Legal Services

‘Stupid money’ for London lawyers seen ratcheting even higher: ‘The numbers are crazy’

UK law firms 'think it’s completely unsustainable, but for the US firms, the economics are different’

Salaries for first-year lawyers are set to top £160,000
Salaries for first-year lawyers are set to top £160,000 Photo: Vuk Valcic/Getty Images

A pay boom for junior lawyers at London law firms shows no signs of stopping, with annual salaries for first-years shooting past £160,000.

Record levels of M&A and financing work, alongside disillusioned juniors leaving the industry and a limited supply of new recruits, has sent salaries soaring, and partners and recruiters say wages haven’t peaked yet.

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