In our Careers Clinic, we answer your most pressing legal career questions.
This month, Senior Consultant and family law careers specialist Amanda Bower, tackles a common concern: “How can I compare my salary and benefits with others in my practice area and ensure I’m being paid what I’m worth?”
“I’ve been at my firm for four years, and during that time, I’ve had regular salary increases, but they’ve been fairly small. I’ve never had a reason to question my pay, but recently, I’ve started wondering if I’m being compensated fairly compared to others in my practice area.
My benefits seem competitive—decent pension contributions, a good holiday allowance, and some flexible working—but I’m not 100% sure how they compare to what other firms offer. I don’t want to have an awkward conversation with colleagues, but I also don’t want to be underpaid without realising it. How can I find out where I stand?”
This is a really common situation! Many lawyers assume their salary and benefits are in line with the market but don’t have a clear benchmark to compare against. Salary transparency in law firms isn’t always straightforward, but there are ways to check if you’re being paid what you’re worth—without awkward conversations with colleagues. Here’s how to do it.
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Use Industry Salary Reports
One of the best ways to compare your salary is by using a comprehensive salary guide that breaks down pay levels by PQE, location, and practice area. We’re currently in the process of collecting the data for our 2025 Salary Guides. When they’re released next month, the guides will provide up-to-date salary data from lawyers across the UK, helping you see where you stand compared to your peers.
Why not take the survey yourself ahead of their release? You’ll be entered into a £200 prize draw and will help to make sure our data is as valuable as it can be, so we can support lawyers like you.
In the meantime, our 2024 Salary Guides will give you an indication of how your salary and benefits stack up with the rest of the market.
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Consider More Than Just Base Salary
Your total package isn’t just about your basic salary—it’s also about benefits, bonuses, and flexibility. When comparing your pay, consider:
- Bonus structures (performance-related, discretionary, billable hours targets)
- Flexible or hybrid working arrangements
- Pension contributions
- Annual leave entitlement
- Private healthcare, gym memberships, or other perks
A slightly lower base salary at a firm that offers strong benefits and better work-life balance might be more valuable to you than a higher salary with fewer perks.
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Speak to a Legal Recruiter
Specialist recruiters, like our team at Realm, have real-time insights into the legal job market and can tell you if your pay aligns with market trends. Even if you’re not actively looking to move, a conversation with a member of our team can give you a clearer understanding of what firms are offering lawyers with your level of experience.
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Keep an Eye on Job Listings
Many job adverts include salary bands, which can give you an idea of what firms are offering for roles similar to yours. If salaries being advertised for your practice area and PQE level are significantly higher than what you’re earning, it might be time to negotiate a pay rise or explore new opportunities.
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Know When to Negotiate
If your research shows you’re underpaid, it could be time to discuss a pay rise with your employer. Before approaching the conversation, gather evidence of your contributions, recent successes, and how your salary compares to market rates.
Find Out Where You Stand
Not sure if you’re being paid what you’re worth? Download our Salary Guide to compare salaries across the legal sector and see how your firm stacks up.
If you want personalised advice on your career prospects or salary expectations, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help you get the recognition and rewards you deserve.
