At Realm, we believe happy people drive successful businesses. And right now, one of the best signs of a happy legal workforce? A firm that takes wellbeing and mental health seriously.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on the importance of looking after our mental wellbeing, both inside and outside of work.
In the legal world, where long hours and emotionally demanding cases are the norm, firms that prioritise mental health stand out. Across the North West and Yorkshire, law firms are stepping up, offering thoughtful, flexible benefits that go beyond the basics including:
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) for confidential counselling and advice.
- Mental Health First Aiders who act as go-to colleagues for anyone struggling.
- Hybrid and flexible working that gives people control over their time and space.
- Health cash plans or private insurance that include mental health cover.
- Extra wellbeing perks, from birthday leave to charity volunteering days.
Here’s a closer look at how some of the region’s best-known firms are supporting their people and creating workplaces where lawyers can thrive.
Yorkshire Firms Leading with Flexibility and Trust
- Jones Myers focuses on supporting its family law specialists, offering strong supervision, flexible hours, and a people-first approach to emotionally demanding cases.
- Consilia Legal has made headlines with its four-day working week (fully paid for five) — a bold, trust-based move that gives lawyers time to rest, reset, and stay engaged.
- Austin Kemp, known for high-profile family work, provides tailored wellbeing support, helping lawyers navigate the emotional weight of their cases with coaching and flexible working.
- Switalskis sets itself apart with a work-from-where-you-want policy — letting staff decide how often (or how little) they want to be in the office. It’s a modern approach that puts individual needs first.
- Ward Hadaway offers discounted gym memberships, fitness challenges, and a network of mental health champions, keeping physical and mental health firmly on the agenda.
- Irwin Mitchell runs a comprehensive wellbeing programme that combines EAPs, fitness reimbursements, and structured campaigns to promote mental health awareness across the business.
North West Firms Raising the Bar
- JMW Solicitors provides Mental Health First Aiders across teams, external counselling, and flexible working, making sure its lawyers feel supported in high-pressure environments.
- Brabners, a B Corp-certified firm, puts people at the heart of its culture, with hybrid working, strong health benefits, and a leadership team committed to staff wellbeing.
- Napthens offers flexible working and hybrid arrangements, plus a people-first approach that supports personal development and balance across busy private client and litigation teams.
- Clyde & Co (following its merger with BLM) brings top-tier health insurance with mental health cover, robust wellbeing policies, and thoughtful workload management to reduce lawyer stress.
- MSB Solicitors is known for its flexible hours, family-friendly approach, and wellbeing initiatives — particularly valuable in sensitive areas like family law, housing, and personal injury.
What This Means for Lawyers
Wellbeing isn’t a tick-box exercise — it’s a clear sign of a firm’s values. The best firms know that when they look after their people, their people deliver their best work.
Whether it’s a four-day week, the freedom to choose where you work, or a robust system of mental health support, these benefits all say the same thing: we trust you, we value you, and we want you to thrive here.
For lawyers working in emotionally or intellectually demanding practice areas, that support can make all the difference.
Your Next Step: Finding a Firm That Supports You
At Realm, we match the right lawyers with the right law firms — and part of that match is making sure you land somewhere that cares about your wellbeing, not just your billable hours.
If you’re thinking about your next move and want to explore firms that put people first, let’s chat. We’re here to help you find your next great opportunity, on your terms.
