The legal profession has long been associated with high stress, long hours, and intense pressure, particularly for those working in financial services. From the early stages of securing a training contract to climbing the career ladder in private practice or transitioning in-house, lawyers often face challenges that can take a toll on their mental health. In this article, we explore how financial services lawyers can prioritise their well-being while navigating the demands of their careers.
The Early Years. Setting the Foundation for Balance
Breaking into the legal profession is notoriously difficult. Even the brightest graduates face fierce competition for training contracts, and once secured, the real work begins. Early career lawyers often find themselves handling laborious, repetitive tasks, working long hours to meet deadlines, and under immense pressure to “put in the face time” to demonstrate their commitment.
Tips for maintaining mental health during the early years:
- Communicate with loved ones: Make sure friends and family understand what you are signing up to and the demands that are likely to be put upon you. If they understand the commitment required to meet your goals you can avoid additional pressure from those closest to you.
- Seek mentorship: Having a trusted mentor who understands the pressures of the profession can provide guidance and support during challenging times.
- Consider other qualification routes: A law firm training contract is no longer the only way to qualify and other routes such as the SQE and qualifying in-house are now more popular and just as highly regarded. Whether you go down the private practice or in-house route, research the company you are joining carefully so that you can choose the culture you are joining.
The Pressure of Progression. Senior Lawyers and Workload Expectations
As lawyers progress in their careers, the demands only increase. Senior lawyers often face intense pressure to hit billable hour targets, deliver exceptional results, and position themselves for partnership. The “always-on” culture can lead to burnout if not carefully managed.
Strategies for sustaining mental health as a senior lawyer:
- Set boundaries early: While it may feel daunting, establish clear boundaries around your working hours and personal time. Communicate these to your colleagues and supervisors where possible.
- Delegate effectively: Recognise that you can’t do it all. Empower junior colleagues by delegating tasks that help them grow while reducing your own workload.
- Practice self-care: Prioritise activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s exercise, meditation, or simply taking regular breaks during the day.
- Prioritise your social life: A common pitfall for lawyers is allowing work to consume their lives when it isn’t necessary, just to impress. Schedule regular catch-ups with friends and family to maintain a sense of normalcy and connection.
- Reassess your goals: Not every lawyer aspires to partnership. Consider alternative career paths, such as moving in-house, that may align better with your personal and professional aspirations.
Moving In-House. A Different Kind of Pressure
For many lawyers, moving in-house is seen as a way to escape the relentless demands of private practice. While in-house roles can offer a better work-life balance, they are not without their own challenges. In-house legal teams often face pressure from the business, which in turn is under pressure from clients. Legal teams are sometimes unfairly perceived as “business blockers,” adding another layer of stress.
Tips for maintaining balance in-house:
- Build strong relationships with the business: Fostering mutual understanding and collaboration can help reduce friction and improve perceptions of the legal team.
- Advocate for your team: If you’re in a leadership role, ensure your team members have manageable workloads and access to mental health resources.
- Stay connected to your purpose: Remember why you chose to move in-house. Reflect on the opportunities to work more strategically and make a meaningful impact.
How Heads of Legal Can Support Their Teams
Leaders in legal departments have a crucial role in ensuring their teams remain mentally healthy. A proactive approach to well-being can make all the difference.
For further mental health resources specifically tailored to the legal profession, visit LawCare, a charity dedicated to promoting well-being and mental health support for lawyers.
Steps for heads of legal to support mental health:
- Promote open dialogue: Encourage team members to share concerns without fear of judgment or repercussions. Publicise internal resources and policies.
- Offer flexibility: Allowing flexible working arrangements can help team members manage personal and professional responsibilities more effectively.
- Leverage external resources: Partner with mental health professionals or provide access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) to offer additional support.
Exploring Alternative Paths
Prioritising mental health in a demanding profession like law requires intentional effort, but it is entirely achievable. Whether you’re a junior lawyer navigating the early years, a senior lawyer striving for balance, or a head of legal supporting a team, the key is to set boundaries, maintain a support network, and explore career options that align with your personal goals.
The traditional route to partnership in private practice isn’t the only option for lawyers. Alternative qualification pathways, in-house legal roles, moves into support roles other departments or into the business all offer opportunities to build fulfilling careers and can offer a reduced level of pressure.
Fry & Brown specialises in helping lawyers explore in-house pathways, offering roles across the financial services sector that align with individual needs and goals. You can read more about how we support career transitions here. If you’re considering a move to improve your work-life balance, visit our current vacancies to explore opportunities that could work for you.
Looking for new opportunities in the financial services legal sector? Visit Fry & Brown for the latest roles tailored to your skills and aspirations.
Jan 25
