Does Moving In House Really Offer a Better Work Life Balance

Does Moving In House Really Offer a Better Work Life Balance?

By Cailim Boyle, Director, Legal Recruitment, Hunter Savage

For many solicitors, one of the main reasons for considering a move from private practice to an in-house legal role is the belief that it will provide a better work life balance.

It is a topic I discuss with legal professionals on a regular basis.

Many candidates assume that private practice means long hours, demanding clients and constant pressure, while in house roles offer greater flexibility, more predictable working patterns and an improved quality of life.

The reality is more nuanced.

In my experience, work life balance is rarely determined solely by whether you work in private practice or in house. More often, it is influenced by the organisation, the sector, the culture, the leadership team and, perhaps most importantly, your own priorities.

In House Is Not One Type of Role

One of the biggest misconceptions is treating all in house legal roles as though they offer the same experience.

They do not.

An in-house solicitor working within a fast-growing technology business, a private equity backed organisation, or a highly regulated financial services company may experience significant commercial pressure, demanding deadlines and periods of intense activity.

By comparison, an in-house legal team within a more established organisation or the public sector may offer greater predictability and a different pace of work.

The demands of the business often shape the role just as much as the legal function itself.

Private Practice Is Equally Diverse

The same principle applies to private practice.

No two firms are identical.

Firm culture, leadership, billable hour expectations, client base, staffing levels and flexible working policies all contribute to the day-to-day experience.

At Hunter Savage, we have seen many solicitors improve their work life balance by moving to a law firm whose culture, leadership style and client base were better aligned with their personal and professional priorities. They achieved this without leaving private practice.

Equally, we have worked with solicitors who moved in house expecting a slower pace of life, only to discover a different type of commercial pressure and responsibility.

The decision should not be viewed simply as private practice versus in house. In many cases, it is about finding the right environment.

What Does Work Life Balance Mean to You?

Before making any career decision, it is worth asking yourself an important question.

What does work life balance actually mean to me?

For some solicitors, it means:

• Predictable working hours.
• Greater flexibility around family commitments.
• Hybrid or remote working.
• Fewer evening or weekend emails.
• Less client facing pressure.

For others, it means:

• More interesting work.
• Greater autonomy.
• Better long-term career prospects.
• Feeling more engaged and fulfilled in their role.

Two solicitors can work in very similar positions yet have completely different views of their work life balance because their priorities are different.

Understanding what matters most to you is often the first step towards making the right career decision.

Think About Your Longer-Term Career Goals

Career decisions should not be based solely on current frustrations.

Some legal professionals thrive on the pace, variety and commercial challenge that private practice offers. For many, partnership remains a long-term ambition.

Others prefer becoming part of a single organisation, developing closer relationships with the business and contributing to strategic decision making from within.

Neither path is inherently better than the other.

The right decision depends on your ambitions, preferred working style and the type of career you want to build.

What This Means for Law Firms

There is also an important message for employers.

Work life balance is no longer defined simply by working hours.

The legal professionals we speak to are increasingly considering factors such as:

• Leadership and management style.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Quality and variety of work.
• Career development opportunities.
• Trust and autonomy.
• Team culture.
• How success is measured.

Law firms that communicate these strengths effectively are often able to attract and retain exceptional legal talent without relying solely on salary.

Understanding what candidates genuinely value has become an important part of remaining competitive in today's legal recruitment market.

What We Are Seeing at Hunter Savage

One trend we have noticed over the past year is that candidates are asking increasingly thoughtful questions before making career decisions.

Rather than asking simply whether they should move in house, they want to understand what working within a particular organisation will actually be like.

Common questions include:

• What will my day-to-day role look like?
• How does the organisation support flexible working?
• What are the expectations outside normal working hours?
• How is performance measured?
• What opportunities exist for career progression?

At the same time, employers are recognising that attracting and retaining legal talent requires much more than offering hybrid working or competitive salaries. Culture, leadership, development opportunities and flexibility all play an important role in candidate decision making.

Questions to Ask Before Making a Move

If you are considering your next career move, ask yourself:

• What specifically is not working in my current role?
• Is it private practice itself, or my current firm?
• Would another law firm better match what I am looking for?
• Am I seeking greater flexibility, different work or clearer career progression?
• Which environment best supports my long-term ambitions?

Being clear on these questions will help you make a more informed decision rather than relying on common assumptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is moving in house always less stressful?

No. Stress levels depend on the organisation, sector, leadership and commercial pressures. Some in house legal teams operate in highly demanding environments.

Is private practice always associated with longer hours?

Not necessarily. Working patterns vary significantly between firms, practice areas and team cultures.

Can I improve my work life balance without leaving private practice?

Yes. Many solicitors improve their work life balance by moving to a firm whose culture, leadership and working practices better suit their priorities.

What should I prioritise when considering a move?

Focus on what matters most to you. That may be flexibility, progression, autonomy, remuneration, interesting work or long-term career development. Everyone's priorities are different.

Final Thoughts

There is no universal answer to whether private practice or in house offers a better work life balance.

A more useful question is:

Which environment is the right fit for your career, your ambitions and your life?

Whether you are a solicitor considering your next move or a law firm looking to attract and retain talented legal professionals, understanding what people genuinely value has never been more important.

If you are considering your next career move, looking to recruit legal talent or would simply like an objective view of the legal market across Ireland or the United Kingdom, I would be delighted to have a confidential conversation.

Cailim Boyle
Director, Legal Recruitment | Hunter Savage

Email: cailim@huntersavage.com
Mobile: +353 (0)85 205 0530