A quarter of family specialists are actively considering leaving the profession, according to a survey that suggests a generational ‘brain drain’ is looming.

Family law group Resolution, which conducted the survey of 1,213 members, said a combination of long working hours, heavy workloads, client expectations and working in isolation have taken their toll on practitioners.

Half of respondents said they considered leaving the profession at some point in the last three years because of wellbeing concerns; 26% were actively considering quitting.

Over half of practitioners work more than eight hours a day and 88% said they worked while they were on annual leave.

Almost half of those considering leaving the profession are junior practitioners. Resolution said this highlighted a significant risk of a generational ‘brain drain’, adding that remote working has stalled junior lawyers' professional development.

Stressed solicitor

Long hours, heavy workloads and isolated working have taken their toll on sector

Source: iStock

Four in 10 practitioners felt uncomfortable talking to their employers about work-related stress and pressures.

Juliet Harvey, national chair of Resolution, said: ‘The fact that a quarter of family professionals are actively considering leaving the sector should be of concern to everyone. If firms fail to embrace flexible working and better wellbeing support, I fear we could lose the next generation of family practitioners.’

The report has been released in association with LawCare, the Association of Lawyers for Children, Chartered Institute for Legal Executives, Family Law Bar Association and Legal Aid Practitioners Group.

LawCare chief executive Elizabeth Rimmer said the report was a ‘catalyst for action to start creating everyday habits in family law that support wellbeing, such as good supervision, training for managers, and creating a positive work-life balance’.