Long hours, late-night deadlines, and the expectation to always be on call paint a demanding picture of life as junior lawyers in 2024. While corporate law careers come with prestige, high salaries, and sleek offices, they also demand considerable sacrifices.
A recent study by Adviser Society surveyed over 2,000 junior lawyers and trainees to uncover working patterns at more than 100 law firms across the UK. The findings reveal a nuanced picture of what it takes to thrive—or survive—in the world of elite law firms.
The Big Picture: Hours That Reflect the Pressure
This year’s data shows a slight overall increase in average working hours, although individual firms experienced significant shifts. Some saw workdays stretch longer, while others reported shorter hours. These variations stem from changing market dynamics, enhanced focus on employee well-being at some firms, and salary hikes at others.
At the extreme end, junior lawyers at US-headquartered firms in London routinely clock over 13-hour days, often wrapping up after 10:30 pm. Firms offering eye-watering NQ salaries of £170k or more dominate this end of the scale. Eleven law firms report average finish times after 9 pm, reflecting the intensity of their high-stakes environments.
On the flip side, other firms demonstrate a commitment to work-life balance. Fourteen firms report average finishing times before 6 pm, offering their lawyers a far more manageable daily routine.
The Full Breakdown
The survey provides detailed insights into the start and finish times at various firms, illustrating the range of experiences within the industry. While some juniors work a demanding 13-hour schedule, others enjoy a standard 9-to-5.
Top Firms by Average Working Hours:
- Weil Gotshal & Manges: 9:14 am to 10:37 pm (13 hours, 23 minutes)
- Kirkland & Ellis: 9:28 am to 10:31 pm (13 hours, 3 minutes)
- Paul Hastings: 9:28 am to 10:06 pm (12 hours, 38 minutes)
- Ropes & Gray: 9:31 am to 9:56 pm (12 hours, 25 minutes)
- And so on for the rest of the data…
Behind the Numbers: What Junior Lawyers Say
The survey also captured anonymous feedback, providing a candid look at the lives of junior lawyers.
For those at firms with longer hours:
“The hardest part is being expected to always respond—whether it’s late at night or during holidays. That’s the trade-off for the pay-check.”
“I work past 11 pm most days, and weekends are often spent in the office.”
“It’s relentless, but it’s what I signed up for.”
Meanwhile, firms that prioritise work-life balance paint a more optimistic picture:
“I rarely check my work phone outside of office hours—our firm actively supports this culture.”
“I can spend time with family and friends without guilt or interruption.”
“This firm has an excellent balance. The trade-off is slightly lower pay, but I’d make that choice again.”
A Tale of Two Futures
The study highlights the diverse experiences of junior lawyers, offering a valuable perspective for anyone considering a career in law. Whether drawn to the fast-paced world of high-paying international firms or the steadier rhythm of firms prioritising well-being, there’s a place for every aspiring lawyer.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Balance
Corporate law remains a high-stakes profession where rewards often match the sacrifices made in 2024. For some, the allure of top-tier pay and prestige outweighs the long hours. For others, the promise of a healthier work-life balance holds greater appeal.
Ultimately, the key is finding a law firm whose values align with your priorities. Whether you’re chasing the bright lights of high finance or seeking meaningful work with room to breathe, Adviser Society’s survey provides a vital roadmap to help lawyers navigate their options.
Continued in 2025
Working Hours and Well-Being in the Legal Profession
The popular belief that law school is demanding often obscures an even more challenging truth: the professional life of a practising lawyer typically involves far longer hours than those observed in most other occupations. While many professionals operate within a conventional forty-hour working week, legal practitioners frequently exceed this figure by a considerable margin. Client expectations, court-imposed deadlines, and the ever-present pressure of billable hour targets all contribute to a working environment in which extended hours are normalised and work–life balance becomes difficult to maintain.
Recent research underscores the seriousness of the issue. The report notes that over half of private-practice and in-house counsel report symptoms of burnout, with heavy workloads and prolonged hours being the primary causes. Despite experience and ongoing professional development, lawyers remain highly susceptible to stress, exhaustion, and dwindling personal well-being.
This report examines the hours lawyers typically work across different practice settings, the factors that influence these demands, the effects of extended schedules, and strategies that may help the profession move towards healthier and more sustainable working patterns.
Key Findings:
- Lawyers in large commercial firms work the longest hours, averaging approximately 66 hours per week.
- Government lawyers typically record the fewest hours, usually around 40 hours per week.
- A lawyer’s working time is significantly shaped by factors such as practice size, type of work undertaken, client pressures, and billable hour targets.
- Corporate law is the most time-intensive practice area, with practitioners often working 60 to 80 hours or more per week during peak transactions.
Average Weekly Working Hours Across Practice Settings
Data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry reports reveal considerable variation across the profession:
| Practice Setting | Average Weekly Hours |
|---|---|
| Large law firms | 66 hours |
| Medium-sized law firms | 42–54 hours |
| Small law firms | 42–54 hours |
| Solo practitioners | 40–45 hours |
| In-house counsel | 45–55 hours |
| Government agencies | 40 hours |
| Public interest organisations | 40–50 hours |
Although working patterns differ, the typical lawyer can expect to work between 45 and 55 hours per week, with significant fluctuation depending on workload cycles, court schedules, and client demands.
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