State of Play: Self-Assessment of Solicitor Wellbeing
Before the strength of the sun fades into a softer Autumnal light, I’m reflecting on what solicitors said about their own wellbeing earlier on in the year. Many of their number congregated in Chancery Lane, London for the annual Legal Walk in aid of those much-needed free legal advice charities.
With over 10,000 attendees, street food, colourful stilt performers and lawyers from a wide variety of workplaces (firms, advice centres to councils and in-house teams) – it is always something of a heady, carnival-style atmosphere where people feel quite relaxed and chatty.
The Solicitors’ Charity has a presence each year at the starting line for the walks and it’s a super occasion to spread the word about wellbeing and meet more solicitors, raising awareness of the Charity in the process. This year we reprised the popular and colourful “Wheel of Wellbeing” that people enjoyed spinning in the hope of winning a prize!
Career uncertainty most affected wellbeing
So, during the event we handed some solicitors a microphone and a QR code with a survey on and asked 200 individuals what was affecting their wellbeing the most.
Career uncertainty was top of the list. With law firm takeovers and acquisitions, mergers and closures (think the PM Law collapse earlier in the year) and pressures in other areas where solicitors work like local government where unitary authorities are emerging – but now U-turning abruptly in the wake of recent government announcements on this.
But when the music stops and some of the chairs have been taken away, the stark reality of fewer roles in fewer organisations hits home for many solicitors in the form of redundancy.
It’s an area that The Solicitors’ Charity provides an ever-increasing level of assistance with. 40 solicitors benefited from, on average, 4 hours individual coaching in 2025 and found their next career move, decided to go self-employed or retire from the profession as a result.
Mental health and stress also top of the list
Unsurprisingly, this topic came a close second, with many worried about jobs, pressure of work, imposter syndrome et al and contributing to different levels of stress and anxiety – some finding it easier to navigate and more manageable than others. 93% of those contacting The Solicitors’ Charity in 2025 said our support helped to maintain or improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Financial worries and the spectre of the SRA
Worries about money also appeared on the list with concerns about balancing the budget at home and, in more serious instances, navigating voluntary debt management solutions and more formal debt arrangements.
People often ask The Solicitors’ Charity about the tension between the regulator, the SRA, and their attitude to solicitors finding themselves in debt in terms of declaring it and then the action that could be taken.
It’s definitely a grey area that would benefit from more clarity and more guidelines around what level of seriousness of personal debt that solicitors would be prevented from practising by the SRA.
In the short term, the SRA code mentions solicitors not taking responsibility for debt as the thing that is frowned upon in the assessment of Character and Suitability Rules https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations/assessment-character-suitability-rules/ .
The implication being that if you are taking responsibility for your debt and acknowledging it – it’s better than burying your head in the sand and you may be treated more sympathetically as a result.
Work/life balance out of kilter
Lastly, work/life balance came up as something affecting wellbeing i.e. not getting the balance right in a busy working environment and not taking enough time out to do enjoyable pastimes and social events with friends and family.
What helps wellbeing the most
Exercise and movement (41%) – getting out there and doing a class or putting the running shoes on, helps four in ten solicitors with their wellbeing.
Hobbies and interests – nearly one in four (24%) have particular hobbies and interests that keep them on the straight and narrow.
Friends and family – spending time with this group helps the most for one on five solicitors. Getting back in time for that school play or marking a special birthday and being present at those family gatherings is clearly valued by many as something that helps keep that feeling of wellbeing ticking over nicely.
Rest and downtime – one in six (16%) cite just chilling out and switching off as the thing that helps them most with their wellbeing. We used to call them “duvet days” and they can involve bingeing box sets, listening to audio books or just a gentle stroll in nature away from the pressures of work.
A Happy Ending
I’m delighted to report that a solicitor who lost their job from a PM Law firm back in February who was in touch with us for financial and career help has landed themselves a plum role!
The Solicitors’ Charity was able to make short term payments to tide them over this tough time and offer them specialist career coaching services through our partner, Renovo (soon to become CareerMinds).
Do you qualify for help from us?
It’s worth noting that even if solicitors fall outside of our financial eligibility criteria in terms of salary and savings, we usually can provide valuable non-financial help in the form of referrals to funded therapy, career coaching and physical help like occupational therapy.
We are a dedicated source of help and support if an individual is currently or has been a solicitor on the roll in England and Wales.
About 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. It offers broad and personalised confidential wellbeing support throughout life’s ups and downs. From therapy to career coaching, physical help through illness and financial payments – it’s a vital safety net for solicitors.
Financial pressure, mental health concerns, and career uncertainty all have a direct impact on individuals, firms, and the whole profession. Understanding these challenges is essential to building a more sustainable and supportive legal profession.
Greater awareness of the importance of wellbeing and knowing about The Solicitors’ Charity leads to earlier intervention, stronger outcomes, and better support for those who need it.
What you can do to help
- Promote The Solicitors’ Charity on your employee 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 or unclaimed client balances).
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