How Much Do Trainee Solicitors Earn Before Taking the SQE?

The road to becoming a qualified solicitor in the UK involves passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and completing two years of qualifying work experience (QWE). This process, though rewarding, poses significant financial and career challenges. One of the most pressing concerns for aspiring solicitors is understanding how much they can expect to earn as a trainee.

The legal profession offers a wide range of salaries based on firm size, location, and area of specialisation. For instance, trainees at top London law firms may earn in excess of £60,000, while those at high street firms may start at closer to £20,000. This article will explore the various factors that influence trainee solicitor salaries and provide a detailed overview of the typical earnings before qualifying through the SQE.

At FQPS Academy, we understand that navigating the financial realities of a legal career can be daunting. That’s why we offer tailored resources and support to help you prepare for the SQE and beyond. Whether you aim to work at a Magic Circle firm or a high street practice, understanding your potential earnings can help you plan your future with confidence.

The Magic Circle and US-Based Firms

Magic Circle firms, including Clifford Chance, Linklaters, and Freshfields, are among the most prestigious law firms in the UK. Trainees at these firms enjoy some of the highest starting salaries in the profession. First-year trainees typically earn between £50,000 and £61,000, with second-year salaries often rising to around £65,000​. US-based firms, which operate heavily in London, offer even higher pay. For example, Kirkland & Ellis and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher offer salaries starting at £60,000, increasing to £65,000 in the second year.

Working at these firms comes with high expectations. Trainees often work long hours and deal with complex, high-profile cases. However, the significant financial reward is a key draw for many aspiring solicitors. It’s also worth noting that these firms offer additional perks, including bonuses and international secondment opportunities. Here is a table summarising trainee salaries at Magic Circle and US-based firms:

Regional and High Street Firms

While Magic Circle and US-based firms offer significant financial rewards, not all trainees work in these environments. Trainees at regional and high street firms often earn lower salaries but gain other valuable experiences, such as greater client contact and earlier responsibility. Trainees in cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds can expect to earn between £28,000 and £40,000 in their first year, with second-year salaries increasing slightly.

High street firms, which usually focus on areas like family law, personal injury, and criminal defence, tend to offer lower salaries. Trainees in these firms typically earn between £20,000 and £30,000. However, these firms often provide a more balanced work-life experience, and opportunities for career advancement may arise sooner than in larger firms.

Here’s a table summarising typical trainee salaries at regional and high street firms:

Trainee Solicitors in Scotland and Wales

In Scotland, trainee salaries are generally lower than in England, with the Law Society of Scotland recommending a minimum salary of £23,675 for first-year trainees and £27,480 for those in their second year. Similarly, trainee solicitors in Wales and rural areas of England often start with more modest pay due to the smaller size of law firms and lower demand for commercial legal services. Despite the reduced financial rewards, trainees in these regions benefit from a unique set of opportunities, such as working in niche areas of law like human rights, environmental law, or family law, where they often have more responsibility earlier in their careers​.

In smaller, rural firms, trainees may work more closely with clients and be given hands-on experience that may not be available at larger firms. These positions can offer quicker routes to career advancement, and in some cases, lower competition for permanent positions following qualification.

Below is a summary of trainee solicitor earnings in Scotland and Wales:

The Impact of the SQE and Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)

With the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), the traditional route to becoming a solicitor has shifted significantly. One of the most notable changes is the increased flexibility in how aspiring solicitors can gain qualifying work experience (QWE). Trainees can now count a wider variety of legal work towards the two years of required experience. This includes placements in law clinics, working in-house, or even at smaller firms, rather than relying solely on the traditional training contract model​.

This flexibility is an important development as it opens up opportunities for individuals who may not have access to traditional training contracts at larger firms. While this change provides more routes to qualification, the disparity in earnings between different QWE settings remains substantial. Trainees pursuing QWE at smaller firms or legal clinics may earn closer to the Law Society's minimum recommendations of £24,320 outside of London, while those in more lucrative settings, such as international commercial firms, will still see higher earnings.

Trainees must also consider the costs of preparing for the SQE. The exams, along with preparatory courses, can be expensive. Many law firms, particularly larger ones, cover these costs as part of their training contracts. However, trainees in smaller firms, in-house, or alternative QWE settings might have to bear these costs themselves, making salary considerations even more significant during this period.

How Experience, Location, and Firm Type Affect Earnings

Several key factors influence the salaries of trainee solicitors, including the size and type of firm, the area of legal practice, and the location of the work. These factors determine the earning potential during the training period:

• Firm Size and Specialisation: Larger, international law firms specialising in commercial law generally offer higher salaries to attract top talent. In contrast, smaller high street firms that deal with personal legal matters, such as family law or criminal law, offer lower pay.
• Location: Trainees in London and other major UK cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds typically earn more than those working in rural areas. However, cost of living in these cities is also significantly higher, which affects the overall financial benefit​
• Type of Law Practised: Trainees in specialised areas such as corporate law, commercial litigation, or intellectual property law tend to earn more than those working in family law, personal injury law, or criminal defence​.

The following table summarises how these factors influence trainee solicitor salaries:

Conclusion

Trainee solicitor salaries in the UK span a wide range, with factors such as location, firm size, and the type of law practised all playing key roles in determining earnings. Trainees working at prestigious Magic Circle and US-based firms enjoy some of the highest starting salaries in the profession, often exceeding £60,000, while those at regional or high street firms can expect more modest earnings closer to £20,000 - £30,000. Scotland and Wales offer lower salaries but often provide trainees with earlier responsibility and more hands-on experience​.

For aspiring solicitors, particularly those preparing for the SQE, understanding salary expectations is crucial in planning your career. While financial rewards are important, they should be balanced with the training, experience, and opportunities for career progression that different firms and regions provide. The FQPS Academy is here to help guide you through the SQE and ensure that you make informed decisions about your future as a solicitor.

FAQs

1. What is the average salary for a trainee solicitor in London?
Trainees at Magic Circle and US-based firms in London can expect starting salaries between £50,000 and £61,000, with some firms offering up to £65,000 in the second year.

2. How much do trainee solicitors earn outside of London?
In regional cities like Birmingham and Leeds, first-year trainees earn between £28,000 and £40,000, while second-year trainees can earn up to £45,000. High street firms typically offer salaries between £20,000 and £30,000.

3. How has the SQE affected trainee solicitor salaries?
The introduction of the SQE has created more flexible pathways to qualification, but salary disparities between different QWE settings remain. Larger firms tend to cover the cost of SQE preparation and offer higher salaries, while smaller firms or alternative QWE settings may offer lower pay.