Shoosmiths today announces that from this November’s pay review date, newly qualified solicitor salaries will rise to £105,000 in London and £67,000 in the English regional locations. The move ensures the firm remains highly competitive in attracting and retaining early-career talent in a fast-moving market.
A fair and transparent structure
We know the recent rise in NQ salaries has had a knock-on effect at other levels, creating understandable concerns around pay compression. These dynamics are being felt across the market, and we remain committed to providing competitive salaries at all levels across the firm. While base salaries at NQ level have increased in response to that market pressure, our bonus scheme provides meaningful additional earning potential, particularly for more experienced lawyers, who are often best placed to exceed performance thresholds.
Reaffirming our commitment to a competitive and balanced reward package
Shoosmiths operates a holistic reward model, combining base pay with firmwide and individual bonus opportunities that reflect both collective and personal contribution, as well as comprehensive benefits and compensation platforms. It was announced in June that for the financial year just ended, the firmwide bonus paid out 5% of salary to all 1300 eligible staff, amounting to a £3.5 million investment in its people.
In addition, lawyers are now eligible for an individual performance-related bonus based on chargeable hours. The standard expectation is 1,350 hours - among the most achievable in the sector. Bonuses start to accrue at 1,485 hours, rising on a tapered scale to a cap at 1,900 hours. The combined effect of both schemes means a lawyer can earn up to 19% of salary in total bonus.
This approach is designed to recognise performance without encouraging burnout. Everyone shares in the firm’s success, while those who want to push for higher individual rewards are incentivised to do so in a sustainable way.
We’ll keep listening and reviewing as part of our commitment to offering a reward structure that’s fair, competitive, and aligned with how our people work and grow.
Key facts at a glance
|
Component |
Detail |
|
NQ salary – London |
£105,000 (from autumn 2025) |
|
NQ salary – Regions |
£67,000 |
|
Standard chargeable hours |
1,350 |
|
Bonus eligibility threshold |
1,485 hours |
|
Bonus cap |
1,900 hours |
|
Max total bonus opportunity |
Up to 19% of salary (7% max possible firmwide bonus, 12% max possible individual bonus @ 1900 chargeable hours) |
|
Firmwide bonus (FY24/25) |
5% of salary to all 1300 staff (£3.5m) |
Disclaimer
This information is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. Please contact us for specific advice on your circumstances. © Shoosmiths LLP 2025.