83% Magic Circle law firm Linklaters has confirmed it will retain 33 of its 40 London-based trainees qualifying this autumn. The firm made 34 offers, with 33 accepted, resulting in a retention rate of 83%. All offers were for permanent…
From 96% success to less than 50% The number of aspiring barristers is climbing fast, but new figures from the Bar Standards Board (BSB) reveal a stark divide in pass rates — with some law schools seeing success rates as…
New training regime slammed by TC holder An individual claiming to be a future trainee solicitor has launched a public campaign calling for reform of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), citing the “severe toll” it has taken on her mental,…
‘Fair and transparent structure’ Shoosmiths has joined the summer salary surge, announcing a bump to £105k for its London newly-qualified solicitors (NQs). Meanwhile, the firm has also taken the opportunity to reflect on how NQ pay rises affect more senior…
Spill the (chambers) tea… Last week, Legal Cheek launched an open thread exploring solicitor salaries after the training contract — aiming to shed light on an area often shrouded in secrecy. Over 160 comments later, the thread has become a…
Exclusive: Extra £15k The London office of international law firm Mayer Brown has increased the salaries of its newly qualified (NQ) associates by 11%. The uplift means fresh-faced juniors will now earn £150,000, up from £135,000 — bringing the Chicago-founded…
Rises for Bristol NQs and trainees too City law firm RPC has confirmed a fresh round of pay rises for its junior lawyers, with uplifts across both its London and Bristol offices set to take effect from 1 September. Newly…
16 months A University of Greenwich law student has been jailed after attempting to smuggle as much as £150,000 worth of herbal cannabis through Edinburgh Airport. According to Edinburgh Live, Sage-Ahliea Gold broke down in tears as she was sentenced…
Jailed in 2023 A former City lawyer has been stuck off the roll following a conviction for chid sex abuse. Stuart Cottis qualified at Magic Circle firm Freshfields, before spending over eight years at Ashurst, followed by a stint as…
More results in Simmons & Simmons, Osborne Clarke and Kingsley Napley have all chalked up solid financial results, with a mix of tech innovation, sector focus and strategic hires helping to keep the numbers moving in the right direction. Simmons…