Approximately half of corporate lawyers in the UK (48%) are actively looking for a new position, or are planning to exit their current role in the next 1-2 years (51%), according to the ‘New Life in the Law’ study released by Axiom.

Axiom said its study found that no matter where they are in their career journey, a clear majority (72%) of the lawyers surveyed said they are considering joining a flexible legal talent provider.

The independent survey conducted by IRN Research, which polled 150 UK-based corporate attorneys across all levels of seniority, found that lawyers have a “growing interest” in alternative career journeys and are seeking new ways to amass diverse skillsets and expertise.

It said that while “increased flexibility” and “work-life balance” are often important considerations, most lawyers surveyed aren’t looking to ‘downshift’. Material rewards and a progressive career path are still “requirements for the majority”.

Daniel Hayter, VP and managing director Europe at Axiom, said: “Lawyers are looking for a new life in the law. Our survey uncovered a host of changes in attitudes and aspirations about traditional career paths.

“While some of the shifts have been exacerbated by the pandemic, the overall trend is consistent with what we’ve witnessed in the legal services marketplace for a long time: a growing desire among legal professionals to gain more control and autonomy over their careers and build personalised paths that align to their interests and individual aspirations.”