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Careers Clinic: How Can I Spot a People-First Firm When Job Hunting?

In our Careers Clinic, we put your career questions in the spotlight.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so in this special edition of our Careers Clinic, Senior Consultant Lucy Wickham tackling a question that’s becoming more and more common among lawyers:

I’ve been feeling increasingly burnt out in my current role and know I need to prioritise my mental health if I want to keep enjoying my career long term.

I’m thinking about moving firms, but beyond the usual salary and progression questions, how can I tell if a prospective employer will genuinely care about my wellbeing — not just tick the box? What should I look out for or ask in interviews to make sure I’m joining a people-first firm?

This is such an important question — and one that shows you’re thinking not just about your career ambitions, but about your long-term wellbeing and sustainability in the legal profession. The good news is, more firms than ever are recognising that wellbeing is not just a buzzword — it’s essential to attracting and keeping great people. But how can you tell which firms are truly walking the walk?

Here’s how to assess whether a prospective employer will really support your mental health:

1) Research the Firm’s Culture

Look beyond the official website. Check LinkedIn posts, news articles, employee reviews, or testimonials to see how the firm talks about (and lives) its values. Do they highlight staff wellbeing initiatives? Do team members speak positively about work-life balance and the firm’s flexibility?

2) Look for Tangible Wellbeing Benefits

Check the firm’s benefits package carefully. Beyond salary, does it include:

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) for confidential support?

Access to Mental Health First Aiders or wellbeing champions?

Health insurance that covers mental health services or counselling?

Flexible or hybrid working arrangements?

Wellbeing perks, like birthday leave or volunteering days?

Firms investing in these types of benefits are signalling they take wellbeing seriously — not just during Mental Health Awareness Month, but year-round.

3)Watch for Red Flags

If a firm’s only mention of wellbeing is a one-off campaign or a vague promise without clear action, be cautious. Other red flags might include:

Firms with a reputation for excessive working hours.

Firms that say they offer flexibility but expect staff to be constantly available.
Firms that brush off your wellbeing-related questions in interviews.

4) Reflect on Your Priorities

Before applying or interviewing, get clear on what you need to feel supported. Is it flexibility? A manageable workload? Regular feedback and support? Use those priorities as your personal checklist when evaluating whether a firm is the right cultural fit for you.

5) Ask Direct Questions in Interviews

If you interview at a firm, don’t be afraid to ask how the firm supports staff wellbeing. For example, you could say:

“How does your firm support the mental health of its staff?”

“Can you give me some examples of how your flexible working policy works in practice?”

“What initiatives or programmes does the firm have to promote wellbeing and work-life balance?”

Pay close attention to the answers — do they sound confident and specific, or vague and surface-level? Firms that are genuinely people-first will be proud to tell you about their initiatives.

Want Help Finding a Firm That Puts People First?

At Realm, we don’t just match you with a job — we help match you with the right firm, one that aligns with your goals, values, and wellbeing needs.

If you’re thinking about making a move and want to explore firms that genuinely care about their people, let’s have a confidential chat. We’ll help you navigate the job market and find a role where you can thrive, not just survive.