Solicitors under pressure:

The Solicitors’ Charity Big Report shows threefold rise in demand for support

A new report by The Solicitors’ Charity paints a stark picture of the profession’s growing mental health and financial struggles, with a threefold increase in requests for support from solicitors across England and Wales.

The Big Report 2024, just published by the charity, reveals that more solicitors than ever before are reaching out for help –particularly for emotional wellbeing. Referrals for professional mental health support soared by 178% last year, reflecting the intense pressures faced by those in the legal sector.

Solicitors grappling with burnout, long-term illness, redundancy, and the rising cost of living made up the majority of those seeking support. The charity’s work in 2024 focused not only on emergency relief, but on helping individuals become self-supporting once more through a range of wellbeing services.

Financial wellbeing support also surged, with a 60% year-onyear increase in demand. Many solicitors approached the charity due to growing debt, mental health difficulties, or physical health challenges.

A safety net for the profession

£1.17m was paid out as grants for support through expert partners and in direct financial support by The Solicitors’ Charity. The Big Report shows £896,000 of debt being written off for solicitors seeking help thanks to the charity’s partnership with personal budgeting and debt advice service, Pennysmart.

Further support included:

• 178% increase in referrals for emotional wellbeing services

• 110 people referred for debt, benefits, and money advice

• A doubling in the number of solicitors accessing funded career coaching through Renovo

Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity, emphasised the growing need for a united approach across the legal sector:

“Another year has passed – and once again, it’s been far from easy for many working in the legal profession. The surge in emotional support referrals shows just how deeply many solicitors are struggling.

“Our role as a safety net is more vital than ever. What’s clearly needed is a more compassionate, collaborative, and connected profession – one that takes care of its people as much as it does clients and consumers.”

Reaching every solicitor in need

“We must reach every solicitor who needs help. We’re asking firms and institutions to play an active role and to support us in making sure no one slips through the cracks.”

The report also highlighted changing demographics among those seeking help. More younger solicitors are now coming forward, and 68% of supported clients identified as having a disability – far above the rate in the wider population.

Real people, real impact

One client, Nina*, said the charity’s intervention was life-changing: “The Solicitors’ Charity was a lifesaver. My levels of stress were high, so finding the charity was a Godsend and knowing it would help lifted a huge weight from me.”

A Case Manager from the Wellbeing & Grants Team added: “The support we offer is a real lifeline. It validates the role of The Solicitors’ Charity as a critical safety net for the profession.”

A holistic approach to wellbeing

• Emotional support: Through providers like Onebright and Lawsight, solicitors access assessments and funded psychotherapy. The charity also part-funds LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector.

• Financial advice: Partners like CAM and Pennysmart help solicitors with budgeting, benefits, and practical money management.

• Career coaching: Through Renovo, solicitors receive tailored career support, whether they’re returning from leave, facing redundancy, or considering a career pivot.

• Physical support: Working with The OT Practice, the charity funds occupational health assessments to help individuals adapt to life with illness or disability.

Focus on London

As in previous years, a fifth of individuals and their families helped by The Solicitors’ Charity had addresses with a London postcode.

Play your part

As demand continues to rise in 2025, The Solicitors’ Charity is calling on firms, individuals, suppliers and legal institutions to get involved. Financial donations, including unclaimed client balances (RCBs), and awareness campaigns can make a significant difference.

Read the full Big Report 2024: https://thesolicitorscharity.org/bigreport/ 

*Name changed to protect the client’s identity.