Solicitors believe alternative business structures will create ‘more opportunity’ in terms of their careers, and are more motivated by work/life balance than financial gain, the results of exclusive Gazette research have suggested.

In a survey completed by more than 180 lawyers, 55% said ABSs would provide more opportunity for them, while 18% said it would lead to fewer opportunities, and 27% thought there would be no change.

The research, conducted by the Gazette in association with business development consultancy Intrinsic Values, indicated that today’s solicitors place greater value on work/life balance than on salary. More than 80% cited work/life balance as a ‘key non-negotiable’ when considering career choices, while 67% chose ‘security of income’, 46% said ‘money’, and 37% said ‘team environment’.

Only 10% of respondents said ‘title’ was a key non-negotiable, while 24% said ‘status’.

In terms of the reasons why solicitors may seek to move jobs, 57% said the search for a better work/life balance was likely to be the main driver, while 22% said they were most likely to move for more money.