T+O+M BLOG

There’s no denying it—burnout in the legal profession is reaching alarming levels. A recent article in the Australian Financial Review reported that over two-thirds of lawyers have experienced burnout in the past year. Long hours, relentless pressure, and ever-increasing billable targets are taking a toll, with many professionals clocking 10-hour days just to meet expectations.

As a recruiter specialising in in-house legal and corporate governance roles, I’m seeing more and more candidates making the move away from private practice. A strong organisational culture and a healthy work environment have become top priorities for legal professionals, often outweighing salary considerations. Time and time again, candidates tell me that a toxic culture and unsustainable workloads are the key drivers behind their decision to leave their current firm.

This shift in priorities reflects a broader movement across the legal industry. Lawyers are no longer willing to sacrifice their well-being for the sake of outdated expectations. If firms don’t adapt, they risk losing top talent to organisations that offer a more sustainable work-life balance.

So, the big question is: are law firms ready to evolve? If they continue to prioritise billable hours over employee well-being, they’ll struggle to attract and retain talent. The reality is that the legal landscape is changing, and firms that fail to move with the times will find themselves left behind.

It’s time to take action. Flexible working policies, genuine mental health support, and an open dialogue around workplace culture aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential. Firms that embrace this shift will not only see improved staff retention and productivity, but they’ll also build a stronger reputation in the industry.

The legal profession is at a crossroads. The firms that prioritise culture, balance, and well-being will be the ones that thrive in the years to come. The question is, who’s ready to lead the change?