Law Society Moves Away from Recommended Minimum Salary for Trainee Solicitors
The Law Society has announced a shift from its annual recommended minimum salary for trainee solicitors, now encouraging firms to consider paying trainees at least the real living wage.
Previously, the Law Society published updated minimum salary figures each summer, with the last rates set at £28,090 for London and £24,916 for other regions in England and Wales. These figures served as guidance rather than legal requirements, following the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) decision to eliminate the statutory minimum salary for trainees in 2014.
The new guidance remains non binding, suggesting that firms pay at least the real living wage to those undertaking training contracts or qualifying work experience. The real living wage, determined by the Living Wage Foundation based on living costs, is currently £14.80 per hour in London and £13.45 elsewhere in the UK. This translates to approximately £28,860 annually in London and £26,228 outside the capital, representing an increase of around £770 in London and £1,300 elsewhere compared to the Law Society's previous recommendations.
A spokesperson for the Law Society stated that the decision followed careful consideration and engagement with members across various career stages, including junior lawyers. They emphasised that this approach is proportionate and appropriate at this time, with plans for ongoing reviews to maintain its relevance.
The spokesperson clarified that the proposal is not a regulatory requirement but aims to promote good practice within the profession. The updated policy also indicates that salary levels for those undertaking qualifying work experience should reflect the education and training they have already completed, suggesting that adherence to the real living wage could enhance equality and diversity in the legal field.
Despite the rising salaries at the upper end of the profession, where some City trainees earn upwards of £140,000 during their two year training contracts and as much as £180,000 upon qualification, many aspiring solicitors, particularly in legal aid or high street firms, still earn below the previously recommended minimums.
In comparison, the Paris young lawyers' association publishes a recommended minimum salary for first and second year lawyers, currently set at EUR 53,280 for first year lawyers and EUR 58,440 for second year lawyers, highlighting disparities in remuneration across jurisdictions.