Law is one of the most well-paid industries in the UK. A career in law offers prestige, intellectual challenge and a measure of financial success. Earnings can range from £40,000 to £150,000, with an average of £60,970 in 20241. Secure income, along with steady work, are some of the top qualities attracting individuals to this field. Here's a quick snapshot of lawyer salaries across different industries and levels:
| Role / Experience Level | Typical UK Salary Range | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee Solicitor | £23,000–£56,000 | Higher pay in larger/London firms |
| Newly Qualified (NQ) Solicitor | £55,000–£180,000+ | Magic Circle: ~£150k; US firms: up to ~£180k |
| Mid-level (3–7 PQE) Solicitor | £60,000–£100,000 (regional), up to £180,000+ (City firms) | High demand for commercial and corporate law |
| Senior / Senior Associate | £100,000–£250,000+ | Varies by firm size and location |
| Equity Partner | £120,000 to £3M+ | Top firms like Macfarlanes and Slaughter & May at the upper end |
| Average Solicitor (overall UK) | £62,000 | National average across all sectors |
| Average Barrister | £50,000–£200,000+ | Wide variation depending on seniority and area of law |
| Pupil Barrister | £18,000–£55,000 | Depends on chambers; minimum set by BSB |
| Legal Aid Solicitor | £25,000–£45,000 | Lower than average; public sector work |
| In-house Counsel | £65,000–£150,000 | Higher in finance and tech sectors |
| Magic Circle NQ | £150,000 | Elite UK law firms like Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy |
| US Firm NQ in London | £165,000–£180,000 | Top paying NQ roles in the UK |
How Much Do Lawyers Really Make?
The field of law is vast, encompassing many subdisciplines and unique sections. A person can study and specialise in various types of law during their career as a lawyer. But at the end of the day, which lawyers will make the most money?
Lawyer Salaries At A Glance: Key Figures
- The average lawyer in the UK earns around £60,000 to £62,000 per year.
- Trainee solicitors typically earn between £23,000 and £56,000, depending on the firm and location.
- Newly qualified solicitors at top City and US firms can earn up to £180,000.
- Equity partners at elite firms may earn £2 million to £3 million or more annually.
- Legal aid and public sector roles tend to offer much lower salaries, often under £45,000.
- Lawyers based in London generally earn significantly more than those in other parts of the UK.
What Are The Highest Paying Fields of Law?
Some of the highest-paying fields of law are:
| Legal Specialization | High Salary Range (£) |
|---|---|
| Corporate Law | £100,000 - £200,000 |
| Finance Law | £100,000 - £180,000 |
| Intellectual Property Law | £90,000 - £160,000 |
| Commercial Law | £85,000 - £150,000 |
| Tax Law | £80,000 - £140,000 |
| Mergers and Acquisitions | £95,000 - £170,000 |
| Investment Banking Law | £90,000 - £160,000 |
| Antitrust Law | £85,000 - £150,000 |
| Compliance Law | £80,000 - £140,000 |
| Real Estate Law | £75,000 - £130,000 |
Lowest Paying Fields of Law
Lower-paying fields of law, such as civil litigation, criminal law, family law, and public law, often involve representing individuals or smaller entities rather than large corporations. These areas tend to focus on essential public services and personal rights, where clients may have limited financial resources compared to corporate clients. As a result, the fees that lawyers can charge in these fields are generally lower.
| Legal Specialization | Low Salary Range (£) |
|---|---|
| Civil Litigation | £30,000 - £60,000 |
| Criminal Law | £25,000 - £55,000 |
| Family Law | £28,000 - £58,000 |
| Personal Injury Law | £30,000 - £60,000 |
| Public Law | £35,000 - £65,000 |
| Human Rights Law | £30,000 - £55,000 |
| Environmental Law | £28,000 - £50,000 |
| Immigration Law | £25,000 - £50,000 |
| Employment Law | £30,000 - £60,000 |
| Education Law | £28,000 - £55,000 |
Private vs Public Sector Lawyer Salaries
The disparity in salaries compared to higher-paying fields like corporate or finance law is primarily driven by the client's ability to pay, the nature of the legal work, and the financial structures of the organisations involved. This difference underscores the contrast between public service-oriented legal work and the profit-driven legal practices serving the business sector.
Solicitor vs Barrister Salaries
In the UK, the term "lawyer" encompasses both barristers and solicitors, each playing distinct roles within the legal system. The earning potential for these professionals varies significantly based on their roles, experience, location, and specialisation.
| Role | Starting Salary | Average Salary | High-End Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitor (Trainee) | £23,000 | 000 | £56,000 | Regional firms pay less |
| Solicitor (NQ) | £55,000 | 000 | £62, 000-£180,000 | Magic Circle & US firms |
| Barrister (Pupil) | £18,000 | 000 | £55,000 | Set by BSB minimum |
| Barrister (Junior) | £50,000 | 000 | £89,000- £200,000 | Depends on chambers |
| Equity Partner | £120,000 | 000 | £3 million+ | Top London firms only |
Let's examine the type of work they do.
Barristers' work
- Represent people in court
- Conduct research into legal cases
- Investigate clients' claims and charges
- Examine and cross-examine witnesses
- Negotiate settlements
- Typically work in chambers
Solicitors' work
- Does legal work outside of court
- Legal consulting services
- Provide legal advice
- Liaise with clients and other legal entities
- Create and maintain documents
- Typically work in law firms
Barrister Salaries UK
Unlike solicitors, barristers typically work independently, often within chambers—a collective of barristers who share resources but operate as individual practitioners.
According to the University of Law, the average salary for a barrister can range from £50,000 to £200,000 based on a total of 5 years' experience.
Average barrister salaries will vary considerably based on the area of practice. Consider income for these two areas of law speciality3, as a dramatic example:
Income Structure
Barristers' earnings can be highly variable. Those who are self-employed charge fees on a per-case basis, leading to irregular paydays. However, their fees per hour can be significantly higher than those of solicitors. Junior barristers might start with modest earnings but have the potential to earn substantially more as they gain experience and take on more complex cases.
Early Career Earnings
- In London: £23,078 per year
- outside London: £21,060 per year
- Chambers may offer competitive stipends
- Bar Standards Board sets minimum salary
- Training period called pupillage
Experienced Barristers
- £50,000 and £200,000 ave. annual earnings
- depends on specialisation and caseload
- Higher for commercial or corporate law
- London barristers may earn £1 million or more
Solicitor Salaries
Solicitors perform a range of legal tasks, including providing legal advice, drafting documents, and managing cases outside of court. They often work in law firms, corporations, or public sector organisations.
Solicitor salaries vary depending on experience, location and practice area.
The average solicitor salary for full-time solicitors in private practice is £62,004.
Income Structure
Solicitors usually receive a stable monthly salary, providing more predictable income compared to barristers. This stability is appealing to many, especially those who prefer working within a structured environment.
Early Career
- Salaries vary based firm and location
- No mandated minimum salary
- Law Society recommends minimums
- £22,794 in London
- £20,217 outside of London
Experienced Solicitors
- Salaries rise with experience
- Top law firms pay more
- In London: £100,000+ annually
- Outside of London: £60,000 to £80,000
Specialisation and Advancement
Similar to barristers, solicitors specialising in high-demand areas like corporate law, finance law, and mergers and acquisitions tend to earn higher salaries.
Solicitors have the opportunity to become partners in their firms, sharing in the profits and enjoying substantial increases in income. Partners in prestigious London firms often earn six-figure salaries or more. Are you now ready to search online for a law tutor in London to begin your journey to partnership?
Which Type of Lawyer Earns The Most?
When it comes to legal salaries in the UK, not all lawyers are paid equally. Income can vary dramatically depending on the type of law practised, the size and prestige of the firm, location, and career level. Here's a breakdown of which types of lawyers typically earn the most:
1. Corporate Lawyers at US and Magic Circle Firms
Corporate lawyers working at top-tier US law firms in London often top the earnings charts. Newly qualified (NQ) solicitors at these firms can earn between £160,000 and £180,000, with mid- and senior-level associates earning well over £200,000.
Magic Circle firms like Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy, and Linklaters also offer high NQ salaries around £150,000, with potential for rapid progression and generous bonuses.
2. Equity Partners at Elite City Firms
At the senior end of the scale, equity partners at leading commercial law firms are among the highest earners in the legal profession. Annual earnings can range from £500,000 to over £3 million, particularly at firms like Macfarlanes, Slaughter and May, and elite US-headquartered firms.
3. Specialist Barristers in Commercial and Tax Law
While junior barristers may start with modest earnings, experienced barristers in high-value areas such as commercial law, tax, or corporate litigation can command fees of £250,000 to £1 million+ per year. Some Queen’s Counsel (KC) barristers in commercial or international arbitration may even exceed that.
4. In-House Counsel in Finance and Tech
Senior legal professionals working in-house for major banks, fintech firms, or multinational companies can earn salaries of £120,000 to £250,000+, often with bonuses, stock options, and other benefits. These roles are increasingly attractive for experienced solicitors leaving private practice.
Factors Influencing Lawyer Salaries
The legal profession offers many specialisations, but lawyers don't earn the same. The field of law you practise in, where you are in your career, and what type of lawyer you are will impact your annual income.
How much do solicitors earn in the UK? As a lawyer of any type, your annual income will depend on the following factors:
- type of lawyer
- specialisation
- location
- level of experience
- type of practice (international, boutique firm, self-employed)
- position (associate, partner, senior partner)
- firm size and reputation
- stipends and bonuses
- performance and billable hours
Statistics show there are nearly 150,000 working solicitors in the UK, with a fair balance between women and men solicitors. With hard work and growing experience, they can expect a yearly salary above the national average in the UK.
After years of practice, solicitors may make partner at their firm. Partnership pays more because partners get a share of the firm's profits.
Impact of Location on Lawyer Salaries
As noted above, in the London area, solicitors can expect to work at firms that pay them more than £100,000 annually. Sometimes quite a bit more, depending on the factors listed above.
Small town solicitors and those at lesser-known firms may start with an annual salary that ranges between £50,000 - 60,000. Why is that?
1. The cost of living in London is far higher than elsewhere in the country.
2. An international city and hub for finance and commerce, London sees more legal work.
3. London is home to the Magic Circle firms: our oldest, most prestigious law firms.
4. International influence and competition drive up salary rates.
Regional Salary Variations for Lawyers In The UK
| Location | Firm Type | Position | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | Magic Circle | First-Year Trainee | £45,000 - £50,000 |
| London | Magic Circle | Newly Qualified | £90,000 - £100,000 |
| London | High-Street | First-Year Trainee | £24,000 - £32,000 |
| London | High-Street | Newly Qualified | £32,000 - £47,000+ |
| London | Regional | First-Year Trainee | £20,000 - £25,000 |
| London | Regional | Newly Qualified | £30,000 - £45,000+ |
| Outside UK (Manchester, Edinburgh) | Regional | First-Year Trainee | £27,000 - £33,000 |
| Outside UK (Manchester, Edinburgh) | Regional | Newly Qualified | £44,000 - £68,500 |
Experience & Newly-Qualified (NQ) Lawyer Salaries
Your annual salary as a lawyer will also depend on your level of experience and years spent working within your firm. Before starting in the workforce, trainee solicitors are paid a salary per year for finishing off their schooling and before they can take the Bar exam.
While there is not legally a specific amount that firms are required to pay trainee lawyers, The Law Society recommends a minimum of £27,418 for those training in London and £24,320 for trainees in other parts of the United Kingdom5. Some firms might pay their trainees a lot more than the minimum.
Lawyer Salary Progression: Post-Qualification
| PQE (Years) | Typical Salary Range (Solicitor) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 (NQ to Junior) | £50.000 - £65.000 | Starting solicitor salaries in private practice |
| 3-5 | £65.000 - £90.000 | Mid-level solicitors, increasing responsibility |
| 6-9 | £90.000 - £130.000 | Senior associates, specialist roles |
| 10-15 | £130.000 - £200.000 | Partner track, management roles |
| 15+ | £200.000+ | Equity partner level profit sharing |
A newly qualified lawyer (NQ) is either a barrister or solicitor who has finished law school and training programme, and passed the Bar exam. For all that, NQs need people to believe in them to get their first professional experience and start making money.
Large-scale international and American law firms such as White and Case offer as high as £150,000 for first-year training contract salaries5.
NQs don't earn the salaries of trainee lawyers. They can expect a significant pay increase for the work they do:
Barristers
between £50,000-250,000/year
Solicitors
between £55,000-150,000/year
Remember, a "newly qualified lawyer" doesn't refer to a new type of lawyer. They're either a barrister or solicitor who now has everything they now need to kick-start a career in the legal profession.
Highest Paid Firms In the UK
As noted in the clip above, UK branches of American law firms pay the most. After them, the highest-paid lawyers UK work in top-tier firms informally called the Magic Circle:
- A&O Shearman
- Clifford Chance
- Freshfields
- Linklaters
- Slaughter & May (just outside the London city boundary, in Islington)
Without naming firms, the table below provides a comparative overview of lawyer salaries in London versus other regions outside the UK. It highlights the variances based on the type of firm and level of qualification.
Concluding Thoughts
It is the spirit and not the form of the law that keeps justice alive.
Chief Justice Earl Warren
As a barrister or a solicitor in the UK, you are promised a prosperous career with a brilliant annual salary. However, determining highest paid types of lawyer UK is difficult because it depends on the following factors:
- Location
- Law firm
- Field of law
- Years of experience
Those factors aside, one general statement stands out. Solicitors or barristers who work in the city of London will make the most money per year. We can go further to add those who work for corporate or finance law firms and clients.
By contrast, family law and criminal lawyer salary UK are low. Don't consider those fields if you're only in it for the cash!
References
- Salary: Lawyer in United Kingdom 2025 | Available at: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/lawyer-salary-SRCH_KO0,6.htm (Accessed: 29 January 2025).
- How to become a Barrister (2025) What does a barrister do? | University of Law. Available at: https://www.law.ac.uk/employability/career-finder/barrister/ (Accessed: 29 January 2025).
- The ultimate barrister salaries breakdown: What to know (2023) Law Mind. Available at: https://law-mind.co.uk/law-guide/the-ultimate-barrister-salaries-breakdown-what-to-know/ (Accessed: 29 January 2025).
- How much do solicitors earn? (2025) The Law Society. Available at: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/how-much-do-solicitors-earn/(Accessed: 29 January 2025).
- How much do lawyers earn? 2024 Available at: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/law-sector/how-much-do-lawyers-earn (Accessed: 26 May 2025)
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Amazing Ian’s insightful. He actually intend to start my Bar vocational training soon
I’m wondering what a levels I should take if I want to do law?
Hi Reti! Thanks for getting in touch. You can check out our article on What A Levels to take for Law for more information and guidance on the subject: https://www.superprof.co.uk/blog/a-levels-for-law/
Excellent analysis. A very informative study on law fields
Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 We’re thrilled you found the analysis informative. If you have any specific topics you’d like us to cover in the future, feel free to share. ⚖️✨