How many hours do lawyers work UK?

Asked by: Ephraim O'Kon III  |  Last update: August 24, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (66 votes)

And what impact do super-sized workweeks have on solicitors, personally and professionally? For solicitors, a full-time role rarely means working 9-to-5. In the UK, solicitors commonly exceed a 40-hour work week, often extending into evenings and weekends to accommodate client needs and meet billable hour targets.

How many hours do lawyers work a day in the UK?

Your choice of whether to pursue a career as a barrister or a solicitor may affect your working week. Solicitors usually work from 9 am to 5 pm and have the weekends off. In contrast, barristers are often self-employed, which may involve a lot of flexible hours and extra time for research and preparation.

How many hours do lawyers work on average?

Although most lawyers have a regular 40-hour week, a significant percentage of them work more frequently. The average weekly work hours for various types of lawyers are: Lawyers working for large firms: 66 hours per week. Lawyers working for small and medium-sized firms: 42-54 hours per week.

Do lawyers work 9 5?

During the week, many attorneys work additional hours outside of the traditional 9-to-5 business day. The 2022 Legal Trends Report provides deeper insights into lawyer working hours: 86% of lawyers work outside of the typical work day (beginning between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and ending between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.).

Do lawyers make a lot of money in the UK?

Job site Indeed reports the average salary for a solicitor is just under £50,000 a year, based on almost 11,000 reported salaries. Of course, this figure can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier, with some London based, Magic Circle firms paying experienced professionals well over £100,000 a year.

HOW MUCH DO UK LAWYERS MAKE VS UK SOLICITORS WORKING HOURS

18 related questions found

Do lawyers earn more in the UK or US?

At a glance. Trainees in London earn more than those working outside the capital. You'll earn less in smaller firms but will likely rise up the ladder quicker. USA based firms pay the highest trainee and newly-qualified salaries, followed by Magic Circle then City firms.

What is the highest paid job in the UK?

1. Chief Executives and Senior Officials. Unsurprisingly, chief executives like CEOs and Managing Directors have the best-paying jobs. After all, they're the highest-ranking individuals in an organisation.

Do lawyers really work 80 hours a week?

According to surveys, most lawyers work between 50 and 80 hours per week, far exceeding the standard 40-hour workweek. For those in Big Law or high-pressure specialties such as corporate litigation or mergers and acquisitions, the hours can be even longer, especially during critical periods of a case or deal.

Do lawyers get laid a lot?

California has the highest average salary for lawyers, only being surpassed by the District of Columbia, where lawyers command an average annual salary of $226,510. This figure is approximately $138,000 more than the average salary of a lawyer in Wyoming, which is currently the lowest-paying state for lawyers.

Do lawyers make 6 figures?

Lawyer salaries by state

Lawyers in these states earn the highest median salaries: California ($175,680) New York ($172,880) Massachusetts ($161,530)

Do lawyers make 400 an hour?

Depending on their level of experience and the complexity of the case, attorneys charge between $100 and $400 per hour.

What type of lawyer gets paid most?

Corporate and tax lawyers tend to be the highest earners, with patent and IP lawyers not far behind. Trial lawyers also pull down a lot of money, particularly in the civil litigation field.

Can I work 40 hours a week as a lawyer?

Most lawyers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Lawyers who are self-employed may have flexibility in setting their own schedules.

Do lawyers get weekends off?

In general, most lawyers work on weekends. You serve the needs of your clients as a lawyer in the professional services sector. Attorneys are required to meet deadlines that do not always match their schedules. They are being compensated for being available for their clients' issues full-time.

Do lawyers get paid by the hour?

A lawyer sometimes bases the fee on a fixed dollar amount for each hour or part of an hour spent working on your legal matter. Hourly rates can vary, depending on the lawyer. Ask your lawyer about the hourly rate and ask for an estimate of how many hours will be spent on your behalf.

What country pays lawyers the most?

The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.

How difficult is law school?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.

What percentage of lawyers quit?

The 2023 findings from 128 participating firms in the U.S. and Canada, reflect data from 5,236 associate hires and 3,875 associate departures. The findings also revealed an overall 2023 associate attrition rate of 18%, continuing the decline from 2022's 20% and 2021's historically high 26%.

Do lawyers have time for family?

According to the National Association for Law Placement, more than 70 percent of those surveyed reported having a significant problem finding time for family and leisure, as well as personal and health needs.

How many lawyers are happy?

Despite stress, lawyers are satisfied

Two-thirds of respondents reported overall job satisfaction, down just slightly from 2023. Roughly half of lawyers overall rated their financial stability as excellent and 73% said they would still become a lawyer if they had to do it all over.

Is being a lawyer worth it?

Lucrative career

They make a national average salary of $50,979 per year . Though you may not earn this income as a new lawyer, you can work your way toward this salary with enough hard work and experience. However, finding satisfaction in your specific field may be worth more than your annual salary.

What jobs pay 250k a year in the UK?

salary 250k jobs
  • Pre-Contract Manager. Stonbury Ltd3.1. ...
  • Head Prep Chef (Pitmaster) New. ...
  • Commissioning Engineer. Integrated Water Services (M&E) ...
  • Electrical Project Manager. Options Resourcing Ltd2.2. ...
  • Electrical Supervisor. Options Resourcing Ltd2.2. ...
  • Strengthen your profile. ...
  • Senior Recruitment Consultant. ...
  • Account Director - London.

How to earn 500k a year in the UK?

salary 500k jobs
  1. Quantity Surveyor. Integrated Water Services (M&E) ...
  2. Weekend Pharmacist. New. ...
  3. Senior Estimator. New. ...
  4. Project Manager. New. ...
  5. Financial Adviser. New. ...
  6. Strengthen your profile. What are your desired job types? ...
  7. Associate Director - Accountancy Practice. Trial Balance Consulting. ...
  8. Junior Doctor. Manual.

What is the most underpaid job UK?

Lowest paid occupations in the UK 2023

In 2023, the lowest-paid occupation in the United Kingdom was estimated to be retail cashiers, and check-out operators, at 382.7 pounds per week, followed by childminders at 385.4 pounds.