Written By Billy Sexton, Editor, AllAboutLaw.co.uk

Trainee Minimum Wage To Return?

Written By Billy Sexton, Editor, AllAboutLaw.co.uk

The Law Society is having a think about introducing a minimum salary for trainee solicitors.

The Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA) abolished the minimum wage of £18,590 (in central London) and £16,650 (outside of London), meaning employers are only required to pay the National Minimum Wage. Of course, many firms pay a bit more wonga than this.

However, The Law Society is consulting firms, lawyers and students about introducing a new figure, and the best way to calculate it. They’re toying with the idea to have the minimum recommended salary to be £19,821 (in central London) and £17,455 (outside of London), based on a 35 hour week being paid at the hourly Living Wage (£9.15 in London, £7.85 outside) and taking into account an average yearly LPC repayment of £3,168.

Max Harris, chair of the Junior Lawyers Division, said a recommended minimum salary, “If implemented, it will help guide firms when reviewing salaries for trainees solicitors. Firms will be able to advertise compliance with this recommendation, therefore inviting applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. It will be useful for both firms and trainee solicitors.”

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