Freshfields’ survey reveals aspiring lawyers want greener pastures

The next generation of City lawyers want more from their prospective employers than high salaries and bonuses, a survey conducted by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has found.

The survey, which asked 114 aspiring lawyers for their views and preferences regarding the legal profession, found that a significant majority (69%) of responders listed the long hours working culture associated with City firms as a reason that they would be discouraged from joining the profession. This may indicate more balanced aspirations among the next generation of lawyers, with 43% of those surveyed prioritising a work-life balance allowing for family and personal commitments over a desire for high salaries and bonuses.

51% of responders also stated the belief that gender and ethnicity remain significant barriers to entering and progressing in the profession, while a whopping 73% were also concerned that increases in tuition fees would lead to a less diverse legal sector.

The survey indicates that aspiring lawyers want more than great salaries from the profession. Simon Johnson, Freshfields' trainee recruitment partner, said: "The next generation of lawyers have a more holistic view of what they want from a career. Salary progression, career advancement and job stability are very important to them, but they don’t want these at the expense of their personal lives - they want the full package… [and] making flexible working work is moving to the top of law firms' agendas. Firms have a lot to live up to for the modern graduate. Given the big financial commitment, students are being particularly careful to choose a career which will fulfil their desire for personal growth. They expect return on investment in terms of training and development… Law firms still have a long way to go to create a truly diverse environment in which everyone can flourish."