New report reveals rising pressure on solicitors across mental, financial and career wellbeing
The Solicitors’ Charity has revealed a sharp rise in demand for support across the legal profession, with enquiries tripling since 2023 and more than £1.27 million awarded to solicitors and their dependants during 2025. The findings were published in the charity’s latest “Big Report”, which outlines growing pressures facing solicitors across emotional, financial, professional and physical wellbeing.
According to the report, the charity handled three times more enquiries than in 2023 and distributed £102,000 more in financial awards than the previous year. More than 5,600 hours of case manager time were spent on direct client support. The charity said demand was becoming increasingly complex, particularly among working-age solicitors and women within the profession.
Its figures showed that 65% of all clients supported in 2025 were women, rising to 72% among new clients. The report also stated that 68% of beneficiaries identified as having a disability. Emotional well-being support remained a significant area of demand. The charity recorded 93 referrals to mental health partners during 2025, up from 78 the previous year.
The report also highlighted continued collaboration with LawCare, which received 341 contacts from solicitors, retired solicitors and non-practising solicitors during the year. Fifty individuals were allocated dedicated peer supporters for ongoing help with stress, anxiety and career-related concerns.
Professional well-being referrals also continued to rise steadily. Forty solicitors were referred for career coaching through Renovo in 2025, compared with just seven in 2022. Among those completing the programme, 63% achieved their desired outcome and 55% secured employment or took a career break suited to their circumstances. The average resettlement period was 92 days.
Financial well-being remained another major concern. The charity made 88 referrals for specialist money management and benefits advice during the year. Its support helped negotiate more than £926,000 in debt arrangements, secure over £206,000 in statutory benefits and write off £17,641 in debts.
Chief executive Nick Gallagher said the charity was now delivering “more tailored packages of support than ever before”, designed around individual needs. The report also warned that, like many charities, The Solicitors’ Charity faces ongoing funding pressures despite continued support from law firms, donors and legacy gifts.