If you've ever wondered why Biglaw associates often talk about their struggles with work-life balance, recent findings might shed some light on the issue. According to a comprehensive study by Legal Cheek, junior lawyers in some of the UK's top law firms are logging in more than 11 hours at their desks daily. But which firms are pushing their associates the hardest?

Legal Cheek’s extensive survey included inputs from over 2,000 trainees and junior lawyers across more than 100 leading UK firms. The results show that US-based law powerhouses lead the pack, with junior lawyers at these firms working around 13 hours per day, often not leaving their offices until after 10:00 PM. Despite these demanding hours, the salaries reflect the workload, with newly qualified lawyers at these firms earning up to a record-breaking £180,000 (~$243,000) annually.

Close behind, associates at the Magic Circle firms in the City are not faring much better, with average working days stretching between 10 and 11 hours and salaries slightly lower than their US counterparts, at about £150,000 (~$202,000).

The demanding nature of these roles extends beyond just long hours at the office. Many associates report being on constant call, with expectations to remain responsive to emails and calls even during late hours or while ill. “We are constantly on call and we cannot leave our phones at home for more than 20 minutes,” one associate shared. “I have had partners calling me when I am in bed for redlines and have been bombarded with emails even when ill.”

Here are the top 10 firms where associates report the longest working days, often clocking out well past 9 PM: 1. Milbank: 13 hours 3 minutes 2. Kirkland & Ellis: 12 hours 17 minutes 3. Winston & Strawn: 12 hours 13 minutes 4. Weil Gotshal: 12 hours 1 minute 5. Paul Weiss: 12 hours 6. Linklaters: 11 hours 57 minutes 7. Fried Frank: 11 hours 51 minutes 8. Clifford Chance / Jones Day: 11 hours 49 minutes 9. Gibson Dunn: 11 hours 48 minutes 10. Paul Hastings: 11 hours 47 minutes

While these figures might seem daunting, it's important to note that some firms do offer more reasonable hours, with their lawyers wrapping up their days around 5 or 6 PM. Furthermore, in response to growing concerns about mental health, many Biglaw firms are taking steps to better support their associates’ wellbeing and work towards preventing burnout.

For those considering a career in these high-stakes environments, these insights into working hours and conditions might influence decisions, or at least prepare them for the rigorous demands of Biglaw life.

For more details, you can view the full list and study findings at Legal Cheek’s website.