The average salary for a lawyer in the UK is £45,000 per annum, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This figure is slightly higher than the overall UK average salary of £29,600. However, lawyer salaries can vary greatly depending on the type of law practised, the size of the firm, and the location of the work.
Types of Lawyers and Salaries in the UK
Lawyers in the UK have a wide range of salaries, depending on the type of law they practise and the size and location of their firm. For example, a barrister in London may earn as much as £100,000 per annum, whereas a junior solicitor in a smaller firm may only earn £25,000. Similarly, a criminal defence lawyer may earn more than a family lawyer and a solicitor who specialises in corporate law may earn more than a solicitor who does general legal work.
Factors That Affect Lawyer Salaries in the UK
There are a number of factors that can affect the salary of a lawyer in the UK. The type of law they practise and the size and location of their firm are two of the most important factors. For example, a lawyer based in London is likely to earn more than a lawyer based in a smaller town or city. Similarly, a lawyer who specialises in corporate law is likely to earn more than a lawyer who does general legal work. Experienced lawyers tend to earn more than junior lawyers.
Average Salaries of Lawyers by Type
The average salary for a lawyer in the UK varies depending on the type of law practised. Barristers typically earn the highest salaries, followed by solicitors. Other types of lawyers may earn less, including those who are employed by local authorities or the government. The following table shows the average salaries of different types of lawyers in the UK:
| Type of Lawyer | Average Salary (Per Annum) |
|---|---|
| Barrister | £70,000-£100,000 |
| Solicitor | £45,000-£60,000 |
| Criminal Defence Lawyer | £35,000-£50,000 |
| Family Lawyer | £30,000-£40,000 |
| Corporate Lawyer | £50,000-£80,000 |
| Local Authority Lawyer | £30,000-£45,000 |
| Government Lawyer | £35,000-£55,000 |
Average Salaries of Lawyers by Firm Size
The size of the firm can also affect the salary of a lawyer in the UK. Lawyers who work in larger firms tend to earn more than those who work in smaller firms. For example, a lawyer in a large London firm may earn up to £100,000 per annum, whereas a lawyer in a small regional firm may only earn £30,000. The following table shows the average salaries of lawyers in different sized firms:
| Firm Size | Average Salary (Per Annum) |
|---|---|
| Large London Firm | £70,000-£100,000 |
| Regional Firm | £30,000-£45,000 |
| Small Firm | £25,000-£35,000 |
| Sole Practitioner | £20,000-£25,000 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the average salary for a lawyer in the UK is £45,000 per annum, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, lawyer salaries can vary greatly depending on the type of law practised, the size of the firm, and the location of the work. Lawyers in larger firms and those who practise corporate law tend to earn the highest salaries, while those in smaller firms and those who do general legal work tend to earn the least.
