93% of Junior Lawyers Believe Partnership Model Outdated

Jan 29, 2014

Written By Jos Weale, Managing Editor, All About Law

Research from law firm Eversheds shows that there is belief that partnerships within law firms are out of sync with the times, with women less likely to aspire to achieve the role of partner than men.

The survey asked 1,800 lawyers aged 23-40 for their thoughts on partnership and career aspirations. The results show that from those asked, only 68% have ambitions to become partner in a law firm, with some indicating that they thought the role of partner was outdated. Considerably less women - only 57% of those surveyed - are aiming for this position, compared to 77% of men.

There were further enlightening results for diversity issues within the profession: just 34% of women asked said they would stay in law for their entire career, whilst 46% of men thought they would be a lawyer for life. In the survey overall, of the 26-30-year-olds asked only 37% said they would stick to law for the stretch of their working life.

There were also statistics on opinions regarding the work/life balance as a solicitor and the flexibility the career offers. 25% of the junior solicitors asked said they desired a better work/life balance.

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