Few legal associates plan to leave private practice for in-house, LexisNexis finds

Only 12% of legal associates have plans to leave private practice for alternative careers such as in-house, Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs), or academic career opportunities, according to research by LexisNexis.

The study of 500+ law firm associates and senior leaders also found that only 25% of legal associates want to make partner in their current firm within the next 5 years.

Instead, many suggested a better work-life balance and a comfortable salary may be sufficient.

Moira Slape, the Chief People Officer at City law firm Travers Smith, said: “Alongside compensation and work-life balance, this generation also want honesty around their firm's commitment to diversity and inclusion a business strategy which is clear and compelling, excellent training, and for their voices to be heard.”

The research uncovered that most associates are loyal to their firms, with more than half (56%) planning to be at their current firm in five years’ time.

However, the majority of leaders (72%) believe associates are “less loyal” than previous generations, said researchers.

The survey suggested that compensation packages have stayed roughly the same in the last 12 months. Only 11% of senior leaders said their firm had increased salaries over the rate of inflation, while 21% said they've increased to match inflation.

Lottie Winson