IMD Solicitors: How a four-day week is changing legal work
More than 200,000 UK workers have moved to a four-day week since 2019, according to the ONS. Nearly 11% of the workforce now report shorter schedules (Guardian). While the headlines show a national trend, Manchester-based boutique firm IMD Solicitors has gone a step further, making the model a permanent fixture across the firm.
We spoke to Marcin Durlak, Managing Partner at IMD Solicitors, about the journey.
Why IMD Solicitors made the move?
For IMD, the decision started with people. Burnout and work-life balance were common across the profession, and leadership wanted to take a fresh approach.
The idea was first proposed in late 2022 by Iwona Durlak, co-founder and Head of Family Department, who was “personally grappling with the demands of legal practice alongside family responsibilities.” Recognising similar struggles among the team, particularly around burnout and mental health, IMD Solicitors decided to trial a four-day week in January 2023.
The benefits
After nine months, the data was compelling. Fee income rose to 122% of previous levels despite lawyers recording only 80% of the hours. Voluntary retention hit 100%, staff satisfaction averaged 8.98/10, and client feedback scores climbed.
The figures challenged a common assumption that fewer hours automatically mean less output. In fact, productivity and profitability both improved, turnover rose by more than 22% and profits by 29% year-on-year. With these results, IMD moved to expand the model firm-wide by October 2023, completing the rollout across all departments and support staff in spring 2024.
How tech made it possible
Technology has been central to making the shorter week work. IMD’s STREAM framework: Standardisation, Technology & AI, Rest and Recharge, Eliminate inefficiencies, Automation, and Meetings efficiency, sits at the heart of the shift, supported by a wider culture of innovation.
Everyone in the firm is encouraged to suggest process improvements, and an innovation bonus scheme was introduced to reward ideas that make work more efficient at individual, departmental, or firm-wide level.
As a result, IMD has adopted several time-saving tools, including automated meeting notes, internal translation solutions, and more efficient email drafting.
“We decided to trial a four-day week, grounded in the belief that this could improve wellbeing, productivity,
and client care.”
Photo: IMD Solicitors
“The key is maintaining an open mindset across the firm and encouraging everyone to think proactively about smarter ways of working.”
Challenges along the way
IMD is open that the four-day week is not a magic fix. Scheduling required careful planning to maintain five-day client coverage, and moving away from an hours-logged culture to one focused on outputs demanded trust and a mindset shift.
Not all wellbeing issues disappear with a shorter week either. Internal surveys showed that while staff working four days reported improved wellbeing, some still experienced stress and occasional burnout. In response, IMD strengthened its Mental Health & Wellbeing Committee, introduced manager training, and enhanced one-to-one support.
Advice for other law firms considering a four-day work week
- Start with a pilot in one team or department
- Measure everything: productivity, financials, client satisfaction, wellbeing
- Build a culture of trust and autonomy
- Focus on output and outcome – not input and hours
- Involve your team and empower them to suggest improvements
“If your people, culture, and leadership are aligned, a four-day week can boost not just wellbeing, but also growth, innovation, and profitability.”
Learn more about IMD Solicitor’s four-day week initiative, which earned Gold Accreditation from the UK’s 4 Day Week Foundation.
