Law Society recommends 2.45% salary increase for trainee lawyers

The Law Society of England and Wales has recommended a 2.45% salary increase, in line with inflation*, for aspiring solicitors. 

The increase, which is not a requirement, means trainee solicitors outside of London should be paid £24,916 and £28,090 in the capital for qualifying work experience (QWE) for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or during their training contract.  

Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: “The minimum salary policy and uplift supports those seeking to enter the profession. 

 “We encourage employers to consider this recommendation, as employers paying the recommended minimum salary for trainee solicitors could have a positive impact on equality and diversity within the legal profession. 

“The policy applies to anyone undertaking a period of recognised training, such as a training contract, or anyone employed with the primary purpose of gaining qualified work experience.” 

Notes to editors 

• * The recommended 2.45% salary increase for aspiring solicitors is in line with the Consumer Price Index's (CPI) 12-month rolling inflation rate. 
• Read our guide about the recommended minimum salary for trainee solicitors and SQE candidates. 
• The recommended minimum salary policy is reviewed in June each year, with the revised amount coming into effect in September in line with the academic year/ new trainee or QWE year.  
• The recommended minimum salary is updated annually. This is not a regulatory requirement, but a matter of voluntary good practice. It was introduced by the Law Society in 2015 after the Solicitors Regulation Authority ended the regulatory requirement for a minimum salary for trainees.  
• The current recommended minimum salary for trainee solicitors is £24,320 outside of London and £27,418 in the capital. The rise for 2025/2026 is 2.45% compared to5.18% in 2024/2025.