This week on The SELL Life Podcast, we head across the pond to talk with George Mattey, founder of Imprint Consulting in the UK — a boutique IP law firm proving that creative lawyering isn’t about working longer hours, it’s about working on your own terms.After years inside global firms and billion-pound billable targets, George realised the “partnership promise” was an illusion — the hours, the politics, and the pressure were never going to lead to ownership. So he built his own path.In this episode we unpack:- What “Big Law” really looks like in London — and why so many mid-level lawyers feel trapped.- How George turned restrictive covenants and zero clients into a thriving IP consultancy.- Lessons from building a firm that helps startups protect and scale their brands globally.- The mindset shift every lawyer needs before going out on their own.- Why community and collaboration between self-employed lawyers could change the UK legal landscape.George’s story proves that the next generation of lawyers won’t be defined by the firm names on their business cards — but by the freedom they choose to create.🕒 Timestamps00:00 — Introduction: From Aussie convicts to the City of London02:00 — Why George became a lawyer (and why IP law hooked him early)06:00 — The power of brands and creativity in legal practice10:45 — From regional firm to “Magic Circle” culture shock17:00 — The billable hour trap and the illusion of partnership24:00 — Why most senior associates never make partner26:15 — When George realised Big Law wasn’t built for him30:00 — The moment he decided to launch Imprint Consulting32:45 — Starting from scratch: zero clients, two covenants, and six months of savings34:40 — Lessons from the first 18 months: focus, systems, and failing fast39:00 — Could The Self-Employed Lawyers League work in the UK?43:10 — How to connect with George and Imprint Consulting🧭 Show Notes & LinksConnect with George Mattey on LinkedIn (search “George Mattey” — the only one spelled M-A-T-T-E-Y)Search for Imprint Consulting (UK) for IP and brand protection insights.Learn more about The Self-Employed Lawyers League → http://www.thesell.life