Happy families as solicitors thrive in local government

A family friendly regime and variety of work mean that nine out of ten local government solicitors who left private practice have no regrets, research has shown.

A survey of 150 solicitors who previously worked at law firms, conducted by the Law Society's local government group (LGG), indicated that 90% 'strongly preferred' working in a council environment.

It said good working conditions combined with shorter hours got the thumbs-up, as did serving the local community rather than focusing on generating fees.

LGG chairman Stephen Rickitt said: 'Variety, people contact and the rewards of helping the community make it a worthwhile career.'

Fiona Sutherland, solicitor at Winchester Council, said private firms could learn from the public sector.

'I joined 15 years ago as a 27-year-old with no children,' she said.

'Now I have three, and my hours and the days of work have changed as my employers are flexible.

Local authorities took this approach out of necessity, because the salaries are lower, but they have found it is a good way of retaining better-qualified staff.'

Paula Rohan