Burges Salmon increases NQ and trainee salaries in both Bristol and Edinburgh offices
Burges Salmon has raised the salaries of its newly qualified associates and trainees across its Bristol and Edinburgh offices, with the firm confirming a series of increases that position its pay rates competitively within the regional market. The moves follow a broader review of remuneration across the business.
In Bristol, newly qualified associates will now receive £76,000, up from the previous figure of £72,000. In Edinburgh, NQ pay has risen from £68,000 to £72,000. The revised rates represent notable increases in both locations and place Bristol NQs ahead of some of their local comparators.
Trainee solicitors at the firm are also receiving higher pay. First-year trainees in Bristol will now start on £49,500, with salaries rising to £51,500 in the second year. In Edinburgh, trainee pay begins at £42,500 and increases to £44,500 in the second year. The figures reflect the firm’s approach to trainee development and its aim of maintaining competitive salaries across both offices.
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Alice Bretherton, chief people officer at Burges Salmon, said the firm was proud of its cohort of trainees and apprentices. She emphasised the quality of work available, the firm’s culture and its focus on being a supportive place to work as key factors in attracting and retaining talent. She said these qualities were among the reasons why exceptional candidates continue to choose Burges Salmon.
The most recent edition of the Firms Most List shows that the latest increase means Burges Salmon’s Bristol NQs now earn slightly more than their counterparts at Osborne Clarke, where NQ pay stands at £74,000. Simmons and Simmons remains the highest paying firm in Bristol for newly qualified solicitors, with salaries recorded at £96,000.
Beyond Bristol and Edinburgh, other firms have also updated their salary structures. Leeds-based firm Walker Morris has raised its NQ rates from £65,000 to £67,000. The firm has also increased trainee salaries, with first-year trainees now receiving £34,000 and second-year trainees £37,000. According to the Firms Most List, Walker Morris offers approximately 22 training contracts each year.
The salary changes at Burges Salmon come amid continued competition among law firms to attract and retain junior lawyers. While regional firms do not match the levels offered by City practices, the increases signal ongoing movement in the market and reflect the pressures placed on firms to ensure remuneration keeps pace with expectations.
Burges Salmon’s adjustments highlight the firm’s intention to remain competitive in both established and emerging legal hubs. The increases across NQ and trainee pay indicate a continued investment in early career lawyers and the wider workforce.