Aon | Professional Services Practice
Responding to New Challenges, U.S. Law Firms Prioritize Employee Wellbeing and Flexibility
Release Date: January 2026The Professional Services Practice at Aon first surveyed issues around work/life benefits in April 2022, back when law firms were rethinking their total rewards programs on the heels of the coronavirus pandemic and during an ongoing war for talent. We have refreshed this survey for 2025 to keep firms current with developing challenges.
The 2025 U.S. Law Firm Work/Life Benefit Survey uses data and commentary provided by human resources and benefits leaders at participating law firms.
The survey ran from May 6, 2025 - June 30, 2025. All survey participants appear on The American Lawyer’s 2025 ranking of the top 200 U.S. law firms by gross revenues (Am Law 200) or the UK Top 50.
Key Takeaways
- Leave and Family Forming Benefits Are More Generous Than Ever. Nearly all top law firms now offer paid bonding leave for both attorneys (median 18 weeks) and business professionals (median 12 weeks). Most firms also provide adoption and surrogacy allowances, with caregiving and compassionate leave policies expanding to support a wider range of needs.
- Wellbeing Initiatives Are Evolving Rapidly. Over half of surveyed firms now offer mental health resources beyond what is typically available from medical plans, including access to specialized providers and enhanced EAPs. Lifestyle spending accounts and fitness subsidies are also a topic of interest, supporting a broader definition of wellbeing.
- Compliance and Administration Are Growing More Complex. Law firms are balancing generous internal policies with a patchwork of state and local regulations. Outsourcing leave administration and ADA accommodations is on the rise, as firms seek efficiency and consistency across jurisdictions.
The results also show that law firms are focusing on responsible use of AI, disaster response, and neurodiversity initiatives as they help their businesses adapt to a changing workforce and world.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our survey participants.
Please click here to read 2025 U.S. Law Firm Work/Life Benefit Survey Report.
Contact
For more information about benefit plan strategies, emerging human capital trends, and how Aon can help, please contact Jake Delman and Mark Scarafone.
Senior Consultant
Washington, DC
Senior Vice President and Health & Benefits Leader
Radnor, PA
About Aon
Aon (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.
©2026 Aon plc. All rights reserved.
Aon is not a law firm or accounting firm and does not provide legal, financial or tax advice. Any commentary provided is based solely on Aon’s experience as insurance practitioners. We recommend that you consult with your own legal, financial and/or insurance advisors on any commentary provided herein. All descriptions, summaries or highlights of coverage described herein are for general informational purposes only and do not amend, alter or modify the actual terms and conditions of any relevant policy. Coverage is governed only by the terms and conditions of such policy. Insurance coverage in any particular case will depend upon the type of policy in effect, the terms, conditions and exclusions in any such policy, and the facts of each unique situation. No representation is made that any specific insurance coverage would apply in the circumstances outlined herein. Please refer to the individual policy forms for specific coverage details.
The information contained in this document and the statements expressed are of a general nature and are not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity.
This document is not intended to address any specific situation or to provide legal, regulatory, financial, or other advice. While care has been taken in the production of this document, Aon does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of the document or any part of it and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. Any recipient shall be responsible for the use to which it puts this document. This document has been compiled using information available to us up to its date of publication and is subject to any qualifications made in the document.
Insurance products and services offered by Aon Risk Insurance Services West, Inc., Aon Risk Services Central, Inc., Aon Risk Services Northeast, Inc., Aon Risk Services Southwest, Inc., and Aon Risk Services, Inc. of Florida and their licensed affiliates.