Lawyers warn kids off career in law
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Nearly one in three lawyers would discourage their children from becoming lawyers when they grow up, a survey has revealed.
The research, conducted by HR consultantancy Hudson UK, shows that 30 per cent of legal professionals are so dissatisfied with their current role that they would not want to see their children in their job.
The survey, which contacted 1,000 professionals working in finance, the law, HR and IT, found that male lawyers are the least contented group, with almost a third (32.3 per cent) saying they would not want their children to enter the law.
Martin Luise, Hudson's director of legal recruitment, said: "These findings are very disturbing, especially with the current economic conditions. That so many legal professionals would not want to see their children follow in their footsteps points to a workforce that is both unhappy and lacking confidence.
"With dark clouds on the economic horizon, employers may revert to short-term retention tactics - focusing too heavily on salaries, for example. By contrast, in many cases, improved communication and a more flexible approach can empower and liberate employees."
Thirty-five per cent of those surveyed cited better opportunities in other professions as the main reason for their reluctance, and one in four believed their children could earn higher financial rewards elsewhere, or enjoy a better work/life balance (27 per cent and 28 per cent respectively).
Female IT workers proved the most keen to see their children emulate their career, with only one in five not wanting to see their children in their job.
Readers' comments (5)
Anonymous | 11-Jul-2008 5:17 pm
Unexciting news
This must be one of the most unexciting, self promoting surveys by a recruitment agency yet.
One third of lawyers wouldn't want their kids to become lawyers? Presumably another one third would encourage their kids to become lawyers, and the remaining one third couldn't be bothered either way.
I couldn't be bothered to read the rest of the article to find out.
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Mr Tosh | 12-Jul-2008 10:20 am
Tosh
The survey is meaningless unless you ask parents outside law whether their children should follow them into their respective non-law careers.
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alrite | 13-Jul-2008 8:29 pm
Prospective Law Students
I think this is very worrying for prospecive university law students, as it could reflect how I and others will feel in the future.
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Anonymous | 14-Jul-2008 10:06 am
So what
I completely agree with the comment below. I imagine that one third of general business managers would not want their children to follow their career paths, one third of marketing professionals, one third of accountants (well actually, that figure would probably be higher!) and one third of doctors...is does not mean that these respective careers are being unhappily led, simply that the grass may be greener on the other side. Is it really? Not too sure.
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Nick | 14-Jul-2008 12:13 pm
Don't agree
I think the last two posters have been a bit harsh: yes, the remaining two third of lawyers might still want their kids to enter the law, but if even one in three lawyers would actively discourage their kids from entering the profession, surely that means that morale is at rock bottom among a third of us? That's quite a lot.
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