In a profession where every minute counts, your commute can have a big impact on your quality of life—and even your career choices. So, what does the data say about how long lawyers are travelling to work in 2025?
We analysed commute patterns from nearly 1,000 lawyers across the North West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire, and here’s what we found.
🔍 Commute Time is Still a Key Career Factor
Most lawyers across all practice areas report commute times of between 15 and 30 minutes, showing that many are choosing to work for firms close to home—or are benefitting from hybrid working models that reduce travel altogether.
That said, commute time does vary by practice area. Private client, family, and personal injury lawyers are most likely to report shorter commutes, reflecting the high number of high street and regional firms in those areas. In contrast, lawyers in litigation and commercial practice areas sometimes report longer commutes—often because they’re travelling into city centres or regional hubs.
📈 Flexibility is Making a Difference
We also saw a clear link between shorter commutes and flexible working. Where lawyers were commuting more than 30 minutes, they were often working remotely 2–3 days per week—suggesting firms are actively using hybrid policies to ease travel pressure.
🧭 What This Means for You
Whether you’re considering a move or just reflecting on what matters to you, your commute is a valid piece of the puzzle. A shorter journey can improve your day-to-day wellbeing, while a longer one may be worth it for the right salary, flexibility, or career opportunity.
If you’re spending too much time on the road, and not enough time doing the work you love, it could be time to look at what else is out there.
At Realm, we work with law firms offering hybrid and remote-first roles across the North West, Yorkshire and the West Midlands. If your current setup isn’t working for you, let’s explore what’s out there.
