Trainee solicitors to get pay bump, but it barely covers inflation

From September, trainees will see slight salary rises, though critics say it won’t fix entry-level inequality

Trainee solicitors in England and Wales will receive a modest pay rise this autumn, as the Law Society recommends a 2.45% increase in the minimum salary for those starting out in the legal profession. But with living costs still squeezing early-career lawyers, the uplift may feel more symbolic than substantial.

From September 2025, aspiring solicitors undertaking either traditional training contracts or qualifying work experience (QWE) as part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route will see minimum recommended salaries rise to £28,090 in London and £24,916 elsewhere. The adjustment is in line with current inflation, but marks a noticeable slowdown from last year’s 5.18% increase.

The new recommendation adds £672 to the London rate and £596 to the regional one. The guidance, though non-binding, is intended to promote fair access to the profession, especially for those who might otherwise struggle to afford the cost of entry.

“The minimum salary policy and uplift supports those seeking to enter the profession,” said Law Society president Richard Atkinson. “We encourage employers to consider this recommendation, as paying the recommended minimum salary could have a positive impact on equality and diversity within the legal profession.”

The Law Society has published recommended trainee salaries since the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) scrapped the statutory minimum in 2014. Without regulatory enforcement, however, compliance is voluntary—and patchy.

While many City firms offer starting salaries well above the guideline—often exceeding £50,000 and even hitting six figures by the second year—those entering legal aid or high street practice frequently earn less than the recommended floor.

The 2025 figures were calculated using the Consumer Price Index’s 12-month rolling inflation rate, as well as broader economic data. The Society reviews and adjusts the numbers each summer.

But the real impact of these new rates is being questioned. For many junior lawyers, especially those training outside of major urban centres or in the public interest sector, the increase barely scratches the surface of what’s needed to offset rising housing, transport, and daily living costs.

One paralegal in Birmingham, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “£24,916 in this economy is almost insulting. After tax, rent, and bills, there’s barely anything left—and we’re expected to work long hours with professional responsibilities.”

The legal profession continues to wrestle with a stark pay divide. While Magic Circle and US law firms now offer starting packages in excess of £120,000 for trainees in their second year, smaller firms often struggle to remain financially viable—especially with increasing regulatory costs and stagnant legal aid rates.

Still, the Law Society insists the recommended minimum has value. It serves as a benchmark for firms wishing to promote diversity and inclusion, helping those from underrepresented backgrounds who might otherwise be deterred by low pay.

However, the lack of enforcement means many employers can simply ignore the figures. Calls for the SRA to reinstate a statutory minimum wage for trainees have been growing louder, particularly as the profession seeks to broaden access and close diversity gaps.

Whether the 2.45% uplift delivers any real relief—or merely masks deeper structural issues—remains to be seen. But for now, thousands of future lawyers must weigh the financial challenges of qualifying against their long-term professional ambitions.