In this article, BARBRI's Careers & Employability Manager Steph Day discusses work-life balance and strategies to improve it.
The legal profession is often associated with long hours, high stress, and a demand for excellence. But as the culture around work shifts and the emphasis on wellbeing and mental health grows stronger, the conversation around work-life balance in law has become high on the agenda.
Law is demanding and there will always be documents to prepare, clients and deadlines to meet. With the added pressure of billable hour requirements, historically a culture has been created where burnout is common.
Key factors That Affect Work-Life Balance
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Working hours
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Job demands
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Work culture
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Technology
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Personal priorities
Today's lawyers - particularly younger generations are challenging the traditional model that exists. The idea that professional success must come at the cost of personal wellbeing is increasingly being questioned. Law students and lawyers in the early stage of their careers are seeking workplaces that recognise the importance of mental health, flexible schedules, and a life outside of the office.
Work-life balance in the legal profession is a complex issue, and whether it’s a myth, or a reality depends on the specific area of law, the type of firm, company culture and individual choices.
In corporate law and large commercial firms, long hours and intense workloads are the norm, making work-life balance challenging. Billable hour targets, client demands, and tight deadlines often lead to late nights and weekend work, making it difficult to maintain a clear boundary between professional and personal life.
In smaller firms, in-house legal roles, or public sector positions, work-life balance may be more achievable. These roles often have more predictable hours and less pressure to meet high billable targets, allowing for a healthier balance.
Recent shifts, such as hybrid working and increased awareness of mental health, have also contributed to a change, with some firms prioritising flexibility and well-being. These strategies also exist to retain talent and reduce high staff turnover rates. However, for many lawyers, especially in competitive areas achieving a true balance remains a challenge rather than a reality.
Benefits of a Good Work-Life Balance
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Improved mental and physical health.
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Better relationships.
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Increased productivity and focus.
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Improved engagement.
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Higher job satisfaction.
How to Improve Work-Life Balance
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Set boundaries - define clear work hours and stick to them, where possible.
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Prioritise wellbeing – be available for hobbies, family, friends, sleep, and general downtime.
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Communicate your needs - speak with employers about flexibility.
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Use technology wisely - have a cut off time and don’t be tempted to look at emails or respond to messages, after this time.
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Make time for personal life – if needed, schedule time just as you would work tasks.
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Take your holiday days / breaks – use your days and schedule a lunch hour, where possible.
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Reach out if you need support – don’t wait until you burnout, seek help and take control early if you can.
Even something as simple as scheduling your lunch break, stepping away from your desk to eat, or making it to that weekly exercise class can make a difference. Perhaps it’s taking time to read your favourite book or catching up with friends over dinner. These small things might just give you the breather you need - and they could make all the difference in the long run.
As Mandy Hale states ‘your work is not more important than your health, your mental well-being, and your happiness’.
Further Support
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LawCare is the mental health charity for the legal sector and offer free, confidential emotional support, peer support, and information for people working in legal sector in the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. .
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