Data compiled by Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment has revealed that 35 per cent of trainees are taking home less than what Chancery Lane has deemed a fair salary. The Law Society’s recommended minimum salary for trainees currently sits at £20,913 for those living and working in London, and £18,547 for those based in more affordable areas. However, these minimums have not been enforceable since 2014, when the Solicitors Regulation Authority axed its minimum pay requirements for trainees. This year, only 65 per cent of trainees are being paid at or above the recommended minimum, down from 69 per cent one year ago.

Douglas Scott managing director Kathryn Riley warns that law firms risk losing legal talent to other sectors if they don’t step up their game (and pay): ‘At entry level the competition for talent comes not just from rival law firms but other service sectors. The legal profession is still a great place to be but stagnating trainee salaries have the potential to damage that perception.’

Sources: Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment; Legal Cheek