Average legal salary in London

Our data has been collected via numerous sources and presented in the clearest format for our job-seekers. We thank all participants. All salaries given are in pounds earned in a fiscal year before tax and typically include any bonus and car allowance. All salaries are for working in Private Practice, unless otherwise stated. Figures are to the best of our knowledge and last updated August 2008. {ND = No Data}

NOTES:

• In-House PARALEGALS: On average, across the UK our research found that salaries were approximately 16% above the Private Practice salaries. Candidates typically moved on to become an In-House Legal Assistant, taking on more responsibility and providing support to the team. Salaries in this case rose, on average to £30-32,000.
• Benefits: All large law firms offer a good range of employee benefits such as contributory pension scheme, life assurance and private medical insurance. A number if firms of introduced schemes where you can pick and choose from a selection of benefits.
• Bonuses: Some firms offer performance related bonuses and others a firm-wide bonus based on overall firm results. It is reported that Assistant bonuses in the City have, on average, risen by 4% from 2007. US law firms excel themselves on this front and in some cases they have rewarded as much as 40% of the Assistants base salary as a bonus.

Overall: The indicated average salaries should be used as a guide only and there are many factors considered by a firm when employing Solicitors such as practice area, level of responsibility and individual performance. The firm sizes vary greatly, even in each city, and there are many variables that make it difficult to truly assess the market. However we hope you find our guide useful.