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This groundbreaking report is the first edition of an annual benchmark that will gauge the priorities and happiness of the beating heart of law firms – their associates.
We have canvassed their opinions to understand the factors influencing their satisfaction, engagement, and
retention across the UK top 250 firms.
Associate experiences within UK law firms are undergoing significant transformation, shaped by evolving expectations. Workplace culture emerges as a critical differentiator, with mid-sized and smaller firms consistently achieving higher culture ratings and recommendation rates.
Yet challenges remain when it comes to safeguarding mental health and wellbeing, and creating the right environment to retain and nurture staff.
Associates today are looking for firms that foster genuine mentorship, value transparency in promotion pathways, and offer meaningful opportunities for
professional growth. They increasingly expect flexible working arrangements that support their well-being while still enabling meaningful career development, alongside workplace cultures that recognise effort beyond billable hours, reward teamwork, and make space for – or even encourage – individuality.
Crucially, the true value of this research lies not only in the sector-wide trends it uncovers, but in the opportunity it provides for firms to benchmark their own results against their peers. Our early adopters are turning our findings into positive change, clearly focused on building reputations as employers of choice and climbing further up our rankings of the best firms to work for.
By comparing their own associates’ experiences with external standards, firms can identify unique strengths, expose hidden vulnerabilities, and prioritise targeted interventions that will have the greatest impact.
This comparative approach transforms raw data into actionable insight, empowering firms to move beyond anecdotal evidence or inward-looking staff surveys and make informed, strategic decisions.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to gain the same advantage.
Associates today are looking for firms that foster genuine mentorship, value transparency in promotion pathways, and offer meaningful opportunities for professional growth. They increasingly expect flexible working arrangements that support their well-being while still enabling meaningful career development, alongside workplace cultures that recognise effort beyond billable hours, reward teamwork, and make space for – or even encourage – individuality.
If you don’t know how that aligns with or diverges from your associates, you can now find out.
For the first time in years, managing partners and other key decision-makers can access a credible, independent benchmark of what life is really like for associates at their firm – and how that experience compares with both peer firms and the wider market.
Retaining talent is a key strategic priority for all firms. This survey gives you the ability to assess emerging concerns against the wider market – helping you can make better informed decisions.
It doesn’t stop here.
This first edition report gauges the priorities and happiness of the beating heart of law firms – their associates – but it doesn’t stop here.
The research period continues to run for associates as firms are invited to include the standard questions as part of their internal surveys in 2026. Firm responses can then gain benchmarks against their peers, and the wider market, to understand factors influencing the satisfaction, engagement, and retention of their associates.
Firms can use these insights to identify unique strengths, expose hidden vulnerabilities, and prioritise targeted interventions that will have the greatest impact.
Please get in touch if you would like to gain the advantage for your firm.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
