GlobalX Legal Solutions investigated the attitudes of more than 130 Australian legal professionals and found that, contrary to popular belief, the majority of lawyers are satisfied - regardless of demanding hours.
GlobalX chief executive Peter Maloney noted that more than 65 per cent of participants said they regularly work overtime, with one third of those surveyed working 50 to 70 hours per week.
‘It is significant to observe however, that despite lawyers continuing to work long hours, the majority are content,’ he said. He added that the results are a positive reflection of the industry, which has been typecast as ‘high pressure’, with tough billable targets.
The study also found that while many put in significant overtime hours, lawyers are satisfied with their office culture and flexibility.
‘Employers are increasingly realising the importance of a healthy work-life balance and encouraging positive work cultures within their firms,’ Mr Maloney said.
‘Indeed, participants indicated work-life balance and career progression opportunities as the most important considerations when choosing an employer.’
According to the Executive Dean of Bond University’s Faculty of Law, Professor Nick James, the research reveals a relatively widespread awareness of the importance of work-life balance, and that the reputation of a firm is less important to job applicants than one might expect.
‘Only six per cent of respondents named a firm’s 'brand status' as one of the two most important aspects when choosing a law firm as an employer; this suggests that employers are now catering to a wider range of criteria for job satisfaction,’ Professor James said.
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