Solicitors facing “overlapping difficulties” across emotional, professional, physical and financial wellbeing, report finds

A report by The Solicitors’ Charity has warned that solicitors across England and Wales are facing “growing and increasingly complex pressures”, noting that demand for support has tripled since 2023.

The report, published today (14 May), found that rather than single-issue cases, many solicitors are now facing overlapping difficulties across emotional, professional, physical and financial wellbeing.

The charity warned: “These challenges can build over time, making them harder to manage without the right support in place.”

However, the report also found that when support is accessed, it can make a meaningful difference - with 83% of those supported saying they felt more positive and able to cope.

The charity said this demonstrates the value of “timely, joined-up support” when people are facing difficult periods in their lives, adding that the findings also underline the importance of continued awareness and engagement across the profession.

According to the report, The Solicitors’ Charity has delivered:

• £1.27 million in financial awards and grants 
• Over 5,600 hours of direct case manager support 
• Tailored referrals across four areas of wellbeing 

Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity, said: “What we are seeing is not just increased demand, but more complex need. Challenges rarely exist in isolation, which means support has to help alleviate the full extent of what someone is going through. 

“When people are able to access the right support at the right time, it can positively change how they experience and move through those challenges.”

Lottie Winson