There has been a welcome shift in recent years in the legal profession: conversations around lawyer well-being have become more open, more researched, and more action-oriented. But one key group has often been left out of these discussions: solo practitioners.
That’s why the 2025 Solo Attorney Well-Being Trends Report, published by ALPS, is so valuable. It offers a clear, data-driven look at the unique challenges and satisfactions of solo practice. As a U.S. insurer for solo lawyers, ALPS surveyed nearly 300 of its policyholders to better understand how solos are doing, and the findings are both encouraging and enlightening.
A Mixed Picture: High Satisfaction, But Hidden Strain
The good news: 74% of solo lawyers report being satisfied or very satisfied with their professional lives. The top reason? Flexibility.
Respondents overwhelmingly cited control over their schedule, workload, and types of clients as key to their satisfaction (this sounds familiar to us in the freelance lawyer world!)
The study also highlights that many solos report good physical health and take intentional breaks. 87% of solo respondents rated their physical health as either good (30%), very good (37%) or excellent (20%), with an impressive 52% responding as having engaged in physical exercise daily. Also, 40% of the solo lawyers surveyed said they take more than two vacations a year.
However, the report also makes it clear that this freedom can come at a cost.
Solos Are Doing a Lot and Often Alone
Many solo lawyers are carrying a full-time workload with minimal or no support staff. Only 38% reported having one full-time employee. That means they are handling legal work, client communications, admin, tech issues, marketing, billing, and more.
Despite the high levels of satisfaction in being a solo lawyer, 44% reported experiencing burnout, and only 32% said they rarely feel stressed.
(However, on the bright side, 2% said they never feel stressed due to work. I want to meet these lawyers and ask them their secret!)
Top stressors include workload, inconsistent cash flow, time management, administrative tasks, and managing clients. So even among the satisfied, the pressure does exist.
When asked how they manage the stressors of solo practice, one lawyer wrote:
“Exercise helps a lot. I also keep work hours between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.so I have time to unwind. I do not take client calls or respond to emails after 6:00 p.m. unless it is a critical situation that is time sensitive. Taking time with friends and family also helps.”
One respondent put it clearly when asked what resources or support they feel would improve their well-being as a solo practitioner: “Honestly, if more people talked about it. I don’t believe I’m alone in having difficulty managing work stress, but I feel very alone.”
As solo lawyers are not just practicing law, they’re running a business, managing clients, juggling deadlines, and trying to stay on top of everything from trust accounting to tech upgrades. The lack of support is a major challenge.
This is where freelance lawyers can help.
The Bottom Line: Solo Doesn’t Have to Mean Unsupported
The ALPS report is a positive sign that many solo lawyers are finding meaningful, fulfilling ways to practice. But it also confirms what many already feel: there is a limit to what one lawyer can do alone.
Whether you are managing a temporary spike in workload, preparing for leave, or simply need breathing room in your day-to-day practice, freelance lawyers can provide trusted, affordable support without changing the nature of your solo practice.
You can stay flexible and independent, and still get help when you need it.
Interested in learning more?
Reach out to find out how Flex Legal connects solo and small firm lawyers across Canada with experienced freelance legal support on your own terms.
