How many hours do solicitors work in the UK?
Asked by: Johnathan Sawayn | Last update: August 3, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (16 votes)
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
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.).
Are solicitors well paid in UK?
Outside of London, the highest paid area for solicitors is in the south of England, where a solicitor's average earnings are £56,000. Solicitors in the Midlands and Wales have average salaries of £46,000. And those in the north of England have an average annual salary of £43,000.
Is it possible to work 40 hours a week as a lawyer?
Also, depending on the particular demands of their cases, some lawyers offer their clients on-call access for 24 hours a day, each day of the week. Although most lawyers have a regular 40-hour week, a significant percentage of them work more frequently.
What hours do barristers work UK?
As a guide, you can expect the day to start around 8.30 am and finish at 7 pm, with later finishing hours for busier days. Barristers depend on solicitors for the bulk of their instructions, so being available on-demand means more income, exposure and experience.
HOW MUCH DO UK LAWYERS MAKE VS UK SOLICITORS WORKING HOURS
What is a barrister salary UK?
An average barrister salary in London is anything from £50,000 to £200,000 based on five years' experience, but as there are many areas of law, this can vary. For those with over ten years' experience, earnings can range from £65,000 to £1,000,000. Those based in London and bigger cities will often earn more too.
What are the average working hours for a lawyer 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.
Do lawyers work 100 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.
What does a lawyer's schedule look like?
While it can differ from firm to firm, lawyers may work up to 80 hours per week. The average work hours for different types of lawyers are: Large firms: 66 hours per week. Small- and medium-sized firms: 42-54 hours per week.
Do lawyers have work-life balance?
The legal industry is so focused on billable hours and the partner track that it can be difficult to feel like work-life balance is possible. Particularly for lawyers at the beginning of their careers, there is an expectation of working overtime and vying to work on big cases.
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 difference between a barrister and a solicitor?
Barristers are specialists in advocacy, wearing wigs and gowns whilst representing clients in higher courts. Whilst solicitors handle day-to-day legal work, barristers are typically brought in for complex court proceedings and specialist opinions.
What is the richest type of lawyer in the UK?
The most profitable legal area is commercial and corporate law, where solicitors can easily earn over £100,000 a year. Commercial lawyers provide business-related advice to companies, making sure that they comply with regulation and a particular country's legal system.
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 all lawyers make six figures?
In May 2022, the median annual wage for lawyers was $135,740. The 10th percentile of top-earning lawyers makes an annual wage of $66,470, while those in the 90th percentile earn $239,200 or more per year.
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.
Can you work 40 hours a week as a lawyer?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average work hours for a lawyer are around 40 hours per week, including time spent in the office, attending meetings, and preparing for cases.
What type of lawyer makes the most money?
Patent Attorney Salary
Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.
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.
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 do lawyers do all day?
Advise and represent clients in criminal or civil proceedings and in other legal matters. Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in a case. Conduct research and analysis of legal issues. Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.
Do lawyers get days off?
Lawyers are typically given a certain number of days or weeks of vacation time each year. This time is generally set aside to allow them to travel and relax away from work. However, many lawyers also take on additional work during their vacation time in order to make extra money.
How much do solicitors earn in the UK?
Starting salaries for newly qualified solicitors in private practices typically range from £28,000 to £69,000. This can rise to between £35,000 and £65,000 for those with one-to-three years' experience and around £38,000 to £85,000 for those with four-to-eight years' experience, depending on your location.
Do lawyers work on weekends in the UK?
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.
What are the best law firms in the UK 2024?
According to the RollOnFriday Best Law Firms to Work For 2024 survey Burges Salmon claimed the top spot for the third year in a row, with Bird & Bird, Mills and Reeve, Michelmores and Birketts all making up the top five.