More than 4 in 10 lawyers accept overwork, stress as part of job: Poll

While more than four in 10 lawyers polled accept that stress and overwork are part of their everyday working life, some six in 10 say their firms actively ensure a good work-life balance for them.

A survey of some 460 lawyers suggests that law firms have embraced flexible work arrangements and understand the value of a positive work environment in retaining talent.

The findings were based on responses to relevant issues put to participants as part of the ST-Statista Singapore’s Best Law Firms 2025 survey, which was conducted earlier in 2024.

Lawyers were asked to rate the statement “My law firm actively ensures a good work-life balance for the employees” on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “strongly disagree” and 5 “strongly agree”. A total of 64 per cent ticked 4 and 5.

Separately, 44 per cent accepted that stress and overwork are part of their everyday working life in their firm, with 21 per cent disagreeing. The remaining 35 per cent ticked 3 on the scale.

More than half of lawyers, or 52 per cent, said their workload was generally manageable, with 14 per cent saying it was not, and 34 per cent neutral. But while workload may be manageable, some 57 per cent said they often experience stress in their daily work.

Separately, respondents were asked about the measures in place at their firms to ensure better work-life balance. Of the 448 respondents, between 69 per cent and 72 per cent said the measures included working from home, flexible working hours, peer support and a positive work environment.

But only between a quarter and a third of respondents agreed with statements that their need for work-life balance is taken into account by their law firms, there is clear separation between private and working time, and the topic of mental health in the workplace is actively addressed by their law firms.

Industry observers suggest the issue is more about work culture and less about options offered.

Ms Lee Shulin, managing director of legal recruitment firm Aslant Legal, said: “It’s not just about remote options; it’s about a culture that truly supports these choices. I’ve seen young lawyers walk away from prestigious firms because they feel boxed in. Firms that adapt will see lower turnover and higher commitment. Those that don’t will be left behind.”

Lawyer Remy Choo said the results reflected broader global trends, which show that work culture and flexible work arrangements are among the top reasons people stay in their jobs. 

He said trust in one’s staff drives talent retention and productivity and is important for their firm, RCL Chambers Law Corporation.

“In a high-performance environment like a dispute resolution team, we understand that our lawyers do their best work when the firm trusts and enables them to balance work and their personal lives,” he added.

Managing director Shobna Chandran of Shobna Chandran LLC, a boutique disputes firm, said bosses need to have a hand in ensuring the work environment is conducive to growth. She said she personally ensures lawyers have downtime between hearings to decompress, among other things.

Drew & Napier’s director Kelvin Tan said: “Work-life balance and flexible work arrangements are important, but buzzwords come and go. We make a sincere effort to listen and address the concerns of each generation of young lawyers and find ways to help our lawyers build long and fulfilling careers.”

The poll also indicated lawyers were upbeat about industry morale, with some 80 per cent rating morale 3 or higher on the scale of 1 to 5.

Source: Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

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