LONDON – White & Case, a prominent global law firm based in the City of London, has announced salary increases for its junior lawyers. Newly qualified associates will see their pay rise by 7%, from £140,000 to £150,000. Trainee salaries will also be adjusted to £56,000 in the first year and £61,000 in the second year.
This move comes as part of White & Case’s commitment to attracting and retaining top legal talent. The firm offers approximately 50 training contracts each year, according to the Legal Cheek Firms Most List 2024.
Not only junior lawyers, but also more experienced associates will benefit from the salary hike. Those with one year of post-qualification experience will see their salaries rise from £147,500 to £158,500, while those at the two-year post-qualification experience level will earn £171,000, up from £160,000.
According to a spokesperson from White & Case, this salary adjustment reflects the firm’s status as a leading global law firm. The increases will take effect from January 1, 2024, and further enhance career opportunities for the lawyers at the firm.
In addition to White & Case, other law firms have also made similar moves to boost salaries. Sidley has increased the rates for newly qualified associates from £159,500 to £166,500. The firm hires around 15 trainees each year, offering starting salaries of £55,000, which rise to £60,000 in the second year.
Several US-based law firms have also raised pay recently. Paul Hastings now offers a hefty £173,000 salary to junior lawyers, while Willkie Farr increased their salaries to £165,000, and Weil Gotshal moved to £170,000. Davis Polk and Cleary Gottlieb have also joined in, offering salaries of £170,000 and £164,500, respectively.
These salary increases reflect the competitive nature of the legal industry and the ongoing demand for top-tier legal professionals. Law firms are striving to attract and retain talent by offering more attractive compensation packages. Such adjustments may have a ripple effect across the legal sector, prompting other firms to review their own salary structures and potentially follow suit.
Overall, this is a positive development for junior lawyers seeking lucrative opportunities in the legal field. The increased salaries not only recognize their expertise and experience but also underline the competitive landscape in the legal industry.