Nick Gallagher
The Solicitors’ Charity has revealed new insights into solicitor wellbeing following conversations, surveys and interviews conducted at this year’s London Legal Walk.
At this year’s London Legal Walk, we decided to hit the streets and ask our colleagues from across the legal profession a simple question: what does wellbeing look like today?
We wanted to take the temperature on how people were feeling and the results were fascinating. Through our conversations with leaders, trainees and practitioners, alongside responses gathered through interviews, surveys and our Wheel of Wellbeing, a clear picture emerged.
People understand the importance of wellbeing more than ever before. Yet for many, turning that awareness into action remains a challenge.
We asked: What most affects your wellbeing?
We heard: People know wellbeing matters. We still struggle to talk about it. One of the clearest themes to emerge from both the interviews and survey responses was openness. While conversations around wellbeing have become more visible across the profession, many participants still described it as difficult to open up when they are struggling.
Several interviewees spoke about the pressure to appear capable, resilient and in control, even when facing challenges themselves. “I feel like it’s a lot of pride. People just need to lean on each other.”
That tension feels significant. Awareness has grown, but creating environments where people feel comfortable seeking support remains work in progress.
We asked: What pressures have the greatest impact on your wellbeing?
We heard: Pressure rarely comes from one place. When participants were asked what affects their wellbeing most, career uncertainty, financial worries, work demands and feelings of isolation emerged as common themes.
What stood out was not any single challenge, but the way these pressures overlap. Professional demands can affect personal lives. Financial concerns can influence confidence and wellbeing. High expectations, both from others and ourselves, can make it harder to recognise when support is needed.
As one participant reflected: “As lawyers, you’ve always been the best at something. I feel like a lot of the pressure comes from yourself.”
We asked: How easy or difficult is it for solicitors to open up?
We heard: The profession already knows what helps. If the survey revealed the pressures people face, it also highlighted something encouraging: legal professionals have a clear understanding of what supports their wellbeing.
Exercise and movement, talking to friends and family, financial stability, hobbies and interests, and rest and downtime were among the most mentioned factors for maintaining wellbeing.
The message is simple. Wellbeing is not built through a single thing. It is nurtured by relationships, routines, interests and balance.
One participant explained: “It’s about making sure that you’ve got your needs met, that you can live the life that you want to live, and do the things that bring you joy.”
The profession already has the answers. The challenge is making them accessible.
The people we spoke to were clear about both the pressures they face and the things that help them stay well – mentally and physically. Yet knowing what supports wellbeing and accessing that support is not always easy to do.
Nick Gallagher, Chief Executive of The Solicitors’ Charity, said: “The conversations we had at the London Legal Walk showed a profession that understands the importance of wellbeing but continues to be reluctant to seek support.
“What was particularly striking was how often people spoke about overlapping pressures, from work and finances to confidence and career uncertainty.
“The profession already understands what good wellbeing looks like. The challenge is ensuring people feel able to access support when they need it.”
That’s why The Solicitors’ Charity exists. Every year, we help solicitors facing emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing concerns and provide the support they need to move forward.
Take action and stay connected
Join The Solicitors’ Charity Register to receive wellbeing insights, stories and practical support from across the legal community. You’ll also receive a free wellbeing pack and hear about opportunities to get involved: https://thesolicitorscharity.org/register/