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The Legal Pause: Episode 2 – Financial Wellbeing with Wealthbrite

In Episode 2 of The Legal Pause, CEO Nick Gallagher speaks with Carla Hoppe, Founder of Wealthbrite, about the growing financial pressures facing solicitors – and how early education can prevent crisis later on.

Why financial education matters in law

Carla shared her own experience entering the profession without financial guidance, navigating big decisions alone, and learning by trial and error. It’s a pattern she still sees today from regular surveys of solicitors:  

• Junior lawyers face the highest financial stress in the profession (82% worry about money on a regular basis).  

• Many have no budgeting habits and rely heavily on credit.  

• Nearly half could not cover an unexpected £850 expense.  

Carla Hoppe, Founder of Wealthbrite shared: “Financial education is a pattern disruptor. It protects people and the profession.” 

The impact on wellbeing and on firms

Nick highlighted growing levels of debt among solicitors seeking support. In 2024, The Solicitors’ Charity and money management experts, Pennysmart, helped clients to deal with almost £2 million of personal debt. Financial stress also links directly to mental health issues – with more solicitors than ever being referred for counselling. 

Carla noted that stress can also affect performance, decision-making and professional conduct: “These issues often begin small. Without the confidence to ask for help and get help early, they escalate.” 

A partnership focused on prevention

Thanks to a grant from The Solicitors’ Charity, Wealthbrite now provides fully funded places on its Financial Foundations Programme, supporting junior solicitors from lower-income or lower socio-economic backgrounds. Participants gain practical skills in budgeting, saving, goal-setting and building financial resilience – often for the first time. 

Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity added: “People don’t need to struggle alone. Reaching out early makes all the difference.” 

Listen now: The Legal Pause – Episode 2

Available on all major streaming platforms.