What Really Makes Lawyers Switch Firms?
24 June 2025
In a legal market where top talent is always in demand, it takes more than just a fat paycheck to keep people around. Today’s lawyers are looking for meaning, growth, and a better balance between their work and personal lives.
To dig deeper into what really drives lawyers to make a move, Kerenza Love, Legal Recruitment Consultant at Redbridge Recruitment, ran a LinkedIn poll to hear directly from the legal professionals themselves.
📊 Poll Question: “What Would Most Likely Prompt You to Consider Changing Law Firms?”
- ✅ Better work-life balance – 42%
- 📉 Being overlooked for promotion – 33%
- 💰 Higher base salary – 17%
- 🪙 Disappointing bonus – 8%
These results highlight something we’ve all been sensing: priorities are shifting. The days of lawyers staying put just for the money are fading. People want more than a paycheck. They want to feel like their career supports their life, not the other way around.
💡 What We Can Learn from This
- Work-Life Balance Tops the List
No surprise here. Nearly half of respondents said they’d move firms for a better work-life balance. After years of long hours, blurred boundaries, and pandemic-induced burnout, lawyers are reassessing what they’re willing to sacrifice.
Whether it’s remote options, flexible schedules, or a healthier culture overall, firms that adapt are the ones winning the war for talent.
“Work-life balance doesn’t mean working less. It means working in a way that’s sustainable, with trust and support.”
- Progression and Recognition Still Matter
Just behind work-life balance is the frustration of being passed over for promotion. It’s not just about climbing the ladder. It’s about feeling seen, valued, and fairly treated.
When lawyers hit a ceiling (or don’t even see the path up), it sends a clear message: there’s no future for you here. That’s when they start looking elsewhere.
“Lack of progression isn’t just a career issue. It’s a respect issue.”
- Compensation: Important, But Not Everything
Yes, money still matters. But only 17% of respondents said a higher salary would be their main reason to move, and just 8% cited bonus dissatisfaction.
These numbers tell us that salary is expected to be competitive, but it’s no longer the deciding factor. Lawyers want meaningful work, growth opportunities, and a culture they can buy into.
“You can pay someone well. But if they don’t feel heard or supported, they’ll still leave.”
🧠 What This Means for Law Firm Leaders
If your retention strategy revolves only around salaries and bonuses, you’re missing the mark. The firms attracting and keeping the best people are those that take a more holistic, human-centered approach.
Here’s what that looks like:
- 🌱 Clear progression paths with transparency, consistency, and fairness
- 🧘 Work-life integration where boundaries are respected and flexibility is embraced
- 🤝 Supportive culture that values collaboration over competition
- 🎯 Ongoing growth through training, mentoring, and real development opportunities
Bottom line: the firms that support lawyers as people, not just fee earners, will win both hearts and talent.
💬 Let’s Talk
What’s your dealbreaker?
Do you think the legal world is keeping up with what today’s lawyers really want?
Share your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.
