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The Legal Pause: Starting Out in Law, Pressure, Purpose & the Future of the Profession

What does it take to build a fulfilling career in law, and how are the pressures facing junior solicitors changing? In Episode 10 of The Legal Pause, Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity, is joined by Harry Clark, immediate past Chair of the Junior Solicitors Network, to discuss the realities of starting out in the profession and establishing a career path. 

From qualification pressures and career uncertainty to AI and asking for help, Harry shares his experiences and reflects on the challenges facing the next generation of solicitors. 

Finding your place in law

As a video games and entertainment lawyer at Reed Smith, Harry has combined his professional career with a lifelong interest in gaming. But, finding the right path wasn’t entirely straightforward. He recalls work experience in family law, which he found rewarding but emotionally demanding, before exploring shipping law and discovering a different side of legal practice. Both practice areas, he decided, were not quite right for him. 

These experiences helped him understand what he enjoyed about being a solicitor and where his interests lay. Harry believes finding fulfilment in law is an ongoing process. His advice is to explore opportunities, speak to people with different experiences and regularly reflect on where you want your career to go. 

The importance of junior solicitor networks

Alongside his legal career, Harry volunteered with the Junior Solicitors Network, representing and supporting those entering the profession. Balancing these responsibilities with a demanding day job isn’t always easy, but he recognises that volunteering has helped him develop skills, meet people and contribute to positive change. 

He also highlights how valuable professional networks can be, particularly for connecting with others experiencing similar challenges. Whether working at a large international firm or a smaller regional practice, many junior solicitors share concerns around workloads, career progression and wellbeing. 

The SQE and candidate wellbeing

Harry reflects on the influential Junior Solicitors Network’s research into candidates’ experiences of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which raised concerns about examination arrangements, reasonable adjustments and the impact on wellbeing. 

The findings prompted discussions with the Solicitors Regulation Authority and other stakeholders, with Harry welcoming the constructive engagement and initial improvements announced. He hopes this work will lead to further positive changes for future candidates, highlighting the importance of considering wellbeing throughout the qualification process. 

Will AI make solicitors’ lives easier?

AI is already changing legal practice, and Harry recognises its potential to help lawyers work more efficiently. But, he raises an important question: if technology allows solicitors to complete tasks in half the time, will they have more breathing space, or simply be expected to take on more work? 

Harry considers how AI could increase expectations around turnaround times, client demands and the number of matters lawyers manage simultaneously. For junior solicitors, these changes could affect both the skills they need and the pressures they experience. 

Knowing when to ask for help

Towards the end of the episode, Nick and Harry discuss why asking for support can be particularly difficult for solicitors. Harry reflects on times when speaking to trusted colleagues and supervisors helped him navigate challenges in his own life. 

Sometimes, simply talking through a problem with someone who understands can make a difference, even without an immediate solution, he reflects. Nick also highlights the support available through The Solicitors’ Charity, including career support for solicitors experiencing uncertainty or considering a change. 

Supporting the next generation

From qualification pressures to technological change, the legal profession continues to evolve. Harry’s experiences highlight the importance of supportive networks, finding a career path that works for you and recognising when to reach out for help.  

The Solicitors’ Charity provides emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing support to solicitors and their dependants throughout life’s challenges. Tune into The Legal Pause