Key facts
- Macfarlanes has raised its newly qualified (NQ) lawyer salaries to £150,000 per year.
- This represents a £10,000 increase from the firm's previous NQ salary of £140,000.
- The new salary matches those paid by Magic Circle firms in London.
- Trainee salaries have also been increased, with first-year trainees now earning £60,000 and second-year trainees earning £65,000.
- The new associate salaries are effective from July 1, 2026, and trainee salaries from September 2026.
Macfarlanes has increased the annual salary for its newly qualified (NQ) lawyers to £150,000, a £10,000 raise from its previous rate. This move brings the firm in line with the salaries offered by Magic Circle firms such as Freshfields, Clifford Chance, Linklaters, A&O Shearman, and Slaughter and May, positioning Macfarlanes among the highest-paying UK firms in London.
The firm has also enhanced its trainee salaries, with first-year trainees now earning £60,000 and second-year trainees receiving £65,000 annually. These new trainee rates exceed those of the Magic Circle firms. The updated associate salaries are effective from July 1, 2026, while the new trainee salaries will take effect in September 2026.
Macfarlanes managing partner Luke Powell stated that the salary increases are intended to attract and retain highly talented individuals, supporting the firm's long-term growth and market position. This decision comes amidst a competitive market for top legal talent in London, where highly profitable US firms can offer even higher salaries.