Average Criminal Lawyer Salary

The average Criminal Lawyer salary in UK is £45,762.13
The hourly average pay for a Criminal Lawyer salary in UK is £22.00
The starting salary for a junior Criminal Lawyer in UK is £32,000.00 per year or £15.38 per hour

View Related Salaries:

What does a Criminal Lawyer earn?

On average, criminal lawyers earn around £45,762.13 per year in the UK. There are 2 types of criminal lawyer roles, defence (representing a client that has been accused of committing a criminal offence) and prosecution (the party trying to prove that a defendant is guilty of committing a criminal offence). The term criminal lawyer is most commonly associated with the former of these 2 roles. Criminal defence lawyers provide representation at each stage of a case from police interviews to court proceedings.

How to earn more as a criminal lawyer

To become a criminal lawyer you must first need to become a fully-fledged barrister or solicitor, which usually takes around 5 or 6 years followed by a training contract, preferably with a criminal law firm. You can also complete a 7-year solicitor apprenticeship programme, SAlary on this career path is mostly performance-based, however you can maximise your income by starting your own law firm, entering a public office or pursue further education into a specialism. 

Average Salary: £45,762.13

Min: £32,000.00 Max: £66,040.00

Average Criminal Lawyer Salary in UK : £45,762.13


Read about Criminal Lawyer salaries, related jobs and salary information across the UK

Criminal Lawyer Salary data from the ONS

Minimum

Median

Maximum

Age Group


Recommended Criminal Lawyer Jobs in UK

Loading Jobs...

Salary by Region

Compare Criminal Lawyer salaries across different regions

Region Salary
Scotland £52,116.38
Wales £45,948.68
Northern Ireland £33,568.50
East Midlands £43,410.44
Eastern £49,067.53
London £50,313.56
North East £45,727.17
North West £45,553.33
South East £51,071.33
South West £45,974.30
West Midlands £41,039.83
Yorkshire and the Humber £42,423.88

Annual Job Ads by Region

Understanding the Average Criminal Lawyer Salary in the UK

As a criminal lawyer in the UK, it is important to have a clear understanding of the average salary in this field. According to average Legal salaries, the average salary for a criminal lawyer in the UK is £45,800 per year. However, it is important to note that this figure can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the size of the law firm.

Salary Expectations for Newly Qualified Criminal Lawyer

For newly qualified criminal lawyers in the UK, the salary range can vary. It is common for entry-level positions to offer salaries between £32,000 and £66,000 per year. These figures can increase as you gain more experience and establish a reputation in the field.

If you are currently searching for job opportunities as a criminal lawyer, you can explore various options on job search websites. These platforms provide a comprehensive list of available positions, allowing you to find the right opportunity to kickstart your career.

Salaries for Experienced Criminal Lawyer

Experienced criminal lawyers in the UK can expect higher salaries compared to their newly qualified counterparts. With several years of experience and a proven track record, you can earn a salary ranging from £32,000 to £66,000 per year. The exact figure will depend on factors such as your expertise, reputation, and the size of the law firm you work for.

Creating a Criminal Lawyer CV

When applying for a criminal lawyer position, it is crucial to have a well-crafted CV that highlights your skills and experience. To help you create an impressive CV, you can utilize a CV template specifically designed for criminal lawyers. This template will guide you in showcasing your qualifications and achievements effectively, increasing your chances of securing the desired job.

Career Development Opportunities for Criminal Lawyer

As a criminal lawyer in the UK, there are numerous career development opportunities available to help you progress in your profession. Whether it's specializing in a specific area of criminal law, pursuing higher education, or taking on leadership roles within your firm, there are various paths to advance your career. For valuable career advice and guidance, you can refer to career advice resources tailored specifically for criminal lawyers.

Comprehensive Compensation for Criminal Lawyer

Aside from the base salary, criminal lawyers in the UK may receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses, performance incentives, and benefits. These comprehensive compensation packages can significantly enhance your overall earnings and provide financial stability. The specific details of these additional benefits will vary depending on the law firm and your level of experience.

Strategies for Increasing Your Salary as a Criminal Lawyer

If you aspire to increase your salary as a criminal lawyer, there are several strategies you can employ. Continuously expanding your knowledge and expertise through professional development courses and certifications can make you more valuable to employers, potentially leading to higher salary offers. Additionally, consistently delivering exceptional results and building a strong reputation within the legal community can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.

Professional Development and Earnings

Investing in your professional development as a criminal lawyer can have a direct impact on your earnings. By staying updated with the latest legal developments, attending relevant seminars and conferences, and actively participating in professional organizations, you can enhance your skills and knowledge, making you a sought-after legal professional. This, in turn, can lead to higher earning potential and career advancement opportunities.

Capitalising on Extra Hours and Duties

As a criminal lawyer, there may be instances where you are required to work extra hours or take on additional duties. While this can be demanding, it can also present opportunities for increased earnings. Many law firms offer overtime pay or bonuses for working beyond regular hours. Additionally, taking on additional responsibilities, such as mentoring junior lawyers or leading high-profile cases, can demonstrate your capabilities and potentially lead to salary advancements.

About Check-a-Salary

We believe people should have access to all salary data to help them to make informed life decisions at every juncture in their careers. Whether you are a school leaver, recent graduate, considering changing jobs, moving to a new location, or salary benchmarking you can make better decisions if equipped with our salary insight.