Oculus Legal 2025 Salary Survey: How Does Your Pay Compare?
The legal landscape in the East Midlands and East Anglia continues to evolve, with salaries reflecting both market demand and the increasing competition for top talent. Firms are adapting their compensation structures to attract and retain high-calibre solicitors, particularly in areas such as Private Client, Family, Corporate, and Commercial Property.
Our 2025 Salary Survey provides a comprehensive breakdown of current salary trends across these key practice areas, helping both employers and candidates benchmark their expectations.
Private Client
- NQ – 1 PQE: £35,000 – £45,000
- 1 – 3 PQE: £38,000 – £55,000
- 3 – 5 PQE: £42,000 – £60,000
- 5 – 8 PQE: £55,000 – £75,000
- 8 PQE+: £65,000 – £100,000
- Partner: £70,000 – £130,000
Family
- NQ – 1 PQE: £32,000 – £45,000
- 1 – 3 PQE: £35,000 – £50,000
- 3 – 5 PQE: £40,000 – £55,000
- 5 – 8 PQE: £50,000 – £70,000
- 8 PQE+: £60,000 – £80,000
- Partner: £60,000 – £110,000
Corporate
- NQ – 1 PQE: £40,000 – £55,000
- 1 – 3 PQE: £45,000 – £60,000
- 3 – 5 PQE: £50,000 – £65,000
- 5 – 8 PQE: £60,000 – £80,000
- 8 PQE+: £75,000 – £120,000
- Partner: £75,000 – £160,000
Commercial Property
- NQ – 1 PQE: £35,000 – £45,000
- 1 – 3 PQE: £40,000 – £55,000
- 3 – 5 PQE: £45,000 – £60,000
- 5 – 8 PQE: £55,000 – £75,000
- 8 PQE+: £65,000 – £100,000
- Partner: £70,000 – £130,000
Residential Property
- NQ – 1 PQE: £32,000 – £45,000
- 1 – 3 PQE: £38,000 – £52,000
- 3 – 5 PQE: £45,000 – £60,000
- 5 – 8 PQE: £55,000 – £70,000
- 8 PQE+: £60,000 – £75,000
- Partner: £65,000 – £110,000
Litigation
- NQ – 1 PQE: £40,000 – £47,000
- 1 – 3 PQE: £45,000 – £53,000
- 3 – 5 PQE: £48,000 – £58,000
- 5 – 8 PQE: £55,000 – £70,000
- 8 PQE+: £60,000 – £85,000
- Partner: £80,000 – £125,000
Construction
- NQ – 1 PQE: £45,000 – £55,000
- 1 – 3 PQE: £50,000 – £62,000
- 3 – 5 PQE: £58,000 – £65,000
- 5 – 8 PQE: £62,000 – £70,000
- 8 PQE+: £70,000 – £90,000
- Partner: £90,000 – £150,000
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Salary Trends:
✅ Salaries remain competitive across all levels, with noticeable increases for senior lawyers and partners.
✅ The corporate and commercial property sectors continue to command strong salaries, particularly for experienced solicitors.
✅ Hybrid working remains a key factor for many professionals, influencing job moves and firm culture.
✅ The demand for experienced private client and family lawyers remains strong, with firms willing to offer competitive packages to secure top talent.
If you’re considering a career move in 2025 or looking to hire within these practice areas, understanding the current market is essential.
Are these salaries in line with your expectations? Let’s start a conversation
