In this forty-third episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Rachel McGrath, family solicitor and founder of RJS Family Law, for an honest and powerful conversation about resilience, values and building a business in one of the most emotionally demanding industries.
Rachel shares her non-traditional journey into law, from leaving home at 17 and working full-time while studying part-time, to qualifying as a solicitor alongside raising a family. Her story is one of grit, determination and a deep belief that there had to be a more human way to practise family law.
She opens up about the realities of working in family law, including the emotional toll of supporting clients through divorce, child arrangements and domestic abuse, and how learning to manage her own emotions has been essential to both her wellbeing and her leadership.
This episode explores what it really looks like to step away from the “stuffy old solicitor” stereotype and build a modern, values-led legal practice rooted in empathy, clarity and strong representation. Rachel reflects on the leap of faith it took to start her own firm, the loneliness that can come with entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts that helped her push through fear and comparison.
From outsourcing and strategic support to celebrating milestones and hiring her first team member, Rachel’s journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to mean scaling fast or losing yourself. Instead, it can mean building something boutique, intentional and deeply aligned with who you are.
This conversation is grounding, inspiring and reassuring for anyone building a business in a high-pressure industry, navigating self-doubt, or carving out a path that truly reflects their values.
Rachel’s childhood and unconventional route into law
Qualifying as a solicitor while working full-time and raising a family
The resilience and mindset required to overcome setbacks
Why family law felt aligned, and the emotional landscape of the work
Navigating a male-dominated industry and empowering women
The decision to start her own practice and take the leap
Building a boutique law firm rooted in empathy and trust
Managing comparison and embracing the strengths of small business
Outsourcing, support and sustainable business growth
Balancing success, wellbeing and life outside of work
Defining “my kind of business” as client-first and purpose-driven
Whether you’re running a service-based business, working in an emotionally demanding role, or feeling the pull to do things differently, Rachel’s story offers perspective, encouragement and a reminder that there’s no single right way to build a successful business.
[00:00] Introduction and Rachel’s journey into family law
[02:13] Childhood experiences and discovering law
[03:08] Qualifying part-time alongside family life
[05:43] Resilience, determination and self-belief
[07:42] Choosing family law and supporting clients emotionally
[11:04] Deciding to start her own practice
[14:01] Launching the business and early foundations
[17:30] Competition, comparison and boutique business strengths
[22:44] Hiring her first staff member and celebrating growth
[28:37] Outsourcing, support and working smarter
[33:39] Emotional resilience and personal wellbeing
[37:33] Future plans and maintaining a boutique ethos
[44:31] Defining “My Kind of Business”
Building a business rooted in values and empathy
Redefining success beyond traditional legal norms
The emotional realities of people-focused work
Why independence and control matter in business
How support and outsourcing create sustainability
Success as alignment, impact and integrity
Rachel McGrath is a family solicitor and the founder and director of RJS Family Law, an independent specialist firm supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging transitions.
Her work is grounded in empathy, clear advice and practical solutions, alongside robust and fearless representation when it matters most.
Website: https://www.rjsfamilylaw.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjsfamilylaw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rjsfamilylaw/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/75015479/
https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/
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