It will come as no surprise that work-life balance is a key priority for many young lawyers, especially those who are relatively new to the profession. But according to a report published by LexisNexis in April 2024, it is now the most important factor for lawyers looking to move firms. This is further supported by Buchanan Law’s most recent US Data Report, which also found that just under 20 per cent of associate moves were due to lifestyle decisions, further confirming the significant shift in associate attitudes towards prioritising a work-life balance.
In part, this shift can be attributed to sustained media coverage which has grown over time, creating increased awareness of the issue. Indeed, stories about work-life balance – particularly in corporate law firms – have a surprisingly long history.