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Non-commercial solicitor: Salary and conditions

• Starting salaries for trainees are often relatively low. The average salary for a trainee solicitor in private practice was £18,500 in 2005-06, although the range is quite wide, with higher salaries going to trainees working in London and rising proportionately with the size of the firm. A trainee working for a sole practitioner outside London could expect to earn around £15,000 while someone starting in a London firm with between 11 and 25 partners could expect to earn £23,000.
• On average, an experienced assistant or associate solicitor in private practice could expect to earn about £42,000, rising to £50,000 if he or she becomes a salaried partner. However, there are enormous variations depending on location, size of firm and grade (all salary data collected Feb 2009 from The Law Society of England and Wales  survey published 2007 – latest available).
• Salaries at senior level also vary hugely. Partners share equity and profits.
• Solicitors in private practice work an average of 45-50 hours per week. The cyclical nature of the work produces heavy and light work periods during the year. During busy periods, 12-hour days are not uncommon and may involve early starts and working without a lunch-break. In local government, the role is less likely to involve more than a 37-hour week on a regular basis.
• Work is generally office based.
• There are opportunities throughout the country although larger firms tend to establish their practices close to commercial areas and town centres.
• Self-employment is possible after gaining at least three years' experience (post-qualification). Part-time work and career breaks are also possible.
• About 50% of non-commercial solicitors are women. In certain practice areas, such as family law, some firms have observed a shortage of male applicants, leading to a gender imbalance.
• Smart dress is expected when interviewing clients or attending court, but there is some latitude in many offices if you are not going to meet with people outside the firm.
• The work can be hard and stressful with long hours. Some disruption to family and social life can be expected.
• Travel within the working day is sometimes required for court appearances or home visits to clients who are housebound. Overnight absence from home may occasionally be necessary for attending court outside your own locality.

AGCAS

Written by David Williams, AGCAS

Last updated:

March 2009

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