What NQ Solicitors value most in a new role

What NQ Solicitors value most in a new role; Insights from my market research.

In todays ever evolving legal landscape, understanding what matters most to newly qualified Solicitors when they’re searching for that crucial first position is more relevant than ever.  Over the years, Sacco Mann have spoke with countless trainee Solicitors nearing qualification, each with different career aspirations and preferences. 

The pandemic in 2020 reshaped the legal world, with furloughs and lockdowns impacting many of us. Yet, these challenges brought some positives, such as more time with family, remote working, reducing the time we spend commuting, and a healthier work/ life balance.  Since then, the way we work in the legal sector has transformed. Most law firms now offer hybrid working as standard, and flexible hours are more accessible than ever. 

The first question candidates used to ask when searching for a new role was often about salary.  Now, more often than not, it’s focused on flexibility and hybrid working options.  Is this the same for trainee Solicitors nearing qualification? I conducted some market research across LinkedIn and our active candidate base to find out.

 My question was:

What is the most important factor for you when searching for a role as an NQ Solicitor? If you had to pick one of the below:

1. Work quality/ firm reputation
2. Salary 
3. Locality of firm
4. Flexibility/ work life balance 

I’ve reported on my findings below:

Flexibility: A crucial factor for trainees looking for a new role

 Over 40% of trainee Solicitors voted that flexibility tops their priority list when in search for a newly qualified Solicitor role.  Over the past few years, the demand for flexible working has increased significantly, especially among younger professionals.  The majority of junior Solicitors we speak to look for a firm that can offer a balance between home working and office working, allowing them the autonomy to manage their time effectively.  We always stress the importance of weekly office attendance, particularly in the early stages of your career, as being around peers in an office environment is proven to aid career development and knowledge growth; but having the opportunity to get your head down from the comfort of your own home plays a huge part too.

Firm quality: Reputation does matter

Just behind flexibility, sitting at just shy of 35% is the firms reputation.  NQ Solicitors want to align themselves with firms known for their high standards, quality of work and market reputation in the legal sector.  Working for a firm with a solid reputation can open doors, offering the chance to build a career alongside recognised talented Solicitors. It’s no surprise that quality law firms are highly appealing, as they often provide the kind of training, mentorship and career progression that can set the foundation for long term success.  These law firms are often able to provide an increased quality of work, allowing NQ Solicitors to be involved in complex cases, for well known clients from day one.

Salary: Still a priority for NQ Solicitors

Over 20% of trainees who answered our poll voted salary as the leading factor in their search for a new role though in recent years the percentage of those with salary as a priority was much higher.  Of course, salary is important, but does this poll prove that having a lesser salary in a firm with an excellent reputation who can provide greater flexibility is more attractive? It seems so.  Salary reflects the value a firm places on a newly qualified Solicitors skills, commitment and potential, and fair pay ensures they feel respected and valued for their work. 

Locality: the less important priority

In our poll, fewer than 5% of trainees ranked the firm’s location as a top priority. We often find that candidates at all levels are open to commuting to major cities for the right role, especially as hybrid working and flexible options make commuting easier than ever. That said, location remains important for some, particularly those living further away from the city who prefer a firm with easy access, cheaper parking, and lower train fares. While smaller local firms can often match the flexibility and quality of work offered by larger nationals, they may offer lower salaries, though for some, this trade off is worth it.

• In conclusion, the priorities of newly qualified Solicitors are evolving, reflecting a move towards flexibility, firm quality and work/ life balance over salary and firm location.  For today’s NQ Solicitors, finding a role that offers adaptable working arrangements, quality of work and maintains a fair compensation package is fundamental.  Firms that understand and cater to these changing preferences are likely to attract and retain top talent in the years ahead.

If you’re a trainee Solicitor nearing qualification, or a legal professional at any level that’s interested in a chat about the market and what opportunities we have available, please do reach out, we’d love to hear from you!

• Likewise, if you’re a law firm looking to recruit, or looking for advice on the ever changing legal landscape, please do give us a call.

Chloe Murphy; Executive Consultant, Private Practice Division

📞 0113 467 9783

📩 Chloe.murphy@saccomann.com