A solicitor’s salary will depend on a variety of factors, including the firm they work for, their area of expertise and where they are located in the country. They can also expect to receive bonus payments and profit sharing incomes in addition to their basic pay.

The highest paid lawyers in the UK are found at US-based firms in London. They often represent some of the world’s biggest companies and act on high-value cases.

Solicitor salaries vary widely.

In the UK, the average starting salary for a trainee solicitor is PS18,000. This figure varies significantly depending on the type of law firm you work for and whether you are in the North East, South West, or East.

First year trainees at public interest firms Bindmans and Fisher Meredith, for example, earn PS22,000, while Leigh Day pays a comfortable PS45,000 to its newly qualified solicitors.

Private client solicitors help clients on matters such as wills, trusts, and probate for members of the public, as well as helping wealthier individuals manage their assets and minimize tax liabilities. Family solicitors are mainly found at regional and City firms, although small local practices and sole practitioners are also involved in this sector.

Despite the negative stereotypes, many reputable law firms throughout the country still pay their staff well and support their professional development. There are even solicitors who are genuinely interested in the welfare of others, conducting many pro-bono and civil rights cases.