If you’re aiming to become a solicitor at a top firm like Pinsent Masons or Eversheds, it’s likely you’re wondering about salary expectations. As a newly qualified (NQ) solicitor, your salary will vary depending on the firm, location, and the area of law you specialise in. In this blog, we’ll explore the Pinsent Masons NQ salary and how it compares to other leading law firms, such as Eversheds.
The salary for a newly qualified solicitor at Pinsent Masons is competitive within the legal industry. In 2025, NQ solicitors at the firm are reported to earn a starting salary of around £85,000 in London. This is a generous figure that places Pinsent Masons among the top-paying law firms in the UK. Salaries in other locations, such as regional offices, may be slightly lower but still very attractive compared to the industry average.
Pinsent Masons’ salary for newly qualified solicitors is on par with some of the top law firms in the UK. For example, firms like Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, and Linklaters also offer salaries in the £85,000 to £100,000 range for NQs. While there may be small variations based on location and specific departments, Pinsent Masons remains highly competitive in attracting top talent.
When comparing salaries for newly qualified solicitors at top law firms, it’s essential to also consider firms like Eversheds. While Eversheds is a highly respected global law firm, their NQ salaries tend to be slightly lower than those at Pinsent Masons, particularly in regional offices. In London, an NQ solicitor at Eversheds can expect to earn approximately £70,000 to £75,000, which is still a solid figure in comparison to many other firms.
The Eversheds NQ salary is slightly lower than Pinsent Masons, but there are a few factors that can make Eversheds an attractive option for some candidates. Eversheds offers a global presence, opportunities for career growth, and a range of legal specialisms that might not be available at every firm. Additionally, the lower NQ salary at Eversheds is often offset by the firm’s culture, work-life balance, and other benefits.
The salary for a newly qualified solicitor can vary significantly depending on several key factors. Let’s take a closer look at what influences how much an NQ solicitor can expect to earn at firms like Pinsent Masons and Eversheds.
Location plays a huge role in determining the salary of an NQ solicitor. Firms based in London typically offer higher salaries due to the increased cost of living and the competitive legal market. For example, an NQ solicitor at Pinsent Masons in London earns more than one working in a regional office like Manchester or Leeds. This salary disparity is also seen at Eversheds, where London-based solicitors earn more than their regional counterparts.
The area of law you specialise in can also impact your salary. Some areas, such as corporate law, banking and finance, and intellectual property, tend to offer higher salaries than areas like family law or personal injury. At Pinsent Masons, NQ solicitors in areas such as corporate law and real estate can command salaries closer to the higher end of the scale, while those in other departments may see slightly lower starting salaries.
The reputation of a law firm also plays a role in determining the salaries it offers. Pinsent Masons and Eversheds are both highly regarded firms, but Pinsent Masons is often seen as one of the top firms in the UK in terms of pay. The firm has a strong presence in the corporate and commercial sectors, which typically attract higher pay. Eversheds, while respected, generally offers salaries that are competitive but not quite as high as those of some of the biggest City firms.
While the base salary at top law firms like Pinsent Masons and Eversheds can be very appealing, there are a few steps you can take to maximise your earning potential as an NQ solicitor.
As mentioned, some areas of law are more lucrative than others. If you’re looking to maximise your salary as an NQ solicitor, consider specialising in fields like corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, or banking and finance. These areas tend to offer the highest salaries and are in high demand at top firms like Pinsent Masons.
Having international experience can significantly boost your earning potential as a solicitor. Many top firms, including Pinsent Masons and Eversheds, operate on a global scale. If you have the chance to work abroad or handle cross-border transactions, this can make you a highly valuable asset to the firm, potentially leading to promotions and salary increases.
Solicitors who excel at business development, client relations, and bringing in new work for the firm tend to be well-rewarded. By demonstrating that you can generate business and contribute to the firm’s overall success, you’ll position yourself for salary increases and potential bonuses.
While Pinsent Masons and Eversheds are both excellent firms with strong reputations, they may not be the right fit for everyone. It’s essential to consider factors beyond salary, such as firm culture, work-life balance, and opportunities for career progression, when choosing where to start your legal career.
When choosing a law firm as an NQ solicitor, it’s important to weigh several factors, including:
While salary is undoubtedly important, these factors can significantly impact your job satisfaction and overall career trajectory.
The salary for a newly qualified solicitor at Pinsent Masons or Eversheds is certainly competitive and offers a solid starting point for your legal career. However, it’s essential to consider all aspects of the job, including specialisation, firm culture, and future opportunities. If you’re targeting the best-paid NQ solicitor roles in the UK, Pinsent Masons stands out with a higher starting salary, but Eversheds offers an equally attractive career path with its own unique benefits.
If you’re looking to take the next step in your legal career, it’s time to research firms carefully, weigh your options, and decide what’s most important to you—whether that’s salary, work-life balance, or career development.
