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Tamlyn Edmonds, founding partner of Edmonds Marshall McMahon, discusses her motivation for and experience of setting up a new firm. She shares her advice for readers thinking about taking the plunge too!
What made you set up your own your own firm?
I originally started my career at the criminal Bar but quickly realised it wasn’t the environment for me. I then joined the Government Legal Service (GLS) where I specialised in prosecuting serious fraud cases for the Department of Health. I lead the prosecution team for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. I loved the variety of the cases, the challenging work and amazing people. I had three small children at the time and the flexible working arrangements at the GLS allowed me to work 5 days in 4 which helped with juggling work and family life.
It was during my time at the GLS that I met my two co-founding partners of EMM, Andrew Marshall and Kate McMahon. The Government was cutting resources for specialist prosecution teams, and we could see that the prosecution of financial crime was no longer a priority. We came up with the idea of setting up a law firm together dedicated solely to private prosecutions. We wanted to offer victims of crime a service whereby they could obtain justice in the criminal courts without having to rely on the State. No such law firm existed at the time, so it was a huge risk as to whether it would take off. We took the plunge anyway and set up the firm in 2012. Since then we have grown from the three of us to almost 30, including an in-house investigation team. We are still the only law firm dedicated solely to this area of law.
What were the drivers that made you take the leap? Had you always wanted your own firm?
I liked the idea of working for myself without the bureaucracy of the civil service. I grew up in an entrepreneurial family with my parents having their own businesses, so I had very strong role models around me. My working environment at the time had become toxic and I felt disillusioned so I took the risk.
What were the biggest challenges for you when you set up Edmonds Marshall McMahon?
Starting something from scratch in an area of law that very few people knew anything about. We also had no clients to bring with us, so we had to start a law firm in an entirely new area with not one client. Building the business from scratch was incredibly challenging but very rewarding in the end. I will never forget the day we got our first instruction. It was such an amazing feeling.
It was also challenging financially as I was the family breadwinner and I quit a secure, well-paid job to start a firm with no money coming in initially. Most people thought we were completely insane, but my partners (Kate and Andrew) and I believed we could make the firm work. Despite the fact it was slightly scary at times, it’s been well worth it.
Top tips for people who want to set up their own firm – practical tips and advice.
The importance of networking and business development.
- When you start your business go through your existing contact list and reach out to people to let them know about your firm and how you may be able to help them. Then remember to regularly check in with those people.
- Most people want to help so don’t be afraid to ask. We had a lot of help when we first started the firm. 18 RLC Chambers allowed us to use one of their rooms as an office and conference rooms for meetings with clients whilst we got on our feet. There were many lawyers who spent time introducing us to others and giving us incredibly valuable advice.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of networking and raising your and your firm’s profile. Look for speaking opportunities, offer to put on free seminars, reputable awards, write articles and have a strong LinkedIn presence. We needed to ensure people knew who we were and what we were offering. We would attend the opening of an envelope if we were invited!
- Make sure everyone in your business understands the importance of business development and encourage them to create their own business development plan and think about their focus. As a lawyer you need to prioritise continual business development to ensure the business flourishes.
What makes your firm unique?
- There is a lot of competition in the market so think about what will get you noticed and what makes your business unique and promote that. Is it the particular offering, a niche area of law, pricing, your team, your culture? Be confident in your offering, be flexible and re-adjust as time goes on.
- The great thing about having your own firm is that you decide the culture of the business and ensure people flourish. Make sure the values of the firm and the culture is clear so that everyone has a common goal and purpose.
- Avoid burn out, stay positive and celebrate your successes!
- Having your own firm is hugely rewarding but it’s also hard work so you need to make sure you don’t burn out. Factor in time to yourself to clear your head so you have the space to think clearly and reflect on what you want to achieve, the direction of the business, what hasn’t worked and improvements you wish to make to the business.
- Starting a business isn’t for everyone and you’ll find that some people let their own fears try to deter you. It’s best to surround yourself with encouraging, positive voices so as to ensure you don’t doubt yourself and your choices.
Remember that it’s brave to start something new and can be such an exciting journey.
Take time also to reflect on your achievements no matter how small and keep celebrating them. As your business takes off and grows it’s easy to forget to celebrate those moments of success, a new client or winning an award, but it’s really important to acknowledge those moments.
Tamlyn Edmonds
Founder of Edmonds Marshall McMahon
February 2023