stayed at the firm for around 6 months.

Setfords has been an excellent place of employment especially if you are in the early stages of your career. They have recently moved into new offices which are lovely. These include a gym and a restaurant with free lunches. The lunches are of good quality too.

The people are nice and welcoming and are happy to help you if you have any questions. The workload is not bad however can sometimes become slightly stressful- generally I would say it is quite relaxed though. The job is pretty standard 8.30-5.30, so the work-life balance is good.

The directors take care of the employees and the firm is in an exciting period of its growth which means there are good prospects for career progression. I would definitely recommend working here.

This is a great company to work for that really put their people first. Wellbeing is a key part to the culture of the firm including an onsite gym with a PT, mental health first aiders and a HR team that go above and beyond to create a caring and inclusive environment.

Whilst the company is made up of several departments/teams we are all one team and I am fortunate that I get to collaborate with many of the departments with some incredible colleagues and in turn grow my own skill set.

There are many routes for progression in the firm if you work hard and put the effort in. A can do attitude will go far. 

There is something for everyone to get involved in whether it's part of a book club or a sporting activity to raise money for charity.

I worked at Setfords for just over a year. Anyone who is considering working at this solicitors , I urge you to reconsider this .The managers do not care about you ,all they care about is themselves.The pay is atrocious. I  could definitely get paid more if I worked in a supermarket or retail store . The work environment is toxic everyone talks behind each others backs. It is very stressful and the working hours are very Long.I can't say that there is any part of the job that is enjoyable .Your hard work never gets recognised, they exploit young people .There is a reason why the majority of people who work their are under 25 .I won't be surprised if the company is subjected to several law suits regarding employee welfare  in the future .

If you want to work at a fast-paced, high-growth, intellectually stimulating law firm that is genuinely doing something different and innovative in the legal space then this is the company for you. 
The culture is open, collaborative and supportive and everyone feels empowered to succeed.  This is vitally important as the company's goal is not just to turn up and do an OK job but to go above and beyond to help its clients and lawyers succeed and to help the business grow even faster. 
There are great benefits (breakfast and lunch catered onsite; well-equipped gym, private health cover) and despite the ambition there is no culture of working late. Overall a very positive experience.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
File clerk/office assistant 7 salaries reported	£26,394 per year
Junior legal secretary 5 salaries reported	£27,166 per year
Receptionist 1 salary reported	£25,900 per year
Administrative assistant 6 salaries reported	£22,167 per year
Business development executive 1 salary reported	£27,500 per year

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