If you’re considering a career as a solicitor at top law firms such as Farrer and Co or DWF, understanding salary expectations is crucial. As a newly qualified (NQ) solicitor, your salary will vary depending on the firm you join, your specialisation, and your location. In this blog, we’ll dive into the salary structure for NQ solicitors at Farrer and Co and DWF, providing you with valuable insights into what you can expect at these leading firms.
Farrer and Co is a prestigious law firm, renowned for its high-quality legal services. The salary for a newly qualified solicitor at Farrer and Co reflects the firm's reputation and the competitive legal market in London. In 2025, an NQ solicitor at Farrer and Co can expect to earn around £80,000 per annum. This salary places Farrer and Co in the mid-to-high range when compared to other top UK law firms.
When comparing the Farrer and Co NQ salary with other leading firms, such as Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy, Farrer and Co's salary is competitive, although slightly lower than the very top-paying City firms. For example, top-tier firms in the City of London offer NQ salaries in the £85,000–£100,000 range, while Farrer and Co offers a more modest yet still lucrative starting salary of £80,000. However, Farrer and Co’s salary is reflective of its more niche focus and boutique status in the legal market.
Now let’s look at the salary expectations for newly qualified solicitors at DWF, a large, international law firm that’s known for its expertise in insurance, real estate, and commercial law. An NQ solicitor at DWF can expect a salary of around £60,000 in London. This is a competitive starting salary, particularly for a firm that offers a wide range of legal services and has a significant global presence.
The DWF NQ salary is lower than Farrer and Co’s, but it’s important to remember that salaries can vary significantly depending on the firm’s structure, client base, and market position. DWF focuses more on sectors like insurance and real estate, which generally offer slightly lower salaries compared to areas like corporate law, where Farrer and Co has a stronger presence. Therefore, while Farrer and Co offers a higher salary for its NQs, DWF compensates with broader international opportunities and a different set of legal challenges.
Several factors impact the salary for newly qualified solicitors, including firm size, location, area of law, and specialisation. Let’s take a closer look at these factors to better understand the salary disparities between firms like Farrer and Co and DWF.
Large international firms like DWF often offer slightly lower salaries for NQs compared to more specialised, boutique firms like Farrer and Co. While both firms are well-respected, larger firms tend to have more rigid salary structures and may place a heavier focus on volume work. Conversely, smaller firms like Farrer and Co can offer more personalised work, but they often have a more flexible pay structure.
The area of law you choose to specialise in can also have a significant impact on your salary. In general, corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and finance law tend to offer higher salaries than areas such as litigation, insurance, and real estate. For example, NQ solicitors at Farrer and Co who specialise in corporate or private client law may expect a higher starting salary than those at DWF working in insurance or real estate law.
Location plays a crucial role in determining salary expectations. Solicitors based in London tend to earn higher salaries than their regional counterparts due to the higher cost of living in the capital. Both Farrer and Co and DWF offer competitive salaries in London, but salaries at their regional offices may be lower. This is an important consideration if you're willing to relocate for your first legal role as an NQ solicitor.
As an aspiring solicitor, you may be curious about which areas of law offer the highest salaries. Generally, solicitors specialising in corporate law, banking and finance, and intellectual property tend to earn the most. These areas often require a high level of expertise and are in demand in large law firms like Farrer and Co and DWF. However, the area of law that offers the highest salary can also depend on the firm’s client base and market demand.
Corporate law is one of the most lucrative areas for newly qualified solicitors. Farrer and Co, with its strong presence in the corporate sector, offers its NQ solicitors a competitive salary, particularly in the areas of mergers and acquisitions and private equity. Firms that focus on corporate law tend to offer higher salaries to attract top talent.
Banking and finance law is another high-paying field, with solicitors specialising in these areas often earning top salaries. Although DWF has a strong presence in real estate and insurance, Farrer and Co’s strength in corporate law means that its NQ solicitors working in banking and finance may earn more.
While salary is important, there are several steps you can take to maximise your earning potential as a newly qualified solicitor. Below are a few tips that can help you increase your chances of earning a higher salary in your legal career.
As mentioned earlier, certain areas of law offer higher salaries than others. By choosing to specialise in a high-demand field like corporate law or banking and finance, you can position yourself for a more lucrative career. Consider tailoring your training contract to these areas to maximise your future earning potential.
International experience is highly valued in the legal sector. Firms like Farrer and Co and DWF offer opportunities for solicitors to work on international matters. Having global exposure can increase your earning potential, as firms are more likely to reward professional solicitors who can manage cross-border transactions and complex international cases.
Solicitors who contribute to business development, client management, and bringing in new work for the firm are often rewarded with higher salaries and bonuses. By building strong client relationships and demonstrating your value to the firm, you can increase your chances of salary progression and promotions.
Both Farrer and Co and DWF offer competitive NQ salaries, but the best choice for you will depend on your career aspirations, specialisation, and personal preferences. If you’re looking for a slightly higher salary and are interested in corporate law, Farrer and Co might be the better fit. However, if you’re seeking international exposure and a broad range of legal services, DWF could be the right choice.
Ultimately, whether you choose Farrer and Co or DWF, remember that salary is only one aspect of your career. Consider the firm’s culture, growth opportunities, and the type of legal work you want to do. By taking the time to research firms and understand your priorities, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about your future as an NQ solicitor.
