This query prompted varied responses, with the interesting work often blunted by stress. Of those surveyed, 53.6pc answered yes and 46.4pc no.
Yes, because...
● It’s a challenging but ultimately enjoyable career if you get it right.
● It is a very stressful job but at least you can earn a living — and that is becoming more and more difficult for young people. But if you had asked me that question five or 10 years ago I would have said No because of the pressure and stress involved in
the job.
● My son always wanted to be a solicitor and I would not deter him. Despite the challenges, I love my role in helping people with employment problems, whether employers or employees.
● Working in law is incredibly rewarding. It certainly has its challenges, but it’s also a very interesting, sometimes complex job that can bring very real results to people’s lives. It is a privilege to work in this area.
● Being a solicitor is a profession that gives many and varied career options.
● I love my job — it’s an interesting, challenging and changing profession.
● It can be a rewarding profession, but it is important to start well, with proper guidance and mentoring.
● There is always a future for lawyers, but it will be a different experience for them.
No, because...
● It’s not worth all of the time and study for the reward. It’s an extremely stressful profession and the risks are huge.
● Very long hours, unreasonable clients and employers, constantly on and working 365/24/7. There is similar if not better remuneration in
other fields.
● You can make the same money in other careers with half the stress. The partnership business model is very disheartening. The career trajectory is very unclear, particularly as a woman.
● The job is very rewarding in terms of job satisfaction, but relentless. It’s very difficult to switch off.
● I want them to be happy at their work and surrounded with happy, content people — this isn’t possible with narcissistic lawyers.
● It’s a tough career path and it’s only getting tougher. Professional services are not sheltered from shocks to the economy in the same way other sectors (eg tech) are. I am the only lawyer in my close circle of friends and the only person that took a substantial pay cut as a result of the pandemic. All my friends on six-figure salaries remained completely insulated.
● I think it’s a very difficult profession to get a start in, and I have a low opinion of many of those who work in it.
● High stress, the working hours are prohibitive, appreciation is often low, and there is high responsibility.