‘Toxic’ work culture deters three-quarters of lawyers from accepting job offers

Avatar photo

By Aishah Hussain on

9

41% wouldn’t even apply if a job had bad reviews, research shows

New research has revealed that nearly three-quarters (73%) of legal workers wouldn’t accept a job with a firm known to have a “toxic” work culture, compared to just over half (57%) of those in banking.

Two fifths (41%) of those in the legal industry said they wouldn’t apply for a job with a firm that had poor online reviews, let alone accept an offer, and nearly half of respondents (49%) said they’d leave a bad review online to warn prospective applicants about a firm’s poor work culture.

The research, carried out by software developer Culture Shift, found that 41% of the 100 or so legal professionals surveyed have witnessed bullying, harassment or discrimination at work, and more than half (55%) left a job owing to negative work culture.

“Toxic” work practices don’t just impact recruitment and a firm’s brand, the research shows they can also impact a firm’s bottom line. Two in three (62%) of consumers said they wouldn’t use a firm with a reputation for treating employees poorly.

“The true impact toxic workplace culture has on an organisation really shouldn’t be underestimated,” said Gemma McCall, chief executive of Culture Shift. “From influencing future applicants and investors, to affecting the lives of those experiencing and witnessing bullying, problematic behaviour in the workplace often has a lasting impact on both an organisation and its people.

The 2022 Legal Cheek Firms Most List

“The only way organisations can reduce this risk is to commit to eradicating problematic behaviour in the workplace by putting culture at the top of their agenda,” continued McCall. “There will never be a one-size-fits-all approach for all organisations to adhere to, however there are steps which all leaders can put in place to ensure they’re protecting their culture.”

Last month during Mental Health Awareness Week the Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) together with lawyer wellbeing charity LawCare renewed calls for a change in culture across the legal profession.

“Report after report has demonstrated that the overall culture in law is damaging to many junior lawyers, leading to mental health problems such as burnout, depression, anxiety and (in the worst cases) self-harm and suicidal thoughts,” said Suzanna Eames, chair of the JLD.

Continuing, the Farrer & Co solicitor noted “over the course of the pandemic that the culture of a firm has a very large impact on employees’ mental health, and that positive leadership can have a real impact and can ensure that the legal profession is both fulfilling and sustainable”.

In January research by Culture Shift revealed that half of legal workers found their productivity levels hampered by toxic work culture and nearly two fifths (38%) felt less engaged as a result.

Struggling with the stress of work? Contact LawCare

For all the latest commercial awareness info, news and careers advice:

Sign up to the Legal Cheek Newsletter

Related Stories

‘The overall culture in law is damaging many junior lawyers’, JLD chair warns

Mental Health Awareness Week prompts renewed calls for change as wellbeing charity LawCare extends online support

May 10 2022 8:40am
54

Female partner goes public with decision to quit ‘toxic’ law firm

‘I’ve been killing myself taking crazy assignments and working intense hours’, writes mystery lawyer in candid Reddit post

Jul 8 2020 9:29am

Lawyer wellbeing charity LawCare sees spike in stress-related calls

Almost two-thirds of all contacts from trainee and junior lawyers

Jan 31 2022 10:15am
2