With the right legal knowledge and legal training, the career path of a solicitor can not only be personally rewarding, but financially lucrative. Experienced and newly qualified solicitors might work for a large private practice, smaller firms, public sector organisations, or prestigious high-profile companies, such as the magic circle firms. In the legal profession, you could hold the job title of a newly qualified solicitor, a fully qualified solicitor, legal practice, a conveyancer, or a legal partner.
Most solicitors complete duties and tasks such as creating or updating legal records, representing clients during criminal law court procedures, and providing legal advice to private companies on complex cases or family matters for individuals. High street solicitors might create and progress property contracts or write and administer wills.
To enter the job market, newly qualified solicitors tend to have a law degree, although a degree in law is not always necessary. You will need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (parts 1 and 2), complete two years of qualifying work experience, meet Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) character and suitability requirements, and in some circumstances pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT). You could work towards entry-level solicitor status through on-the-job training with a legal practice course, such as the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives Professional Diploma in Higher Law and Practice. Alternatively, training contracts and legal training are availed through the armed forces.
So, if you are a student considering an undergraduate degree, a newly qualified solicitor looking to progress to the UK’s national average salary, or an experienced solicitor aiming for the highest salaries, our career advice is essential. We will help you understand how to earn more and share our average salary data, covering the lowest salaries and the higher salaries available.
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Highlights And Key takeaways:
- How much do solicitors earn UK? Solicitors get paid between £30,000 and £132,500 per annum.
- How much money do solicitors make? The average solicitor salary is £70,550 annually.
HOW MUCH SOLICITORS GET PAID - SOLICITOR SALARIES
Here are the solicitor salaries for the most popular legal firm jobs and solicitor roles:
LEGAL COUNSEL PAY
The average salary of a Legal Counsel is £70,300 per year. A legal Counsel is a legal professional who provides advice and guidance to organisations on legal matters. They review legal agreements, contracts, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance. Legal Counsel also provides legal advice on commercial transactions, intellectual property, employment law, and litigation.
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LEGAL PARTNER PAY
The average salary of a Legal Partner is £100,100 per year. A Legal Partner is a senior solicitor in a law firm who is part of the management team. They are responsible for developing and implementing the firm's business strategy, overseeing the work of junior solicitors, and building relationships with clients. Legal Partners also manage the firm's finances and budgets.
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CONVEYANCER PAY
The average salary of a Conveyancer is £40,200 per year. A Conveyancer is a legal professional who specialises in property law and oversees the legal transfer of property ownership from one party to another. Conveyancers work with clients, real estate agents, and solicitors to prepare contracts, arrange property inspections, and conduct property searches to ensure there are no legal issues with the property.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SOLICITOR PAY
The average salary of a Residential Property Solicitor is £40,600 per year. A Residential Property Solicitor is a legal professional who specialises in residential property law. They advise clients on matters such as buying, selling, and leasing residential properties. Residential Property Solicitors also review contracts, conduct property searches, and assist with property-related disputes.
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DATA PROTECTION OFFICER PAY
The average salary of a Data Protection Officer is £38,800 per year. A Data Protection Officer (DPO) is a legal expert responsible for ensuring that a company complies with data protection laws and regulations. DPOs are responsible for data protection impact assessments, data breach management, and ensuring that data protection policies and procedures comply with relevant laws and regulations.
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LEGAL SUPPORT WORKER PAY
The average salary of a Legal Support Worker is £23,800 per year. A Legal Support Worker is a person who provides administrative and support services to solicitors. Duties may include managing documents, drafting correspondence, managing client files, and answering client queries. Legal Support Workers also liaise with clients, court officials, and other legal professionals.
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LEGAL EXECUTIVE PAY
The average salary of a Legal Executive is £26,200 per year. A Legal Executive is an individual who specialises in a specific area of law, such as property law, wills and probate, or employment law. Legal Executives may work for law firms, local authorities, or in-house legal departments. They are qualified to provide legal advice on case law, government regulations, and represent clients in some legal matters.
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TRAINEE SOLICITOR PAY
The average salary of a Trainee Solicitor is £27,300 per year. A Trainee Solicitor is a legal professional who is completing their training to become a solicitor. They work under the supervision of qualified solicitors and gain experience in various legal areas. Trainee Solicitors may assist with drafting legal documents, attending client meetings, and conducting legal research.
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LITIGATION EXECUTIVE PAY
The average salary of a Litigation Executive is £15,700 per year. A Litigation Executive is a legal professional whose expertise is in dispute resolution and litigation. They may work for law firms or in-house legal departments and are responsible for managing cases, attending court hearings, and negotiating settlements on behalf of clients.
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CHILDCARE SOLICITOR PAY
The average salary of a Childcare Solicitor is £49,000 per year. A Childcare Solicitor is an individual who specialises in family law and is responsible for advising clients on issues related to child custody, adoption, and care proceedings. Childcare Solicitors represent clients in court, negotiate agreements, and provide legal advice on all aspects of childcare law.
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CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE SOLICITOR PAY
The average salary of a Clinical Negligence Solicitor is £47,400 per year. A Clinical Negligence Solicitor is a legal worker with expertise in medical negligence law. They advise clients who have been harmed as a result of medical negligence and represent them in court. Clinical Negligence Solicitors work with medical experts to assess the impact of medical negligence on their clients and negotiate settlements on their behalf.
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HOW MUCH DO SOLICITOR JOBS PAY?
The average solicitor’s salary is £70,550 per year. The average sarting salary for a qualified solicitor is £30,000 per annum. Highly experienced solicitors can earn high salaries of £132,500 annually, or more. Trainee solicitors with a training contract, undergoing a legal practice course, will earn lower salaries, but still above the national minimum wage. Legal partner salaries average approximately £81,200 per year, while the average starting salary for a data protection officer is approximately £20,000 per annum.
HOW TO EARN MORE AS A SOLICITOR
Our legal career advice will help you advance your career and earn more as a solicitor. Our career advice resources include free CV templates and advice on how to ask for a pay rise.
You may earn a higher solicitor salary in the legal sector through:
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Gaining age and experience: Post qualified experience for a solicitor will help them earn more. Maximum experience and the highest salaries usually occurs in the age bracket of 40-49.
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Work in the highest paying cities: A solicitor’s salary varies by region and solicitors in London tend to earn the most. So, we recommend checking the average salary for areas such as Central London and for cities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
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Qualifications and skills: Your legal knowledge and earning new qualifications, and undergoing recognised training (such as with The Law Society) can help you secure a pay rise, internal promotion, or land a new job with larger firms, magic circle firms, or a private practice.
If you seek one of the highest-paid jobs in the UK, begin your job search here.
Salary Progression and Career Pathways
A solicitor’s career journey in the UK is marked not just by accumulating experience but also by a discernible rise in financial rewards. At the onset, trainee solicitors often start with salaries around £25,500, stepping into the professional world with enthusiasm and determination. As they progress to newly qualified solicitors, the salary can jump to approximately £30,000, reflecting their growing expertise. Mid-level solicitors with several years of experience can expect to earn in the vicinity of £50,000 to £70,000. For those who reach the echelons of seniority, such as partners or specialists in high-demand fields, the financial remuneration can be significant, often exceeding £100,000. This tiered progression underscores the value of experience and expertise in the legal profession and the tangible rewards that accompany career advancement.
Regional Salary Variations
In the UK, the location of a solicitor’s practice plays a critical role in determining their salary. The bustling metropolis of London, with its high concentration of corporate and financial institutions, offers the highest salaries, often exceeding the national average. Solicitors in London can earn upwards of £96,000, reflecting the city’s high cost of living and competitive business environment. In contrast, solicitors in other regions, such as the North East or Wales, may find the average salaries somewhat lower, typically between £62,000 and £77,000. This geographical salary variation highlights the importance of location in career planning and underscores the diverse economic landscapes across the UK.
Specialisation and Niche Areas
Specialisation within law is not just a career choice; it’s a strategic move that can significantly influence a solicitor’s earning potential. For instance, solicitors who specialise in corporate law or finance often find themselves at the higher end of the salary spectrum, with figures that can exceed £100,000, reflective of their work's complex nature and high stakes. Intellectual property and technology law, burgeoning fields in our digital age, also offer lucrative opportunities, with specialists earning well above the average. On the other hand, areas like family law or criminal law, while immensely important, tend to offer more modest salaries, often aligning with the public sector’s pay scales. This differentiation underscores the impact of market demand and the complexity of specialisations on a solicitor’s earning trajectory.
Impact of Education and Qualifications
Advanced education and specialist qualifications in law can be a game-changer for a solicitor’s career trajectory and earning potential. A solicitor with a Masters in Law (LLM), for instance, may find themselves more sought after, particularly in niche or complex areas of law. This additional qualification often translates into a higher salary bracket, demonstrating a deeper understanding and expertise in specific legal fields. Furthermore, continuous professional development through courses and certifications can also pave the way for solicitors to ascend to more senior, better-paid positions. This commitment to ongoing learning enhances their legal acumen and signals to potential employers or clients their dedication to staying at the forefront of legal developments.
Salary Negotiation Tips for Solicitors
Negotiating salary is crucial for solicitors, often reflecting their advocacy and negotiation expertise. When approaching salary discussions, it’s vital to be well-prepared with market research and understand the typical salary ranges for your role and region. Highlighting your unique skills, specialisations, and significant achievements can strengthen your position. Considering the entire compensation package, including benefits, work-life balance, and career development opportunities, is equally important. Approach the negotiation with a mindset of mutual benefit, aiming for a salary that reflects your value while aligning with the firm’s compensation structure. Effective negotiation is a testament to your professional skills and can set a positive tone for your future career progression.
LEGAL PRACTICE AND LAW FIRMS SALARY FAQS
Here we answer your questions on solicitor salaries and pay.
DO SOLICITORS MAKE GOOD MONEY UK?
Solicitors can make good money in the UK, but the amount they earn depends on several factors, such as their area of expertise, level of experience, and location. Generally, solicitors with experience and expertise in high-demand areas such as corporate law, finance, and intellectual property tend to earn more than those in other areas.
WHAT TYPE OF SOLICITOR GETS PAID THE MOST?
Among solicitors, those who specialise in corporate law, finance law, and intellectual property law tend to get paid the most in the UK. These areas of law typically require a higher level of expertise and experience, and the demand for legal services in these areas is usually high.
WHAT SALARY DOES A SOLICITOR EARN?
The salary of a solicitor in the UK can vary depending on their level of experience, area of expertise, and location. According to our data, the median starting salary for a solicitor in England and Wales is around £68,400 per year, while those with over 5 years of experience can earn up to £122,500 per year or more. However, top earners in high-demand areas of law such as corporate and finance law can earn significantly more than the median.
WHICH SOLICITORS EARN THE MOST UK?
The solicitors who earn the most in the UK tend to be those with significant experience and expertise in high-demand areas such as corporate law, finance law, and intellectual property law. Some examples of top-earning solicitors in the UK include those who work for large international law firms or those who specialise in advising high-net-worth clients. However, it's worth noting that salaries can vary greatly depending on the law firm or organisation the solicitor works for and their level of seniority.
HOW MUCH DO HIGH STREET SOLICITORS EARN IN THE WEST MIDLANDS?
In the dynamic landscape of the legal profession, high-street solicitors in the West Midlands earn an average solicitor salary of approximately £61,666. This figure reflects the diverse nature of the solicitor role within this region, encompassing various practice areas. Solicitors in these roles often take on more responsibility as they gain more experience, directly impacting their earning potential. While this salary is competitive, comparing it with other firms in similar locales is essential to gauge the market rate accurately. High street solicitors, known for their close community ties and varied legal services, also value work-life balance, an integral part of their professional ethos.
HOW MUCH DO SOLICITORS GET PAID AS FIRST YEAR TRAINEES?
First-year trainees in the legal field start their journey with salaries that reflect their post-qualification experience and the initial learning phase of their career. On average, first-year trainees earn around £25,516 per year, with starting salaries from £20,217. This fixed amount is designed to support trainees as they develop the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful solicitor role. The legal industry is highly competitive, and these initial salaries are structured to treat trainees fairly while acknowledging the foundational stage of their careers. As trainees advance and expand their expertise in various practice areas, they can expect salary increments in line with their growing proficiency and experience.
ALL SOLICITOR SALARIES
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