I think if you are working 9-7 and sometimes weekends then the motivation can only come from the work itself and not soley from the financial rewards.
Kingholmesy- had at the look at the DLA piper scheme and it looks really good but unfortunately the cut off date was November so one to apply for next year- it also one which doesnt require that you are already studying law.
On a personal level have you found that when you became a lawyer (starting with your training contract) did your performance in climbing drop?