Lawyers would rather choose jobs with better working hours than higher salaries, according to a recent poll conducted by ALB.
ALB asked a number of lawyers from top and mid–tier firms if they would change jobs if they were offered the salary they think they deserved. The majority of respondents said that a higher salary alone would not prompt them to change jobs; better working conditions, such as 9 to 5 hours and a higher quality legal work, would be the main motivating factors.
Rob Green, director-Asia Pacific for legal and financial specialist CML Recruitment, agreed that while high salaries may have attracted the best talents last year, lawyers are now considering their wider career prospects when looking for new jobs opportunities. “It’s not all about the money,” he said. “Candidates are now looking for favourable working hours, mapped–out career paths, and benefits and opportunities within the firm.”
According to Doron Paluch, Director, Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment, lawyers do have more job options in the current market and are in stronger position to change jobs. Despite receiving a number of calls from disgruntled employees, Paluch said that mid-year salary reviews are understood by lawyers as acceptable, with all things considered. “This year at least there are also more jobs around so unhappy lawyers do have some other options to consider,” he said.
Changing jobs – what lawyers said
- “I changed from a big firm to a smaller firm and now I’m working 9 to 5”
- “I wouldn’t mind my job if I was doing some more interesting work”
- “I’m keeping my eyes open for jobs even though I did get a pay rise. [Firm’s] have held out too long on giving pay rises”
- “I’m looking for a job that gives me more opportunities, like working internationally and maybe in a different practice area”
- “I want to do interesting and challenging work and be seen by clients as someone they would like to instruct”
- “Ultimately partnership is an aspiration, but I suspect that’s a fair way off”
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