Many lawyers thrive away from the rigid structure and pressure of big law
What stereotypes come to mind when you think of a career in law? Long hours, pressure to make partner, lack of choice and burnout often top the list, but what if we told you that many lawyers thrive outside of big law?
Here are just a few of the reasons small law firms have begun to change the narrative of what it means to be a successful lawyer in the modern era:
The top differentiator between small law and big law
The lawyers who consistently buck the burnout and dissatisfaction trend? Independent lawyers and those who run small law firms.
As reported by the Federal Bar Association:
“In a profession long plagued by burnout, stress and mounting dissatisfaction, a surprising outlier has emerged: the solo attorney. According to ALPS Insurance’s 2025 Solo Attorney Well-Being Trends Report, a substantial number of solo practitioners are not only surviving — they’re thriving.”
That survey revealed the main difference between small law and big law career satisfaction and well-being boiled down to one word: Flexibility. In that report, 66 percent of independent and small law firm lawyers cited work-life balance and flexibility as a key driver in their improved well-being.
Other factors that encourage lawyer satisfaction and balance
In addition to flexibility, small law firm lawyers point to the following factors as contributing to their overall sense of thriving, including:
- Greater choice around the cases and work they take on
- Values-aligned work and firm culture
- Control over firm structures, practice areas and billing models
According to the report:
“Findings revealed solo practitioners reported high levels of happiness and professional satisfaction. Unlike counterparts in larger firms, solo lawyers cite autonomy over their schedules, control over the types of matters they accept, and the ability to build a practice aligned with their personal values as key drivers of contentment. While challenges such as administrative burdens, burnout and income variability remain, the overarching sentiment was clear: the flexibility inherent in solo practice enables a rewarding and personally meaningful career.”
Many of these findings might feel intuitive, but they offer a stark contrast to the structure found in many traditional big law firms. Especially as a lawyer becomes more seasoned in their career, a sense of meaning and satisfaction in both work and life becomes increasingly important for many people.
In addition, independent lawyers seem to recognize the signs of burnout sooner and feel more able to address their physical, mental, lifestyle and work schedule needs sooner and more effectively.
How a strong network supports thriving lawyers
The report also debunked a common myth that independent law practice means isolation and loneliness.
Attorney at Work noted:
“While the assumption is often that working solo means isolation, the report tells a different story: Most solos have strong professional networks, community ties, and familial support systems that keep them connected.
Newbold believes this is especially true for lawyers who entered solo practice later in their careers, after building years of relationships in other firm environments. ‘They aren’t just hanging a shingle on day one,’ he noted. ‘They’ve met colleagues, co-counseled, built referral networks — and they’re leveraging those relationships.'”
Regardless of your career stage, a strong support network remains one of the best ways to not only get by – but thrive – as a lawyer and as a human. Surrounding yourself with supportive people in your professional and personal life not only curbs isolation but allows you to connect to new opportunities and ideas.
For independent lawyers and small law firms, finding your people often includes choosing the right coworking space where you can connect with like-minded business owners.
Ready to feel a greater sense of well-being in your law career? Learn more about our coworking and shared office space for lawyers in Denver. Find your people with us.
