Pinsent Masons hikes Scottish NQ salaries

The London-led bidding war around the salaries of junior lawyers has hit Scotland more directly, with the announcement today by Pinsent Masons that it is to raise salaries for its newly qualified lawyers in Scotland by 35.5% from £45,000 to £61,000.

The new salary levels will take effect from September. At the same time its London NQ rates will jump by 22.6% from £75,000 to £92,000.

Competition for talent in London has seen leading firms offer salaries well above £100,000 even for newly qualified lawyers, with figures of £125,000 and now even £150,000 being reported.

Pinsent Masons, which has offices internationally, employs more than 500 staff in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Last year it offered 15 NQ lawyers positions based in Scotland.

A spokesperson for the firm said: "We recognise the importance of remaining competitive to attract and retain talent, of which remuneration is a factor.

"As a purpose-led professional services firm our focus remains on creating an environment that presents opportunities for development, champions innovation and promotes wellbeing for our next generation of lawyers."

This month's Journal, published today, leads with a feature on the current pressures on firms trying to recruit in Scotland.