Safety Net for Solicitors: Best Kept Secret?

A career in law can be hugely demanding, but it can also be deeply rewarding. Through every stage of the profession, one thing matters: making sure people feel supported, and not alone. Unfortunately, this support can often be invisible, not well-known and not spoken widely about in solicitor circles. The reality is: it’s a best kept secret. But it’s a source of rich support people could and should tap into at critical times when independent, non-judgmental and confidential help is what is needed. What is The Solicitors’ Charity? For 168 years, The Solicitors’ Charity has been here. It was set up for solicitors, retired solicitors, and their dependants in England and Wales. In days gone by, the intention was to look after the widows of deceased male solicitors (when women were entirely dependent on a man’s income and wealth). Fast forward to this century and it offers deep and personalised confidential wellbeing support throughout life’s ups and downs to all solicitors. Pressure Points are Varied Today, that support reflects the reality that pressure points are wide and varied. That is why our work, and the support offered, spans four pillars of wellbeing: emotional, physical, professional, and financial. These cover more areas than you might think, from career coaching to access to therapy, and from practical help when ill to lending a hand financially. We are proud to be the only charity with solicitors as its sole focus. Spread the word Whether you need support yourself, want to refer us to someone else, or are interested in how the profession can help sustain this vital safety net, we need more people to be aware of our existence and spread the word for us. And if you’re able to help – from donating unclaimed client balances to making us your charity of the year, every bit helps sustain us, along with the vital support we can provide to others. Our impact In our annual impact statement: The Big Report, we see the importance of timely and personal support. 83% of those supported by the Charity said they felt more positive as a result and better able to cope now and in the future. In 2025, The Solicitors’ Charity delivered: - £1.27 million in financial awards and grants - Over 5,600 hours of direct case manager support to individuals - Targeted referrals to expert partners (including 93 to support from therapists and counsellors, and 88 to money, advice and benefits specialists). An anonymous beneficiary shared: “Support was there when I needed it most, and it helped bring me back from a very dark place.” What you can do - Promote The Solicitors’ Charity on your staff intranet, amongst colleagues through word of mouth, during wellbeing sessions or information via email. - Register your interest and get regular updates from the Charity. - Follow and react to their posts on LinkedIn. - Donate any monies you can through voluntary donations or compliance transfers (like RCBs). SOURCES The Solicitors’ Charity website The Solicitors' Charity - Supporting the wellbeing of solicitors. The Big Report The Big Report 25/26 | Solicitor Wellbeing Insights – The Solicitors' Charity How you or others can get help How we help - The Solicitors' Charity How you can Play your Part Play Your Part - The Solicitors' Charity Joining the Register The Solicitors' Charity Register Follow on LinkedIn The Solicitors'​ Charity: Overview | LinkedIn