NQ salaries continue to vary significantly across London’s private practice market. While headline figures attract attention, they rarely provide a complete picture of an opportunity.

US, Magic Circle, leading UK, international and specialist firms operate different business and remuneration models. Two firms offering similar starting salaries may therefore provide very different working environments, bonus arrangements and routes for progression.

When comparing opportunities, consider the salary alongside billing expectations, working patterns, responsibility, supervision, client exposure and the quality of work available. Practice area and previous experience will also affect which firms and salary comparisons are most relevant to you.

It is equally important to look beyond the initial NQ figure. Associate salary progression can differ considerably as lawyers gain experience, particularly between the highest-paying US firms and the broader City market. Understanding that longer-term trajectory can provide a more useful comparison than starting salary alone.

Rutherford’s Newly Qualified Guide for Lawyers 2026 contains indicative salary benchmarks from NQ through to more than six years’ PQE across five segments of the London private practice market.