|
A CAREER AS A SOLICITOR
A lawyer who qualifies as a solicitor in England and Wales has a general duty to advise their clients on legal issues. Solicitors are fully regulated by the Law Society. Solicitors can practice in a wide range of areas of the law, including Private Practice, Commerce and industry.
Private Practice: The term Private Practice includes both general as well as specialist practice. Types of private practice range from huge, international commercial firms to small, family owned high street firms; consequently clients can range from huge multinational companies to legally aided individuals who are unable to afford the cost of litigation. A solicitor can also represent clients in courts and tribunals.
Commerce and Industry: Apart from private practice, It is possible for solicitors to work as in-house legal advisers to a commercial or industrial organisation.
Government: it is worth mentioning that the largest employer of Solicitors in England and Wales is the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) where solicitors advise on the prosecution of criminal cases.
Some solicitors advise government departments, including advice to ministers, and also assist in the implementation of the decisions of the government.
Other Careers: These include the Magistrates’ Court Service, Law Centres, Charities and the Armed Forces.
SALARY STATISTICS
STATISTICS*
Trainee solicitors should be paid at least a minimum salary as prescribed below.
The salary levels are reviewed annually.
The minimum salary levels that came into effect on 1 August 2006, are
- £17,110 for trainees working in Central London
- £15,332 for trainees working elsewhere
In accordance with the standard training contract, these levels apply to all trainees.
The recommended salary levels that came into effect on 1 August 2006, are
- £17,527 for trainees working in Central London
- £15,605 for trainees working elsewhere
For the 12-month period beginning 1 August 2006, waivers for salaries below
£12,750 will not be granted.
The minimum salary levels beginning 1 August 2007, are
- £17,660 for trainees working in Central London
- £15,820 for trainees working elsewhere
In accordance with the standard training contract, these levels apply to all trainees.
The recommended salary levels beginning 1 August 2007, are
- £18,090 for trainees working in Central London
- £16,100 for trainees working elsewhere
For the 12-month period beginning 1 August 2007, waivers for salaries below
£13,160 will not be granted.
Starting salaries for trainee solicitors
| Effective date |
Central London |
Outer London |
Rest of England and Wales |
| Council recommended minimum |
| From 1/8/93 |
£12,150 |
£10,850 |
£10,850 |
| From 1/8/2000 |
£13,600 |
£12,000 |
£12,000 |
| From 1/8/2002 |
£14,600 |
£13,000 |
£13,000 |
| From 1/8/2003 |
£15,300 |
£13,600 |
£13,600 |
| From 1/8/2004 |
£15,900 |
£14,200 |
£14,200 |
| From 1/8/2005 |
£16,450 |
£14,720 |
£14,720 |
| From 1/8/2006 |
£17,110 |
£15,332 |
£15,332 |
| From 1/8/2007 |
£18,090 |
|
£16,100 |
| Council recommended |
| From 1/8/2003 |
£16,200 |
£14,450 |
£14,450 |
| From 1/8/2004 |
£16,680 |
£14,870 |
£14,870 |
| From1/8/2005 |
£17,050 |
£15,180 |
£15,180 |
| From1/8/2006 |
£17,527 |
£15,605 |
£15,605 |
* For details see:
http://lawsociety.org.uk/documents/downloads/
becomingtrainingrequirementsv12004.pdf
These figures mentioned here are only the minimum salaries for trainee solicitors, qualified solicitors stand to gain more varying on case to case basis and aptitude.
|
