Demystifying the law for businesses with grand plans.
How did it all begin?
Having worked in both a City law firm and for some of the most iconic consumer brands in the UK, it became clear to me that there was demand for practical, straightforward, affordable legal advice for businesses that are growing quickly and need support but not at the cost or with the complexity that many other providers offer. Legal compliance remains a topic that many early stage businesses fear as being overly complex and expensive. My mission is to demystify the law and break it down in to practical, commercial stages which are accessible and appropriate for the stage that a business is at. My ultimate goal is to remove the stress of legal compliance and free founders up to focus on what they do best – driving their business forward!
What sets your business apart?
Our accessible, practical, ‘Human’ approach. We pride ourselves on being able to communicate legal jargon in a way that is commercial and clear. We’ve worked for early stage and high growth businesses so understand the pressures that founders are under to balance risk versus reward and of course we are Founder led so are living many of the same challenges.
What is the concept behind your business or the problem you’re solving?
Early-stage businesses tend to shy away seeking legal support on the basis that it’s seen as an expensive “nice to have” or something for later down the line when the business has grown sufficiently. However, getting the legals right from the beginning is key to maximising the value of the work that goes in to the business from the start. It also ensures that a business is as attractive as possible to investors. By providing approachable, “real”, cost effective support we position ourselves as commercial partners rather lawyers – our mission is to remove the stress from compliance so that founders can concentrate on what they do best, driving the business forward.
Where to next/What is your brand vision?
Our vision is to drive real change in the way that lawyers and businesses interact – demonstrating that lawyers are facilitators rather than blockers – humans rather than robots. We’re currently on a growth journey, building momentum within our client base to realise that vision.
Claire Sanders
Founder of
The Legal Space
What do you feel passionate about/what drives you?
Making the legal profession better! I passionately believe that there is a better way for law firms to operate in order to support their employees and clients to thrive!
Share an example of early life that has shaped you?
At school I was singled out as being the boistorous, bossy, short tempered, argumentative one. I’ve learned that with a little bit of tweaking these can be my super-powers rather than weaknesses.
Highlights of your business journey so far?
Receiving the most perfect feedback from my very first client: “Thanks so so much for the quick and in depth response – all super clear (which isn’t always the case in the legal world)”. Supporting businesses in their hour of need is incredibly fulfilling.
Key lessons you have learned along the way?
Don’t second guess people! It’s taken a while but I now try my hardest to read difficult emails with compassion and empathy and not to automatically assume a tone and think the worst!
Best piece of advice you have received?
“Stick In”! (My much missed Grandmother’s catch-phrase).
Advice to an aspiring entrepreneur or woman just starting her career?
Don’t try and fit in with masculine values, embrace your feminine values and be confident in the value they bring.
What funding route have you chosen for your business and why?
Bootstrapping for now….with no significant overheads I’m keen to knuckle down and have a clear strategy before I consider bringing anyone else in.
Some of the challenges you have faced and how you overcame them?
My own self-doubts mainly. For a while my self-worth was tied up in the identify of the amazing brands I worked for and was worried that no-one would want me without their names! I’ve worked with an amazing transformational coach who has got me to where I am now – understanding that I am the constant!
Why is it important to support women-led business?
Given that 50% of the population are women, I think it’s essential to have businesses which apply feminine values and women are often the best placed to do that.
60
Seconds
with
Claire Sanders
My inspiration is...
my children, showing them the power and beauty of the world.
My greatest fear is...
not giving my children the space they need to discover the world.
The most courageous thing I’ve ever done is...
leave full time employment to pursue my values.
Guilty pleasure?
Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”.
Mantra you live by?
“Dream with the intelligence of the Stars”.
Female role model?
so many, Michelle Obama, Pink, Brene Brown...
Women-led brand you love?
Tropic Skincare.
Top productivity tool?
still searching...
