International firm Hogan Lovells has announced a boost to its newly qualified solicitors’ salaries. From 1 May 2025, annual London NQ base salaries have risen 2.7% from £135,000 to £140,000. This follows a 12.5% raise last year from £120,000 to £135,000. 

A spokesperson for the firm said: ‘Following our annual salary review in the UK, and after careful consideration, we have increased salaries for our newly-qualified lawyers in London.

‘Base salaries are only one component of lawyer remuneration. We operate a total compensation matrix that includes a competitive bonus scheme, taking into account both chargeable work and other contributions to the firm and our values.’

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Competition over increasing NQ salaries is a long-running feature in the legal market. One of the top paying firms in London is US-based international firm Goodwin Procter which last year raised its annual NQ salaries from £160,000 to £175,000. At the time, Gibson Dunn NQs boasted the highest salaries in the capital at £180,000.

Earlier this month, magic circle firm Slaughter and May said it was holding its NQ salaries at £150,000 in this year's spring pay review. 

 

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