In-house lawyers in the UK are paid more than their European counterparts, new research has revealed - although many are on the move, with reliable salary packages emerging as the main incentive.

The survey of 9,000 legal professionals with in-house roles, by recruitment consultancy Laurence Simons, showed that although the most senior general counsel were paid more in Germany and Holland, overall the UK came out top in the pay stakes.


Based on ten years' experience, a UK in-house lawyer could expect to earn 138,000 euro (£93,000), compared to the 104,000 euro European average. Spanish lawyers would receive just 80,000 euro, but they are well off compared to Russian lawyers, who can earn as little as 23,000 euro.


The report said many in-house lawyers were looking for new jobs following the collapse of the dot-com market and the effect of 11 September. It warned that a significant number were fed up with worthless stock options and bonuses never being paid, and were now more focused on decent salaries.



But Laurence Simons partner Naveen Tuli said it worked both ways, with employers also 'being fussy' over who they took on. 'Most companies are asking for very specific experience, particularly of the industry in question,' he added.