Solicitors and lawyers Pay Data UK — 2024

Solicitors and lawyers roles in the UK earn a median of £49,579 per year, equivalent to £27.32 per hour as of 2024. This represents a 4.0% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £39,511 to £85,190 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Solicitors and lawyers roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Solicitors and lawyers

Solicitors advise and act on behalf of individuals, organisations, businesses and government departments in legal matters.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• draws up contracts, leases, wills and other legal documents
• undertakes legal business on behalf of client in areas of business law, criminal law, probate, conveyancing and litigation, and acts as trustee or executor if required
• instructs counsel in higher and lower courts and pleads cases in lower courts as appropriate
• scrutinises statements, reports and legal documents relevant to the case being undertaken and prepares papers for court
• represents clients in court

Entry Routes and Qualifications

Entry to training usually requires a qualifying law degree or postgraduate diploma. Apprenticeships are also available. Graduates in subjects other than law must first take a one year conversion course. All entrants undertake a one year legal practice course, followed by a two year training contract. From 2021 Solicitors also need to pass the Solicitor's Qualifying Examination.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.