Legal Services

Junior pay hikes heap pressure on Magic Circle in ‘fierce’ talent battle

Some law firms have increased base pay for their junior talent in London this year while Magic Circle and elite US firms hold their nerves

Junior pay hikes heap pressure on Magic Circle in ‘fierce’ talent battle
Photo: Jason Alden/Getty Images

Pay hikes for junior lawyers at a group of UK and international law firms during the summer have upped pressure on Magic Circle firms to keep ahead of the competition in a fierce market for talent.

Mayer Brown has raised its salary for junior lawyers in London to £150,000, an 11% rise from the previous £135,000. Baker McKenzie and HSF Kramer increased their salary for newly qualified lawyers to £145,000, up from £140,000 and £135,000 respectively. Hogan Lovells and Ashurst now pay their junior lawyers £140,000, compared to £135,000 and £125,000 previously.

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