Job Satisfaction: being ‘taken for granted’, and lack of opportunity stoke solicitors’ discontent but many love their work

Recognising the contribution of staff is the key to retaining solicitors, research revealed last week.


A survey of almost 150 solicitors looking to move jobs revealed that lack of opportunity and support, and being ‘taken for granted’, were almost as likely to cause solicitors to move positions as low salary.


One-fifth of respondents said they had left their last job because of poor salary and benefits, while 15% blamed lack of opportunity, and the fact that they were not given greater responsibility, as the reason for their move. Some 11% of solicitors said being taken for granted was the main impetus for leaving, while the same number cited being overworked and poor variety of workload as the principal factor.


When it came to what solicitors were seeking in a new post, competitive salary ranked first at 15%, closely followed by friendliness of firm and colleagues (13%), quality of work (12%), and opportunity to take responsibility (11%).


One-tenth of respondents said location was their main consideration, while 9% said it was a healthy work/life balance, and 7% said they wanted to join a ‘prestigious’ firm. Just 2% of lawyers questioned said high-calibre client profiles would be the main factor encouraging them to move.


The solicitors reported a high degree of job satisfaction, with 43% saying they ‘love their work’, and 40% claiming they ‘like their work’. Some 74% considered themselves ‘absolutely’ loyal to their firm.


Marcus Stevens, a partner at Law Staff Online, which conducted the survey, said: ‘The primary reason for people leaving still comes down to the salary and benefits. But the second biggest reason was that candidates were not given the opportunity to take on greater responsibility, or had a poor variety of work. The message is that solicitors do want to be challenged, and they want their contribution recognised.’


He added: ‘The result for loyalty was surprisingly high, particularly as the respondents were all on our books, looking for another job. When they start a new job, they expect that they will be loyal, and give it their all. But then they become disillusioned.’