UK Lawyer Salaries: What to Expect at Every Career Stage

For aspiring solicitors, barristers, and legal professionals, understanding UK lawyer salaries is essential for career planning. Pay varies widely based on experience, specialisation, firm type, and location, making salary transparency crucial for informed decision-making. This guide breaks down earnings across different roles—solicitors, barristers, in-house counsel, and public-sector lawyers—shedding light on how various factors influence legal salaries in the UK.

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How much do solicitors earn in the UK?

Solicitors’ salaries in the UK vary significantly depending on experience, practice area, and firm type.

Salary by experience level

• Junior solicitors (NQ – 3 years PQE): £40,000 – £60,000 per year, depending on firm and location.
• Mid-level solicitors (3 – 7 years PQE): £60,000 – £100,000 annually.
• Senior solicitors (7+ years PQE): £100,000 – £150,000+.
• Partners: Can earn six to seven figures, particularly in Magic Circle and US-based firms.

Salary by firm type

Corporate & Commercial Law Firms:

• Magic Circle & US Firms: Big Law firms pay the highest salaries, often exceeding £150,000 for newly qualified solicitors.
• Mid-tier Firms: Typically offer between £40,000 – £80,000.

High-street & Legal Aid firms:

• Specialising in areas like criminal, family, and immigration law, salaries range from £30,000 – £60,000.

Regional vs London salaries

London-based firms, especially Magic Circle and US firms, offer significantly higher salaries.

• Magic Circle (London): Up to £150,000 for newly qualified solicitors.
• Regional Firms: NQ (newly qualified) salaries typically range between £40,000 – £70,000.

Salaries can vary based on bonuses, billable hours, and firm profitability.

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Practice area salary comparisons

• Corporate law: Offers some of the highest salaries, with experienced solicitors earning £150,000+.
• Criminal law: Typically pays £30,000 – £60,000, particularly in legal aid work.
• Family law: Similar to criminal law, with earnings typically between £30,000 – £60,000.
• Employment law: Salaries vary but are generally lower than corporate law, typically £40,000 – £80,000.
• Property & conveyancing law: Can be competitive, especially in commercial property, with salaries ranging from £50,000 – £100,000.

How much do barristers earn in the UK?

Barristers’ earnings can fluctuate significantly based on experience, specialisation, and whether they are self-employed or salaried.

• Pupil barristers: The minimum pupillage award is £23,078 in London and £21,060 outside London, though some chambers offer up to £85,000.
• Junior barristers: Can earn anywhere from £50,000 – £100,000 per year.
• Senior barristers (King’s Counsel, KCs): Earnings can exceed £200,000, depending on their specialisation.

Self-employed vs. employed barristers

• Self-Employed barristers: Earnings are highly variable and depend on caseload and client base.
• Employed barristers: Enjoy more stable salaries but may earn less overall than self-employed counterparts.

Income disparities across specialisms

• Criminal barristers: Those with private clients can earn more than those relying on legal aid.
• Commercial barristers: Involved in high-value disputes, they often earn higher fees.
• Family and personal injury barristers: Generally earn less than commercial barristers.

Legal salaries across different sectors

Salaries also vary depending on whether a lawyer works in private practice, in-house, or the public sector.

• In-house lawyers: Competitive salaries, particularly in corporate and financial services, typically ranging from £60,000 – £120,000.
• Legal Aid lawyers: Often earn £30,000 – £60,000, particularly in criminal, family, and immigration law.
• Public sector lawyers: Salaries vary but typically fall between £40,000 – £80,000.

How lawyers can increase their earnings

To maximise earning potential, legal professionals can:

• Specialise in high-value legal areas– Corporate law, IP law, and financial regulation typically offer higher salaries.
• Move to a top-tier firm– Magic Circle and US-based firms pay significantly more than mid-sized firms.
• Build a strong reputation & client base– A well-established reputation can lead to higher fees and demand.
• Explore alternative legal careers– Legal consulting, compliance, and legal tech roles often provide competitive salaries.
• Use technology to simplify work– Tools like Clio can increase billable hours, reduce admin time, and improve efficiency.

Understanding UK lawyer salaries

Legal salaries in the UK vary widely depending on experience, firm type, location, and specialisation. If you’re planning your legal career, it’s crucial to stay informed about salary trends and industry shifts.

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Lawyer salary FAQs

How much do corporate lawyers make?

Corporate lawyers, especially those in Magic Circle and USA-based firms, can earn significantly high salaries, often exceeding £150,000 annually.

How much do criminal lawyers make?

Criminal lawyers generally earn lower salaries than corporate lawyers, typically ranging from £30,000 to £60,000.

How much do family lawyers make in the UK?

Family lawyers earn lower salaries than corporate lawyers, often between £30,000 and £60,000.

How much do employment lawyers make in the UK?

Employment lawyers’ salaries vary but are generally lower than corporate law, often between £40,000 and £80,000.

How do public sector salaries compare to private practice?

Public sector lawyers generally earn less than those in private practice. For example, local government solicitors may earn between £40,000 and £50,000, while private practice solicitors can earn significantly more, especially in top-tier firms.

We published this blog post in March 2025. Last updated: March 19, 2025.

Posted in: Business