Work well, live well: practical advice for solicitors in independent firms

Working as a solicitor is rewarding but often taxing. Long hours, tight deadlines, and the pressure to perform can make it tough to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

At smaller firms, where teams may be leaner, these challenges can feel even more intense. But focusing on balance and building a strong community at work, isn’t just a “nice-to-have” – it’s essential for wellbeing, job satisfaction, and career longevity. 

Access insights on independent law firms in the 2025 Bellwether report. 

Why work-life balance is more important than ever in legal practice

There’s no doubt that a legal career is highly demanding. Earlier this year, LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector, published their Impact Report 2024, which revealed that 2024 was their busiest year ever – with over 1,000 people reaching out to them for support. Of those people, 43% of were from private practice. The top reason people sought support was due to stress and anxiety. 

For solicitors working in small or medium-sized firms, work-life balance can be particularly elusive. Unlike larger firms that may have dedicated wellbeing resources, smaller firms often rely on individuals managing their own boundaries. 

Without balance, productivity and motivation suffer, increasing the risk of burnout. Taking proactive steps to balance your professional and personal life benefits not just your mental health, but also your clients and colleagues.

Set clear boundaries and prioritise your time

One of the biggest challenges lawyers face is the expectation of constant availability. Four-fifths of firms reported that clients now expect faster communication and quicker answers, in the latest Bellwether report. 

To counter this, it’s crucial to set clear work boundaries. This might mean:

• Agreeing specific “off hours” where you won’t check emails or take calls.
• Communicating your availability to colleagues and clients so they respect your downtime.
• Using built-in technology features – turn off notifications outside work hours or use “do not disturb” modes. 

When clients are demanding responses quickly, t’s easy to get stretched across too many tasks. Prioritise each day by identifying which tasks are most urgent and impactful –and don't be afraid to push back on what can wait.

To help lighten the load, consider adopting legal tech tools that automate repetitive tasks. Tools for time recording, client onboarding, document automation, or even AI-powered legal research can save hours each week. Investing in these systems can help reduce the admin burden, giving you more space to focus on higher-value work – or simply finish on time.

Working long hours doesn’t always mean working well. Smarter systems and sharper boundaries help create a more sustainable, productive way to work.

Learn more about Lexis+ AI™

Build a supportive community at work

Mental health is not just an individual issue – it thrives or suffers based on workplace culture. At smaller workplaces, community building can be a huge asset because your team is small enough for meaningful connections. Here are some ways to nurture this:

• Encourage open conversations about stress, workloads and wellbeing without judgement.
• Set up regular informal catch ups or coffee breaks, even if virtual, to check in on each other.
• Consider peer support groups or buddy systems for sharing challenges and advice.
• Celebrate successes and milestones to foster a positive atmosphere.

Creating a workplace where people feel valued and heard boosts morale and resilience, making stressful periods easier to manage. 

Advocate for wellbeing initiatives, whatever your size

Championing mental health initiatives – and supporting the people who work at your firm – should be a priority whatever your firm’s size. If your firm doesn’t already have wellbeing support, consider:

• Suggesting training on recognising and managing stress or anxiety
• Promoting flexible working arrangements where possible
• Encouraging access to external support, such as LawCare’s free confidential helpline.
• Creating a small wellbeing committee or appointing a mental health champion.

Invest in your personal wellbeing outside work

Don’t forget that wellbeing extends beyond the office. Taking part in activities that recharge you personally is also crucial. Whether it’s exercise, hobbies, socialising, or simply unplugging from screens, find what works for you.

Make time for yourself regularly, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. There’s strength in recognising when you need help.

For more in-depth resources and support materials, visit LawCare.