A breakdown of how employee ownership can support your career, development and wellbeing.
Employee-owned law firms are on the rise, and for good reason. As more legal professionals seek workplaces that align with their values, offer greater transparency, and support long-term career satisfaction, employee ownership is emerging as a people-first alternative to traditional firm structures.
But what does employee ownership actually mean for you as a lawyer? And how could joining an employee-owned firm impact your career, development, and overall wellbeing?
What is an Employee-Owned Law Firm?
In an employee-owned law firm, the business is wholly or partly owned by its employees—typically through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). While individual employees may not hold shares directly, they have a collective stake in the firm’s success and a say in how the business is run.
This model is increasingly being adopted by small to mid-sized firms as a modern succession planning strategy that puts people, not private equity or external buyers, at the heart of the business.
The Career Benefits of Working for an Employee-Owned Firm
A Stronger Voice in How the Firm is Run
In an employee-owned environment, your ideas and feedback matter. Firms often have employee councils or governance structures that ensure team members are consulted on key decisions. This increased visibility and involvement can make you feel more empowered, valued and invested in the firm’s direction.
More Transparent Career Progression
With flatter hierarchies and a shared commitment to sustainable growth, employee-owned firms often prioritise open conversations about development, progression and leadership opportunities. The emphasis is on building long-term careers, not just filling gaps or chasing short-term profits.
A Share in the Success
Many employee-owned firms offer annual profit-sharing or bonus schemes tied to firm-wide performance. This creates a collective focus and means that when the business succeeds, everyone benefits, not just the partners.
A Culture That Supports Wellbeing
Ownership brings responsibility, but it also fosters collaboration, care and shared accountability. Employees often report lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction because they’re working in a culture where people genuinely look out for each other—not compete for credit.
In our previous interview with a family law firm that made the transition to employee ownership, the co-founder explained:
“There’s a strong sense that we’re all in this together. It’s collaborative, not competitive, and that’s really refreshing in law.”
Why It’s a Good Fit for Lawyers Seeking Meaningful Careers
If you’re someone who’s motivated by more than just title or salary, if you want to be part of a firm that puts people and purpose first, employee ownership might offer the kind of working life you’ve been looking for.
These firms tend to attract like-minded lawyers who value:
- Work-life balance and autonomy
- A voice in shaping the workplace
- Long-term job security over short-term gains
- Fairness and inclusivity across the board
While employee ownership won’t be the right fit for everyone, it’s a model that’s gaining real momentum in the legal sector, and it’s easy to see why. For lawyers who want to feel genuinely valued, heard, and part of something bigger, it offers a meaningful alternative to the traditional partnership route.
If you’re looking for a role where you can grow your career in a collaborative, people-first environment, joining an employee-owned law firm could be a career-defining move.
At Realm, we work with a growing number of employee-owned and purpose-led law firms across a wide range of practice areas. If you’re curious about what this could look like for you, or want to explore current opportunities, get in touch with our specialist team for a confidential chat.
