Feeling unacknowledged is the most prevalent cause for associates desiring to depart their law firms, as per a recent study. In addition, the study found that female associates were more likely to indicate that they would change employers within the next 24 months compared to their male counterparts.
When questioned about what they liked most about their current employer, associates stated flexible working arrangements, fellow associates, and the culture/environment.
Thomson Reuters obtained the data for over 100 UK associates, predominantly at mid-large sized law firms, from its international associate pulse survey.
Nearly half (48%) of them stated feeling unacknowledged as a factor that made them consider moving. This was followed by their law firm’s remuneration and overall package (45%), lack of career advancement (38%), and their current/latest compensation arrangements (35%).
After that came the lack of respect for employee wellbeing (25%), not buying into their leaders and lack of tutorship scoring one-fifth of the votes each.
The remaining factors were lack of management support, unhappiness with company direction, and lack of workplace flexibility.
When the associates were asked what would convince them not to leave their current employer, the most frequent response was for an enhanced compensation package (58%), the next most common responses were diverse career options to partnership, and for law firms to increase staff headcount to reduce the amount of work and pressure that they’re currently under (both 30%).
Following this, more flexibility, constructive feedback and career development support from their management team made up the responses.
According to the research, male associates billed 16% more hours in comparison to their female colleagues – an average of 1,514 hours, compared to 1,301.
Nevertheless, female associates were notably more eager to quit their current job. A considerable minority (15%) said they were “highly likely” to leave their current job in the next 24 months. Not a single man said this.
An additional 10% of female associates said they were “somewhat likely” to feel that way. This is compared with the 20% of men who said they were “somewhat likely”.
When asked what they liked the most about their current employers, flexible work practices (30%) was the most common answer. This was followed by work colleagues (25%), culture/environment (22%) and the quality of work (21%).
Less common answers were work/life balance, supportiveness, friendliness, the capability of the team and clientele.
Natalie Runyon, director of ESG content and advisory services at Thomson Reuters, commented: “Reducing the turnover of lawyers has been one of the key challenges for law firms in recent years. Management within law firms will be concerned to see that such a high proportion of associates still don’t feel appreciated in the workplace.
“Saying thank you more often and partners checking in to see how learning and career development are going are two ways to ensure junior lawyers feel their contributions are valued by their firm. This could be an important factor as to whether or not they choose to remain with that firm.”
She indicated that the greater remuneration seen in the last couple of years may not be enough on their own.
“Firms should also give consideration not just to the overall pay but other issues such as bonuses and how they are awarded, how frequently compensation is reviewed, and whether the non-pay benefits being offered to associates are relevant and appealing. In addition, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere, recognizing and rewarding hard work, and providing opportunities for growth and development could go a long way in retaining top talent and keeping associates satisfied in their roles. It's a fine line between working hard and feeling overworked and unappreciated, and it is up to the firms to strike that balance and keep their associates happy.
If you’re an associate seeking a role that provides you with a better work-life balance and greater development opportunities, please contact LR Legal today for a confidential discussion.