There are typically two qualifying windows for lawyers in the UK, the main one is in September with the other less subscribed window falling in March. As the majority of law firms tend to plan their NQ recruitment around the September window, this often leaves those qualifying in March feeling nervous when it comes to securing a NQ role.
This guide is aimed at assisting those qualifying in March and share with them an overview of the regional legal recruitment market and answer common questions.
How much can I expect to earn?
- International firm: £60,000 - £96,000
- Regional firm: £53,000 - £60,000
- Boutique firm: £50,000 - £60,000
- In house: £50,000 - £65,000
Whilst salary isn’t the be all and end all, especially at this point in your career, in the current economic climate we are living in – it is understandable that this will play a significant role in your decision. Word to the wise, with a greater salary also comes greater expectation! Typically, you’ll find your chargeable hours target is higher than that of your counterparts earning less money.
Which sectors are most in demand?
- Construction
- Banking
- Commercial Litigation
- Pensions
The majority of instructions we are receiving, especially on the junior end, are in these sectors. This isn’t to say there aren’t opportunities available in other areas of law, but they are certainly likely to be over-subscribed and very competitive.
Practice or In-House?
There isn’t a right or wrong answer, but in my experience, Private Practice is the safer option. The variety and exposure you’ll gain in Private Practice early on in your career compared to In-House, will help you become a more rounded and confident lawyer. It is easier for a 4PQE Practice lawyer to move In-House, than it is for a 4PQE In-House lawyer to move back into Practice.
Which practice area should I qualify into?
Whilst sector demand will certainly play into this, it is important that you try and secure a role in your preferred area of law, as it will prove really difficult to change practice area a year or two down the line.
Here are some key points to think about:
- What is most important to you? If you value consistency over long hours, a steadier discipline might offer a better work/life balance.
- What are your long-term aspirations? Think about whether you want to become a Partner in the future or whether you’d prefer to move in-house. Areas like private wealth, litigation and corporate will be less conducive to a move in house, whereas commercial, real estate and construction would be beneficial.
- How quickly do you want to get promoted? Qualifying into a field with a dearth of talent ensures ample opportunity and quicker career progression.
- How much do you want to earn? Disciplines such as Corporate, Commercial, Real Estate, Construction and Employment (Business Services) will pay better than areas such as Private Client, Family, Conveyancing (Personal Services).
Should I limit my CV to two pages?
Absolutely not! I can’t stress enough the importance of including as much detail as possible, highlighting the experience you’ve acquired in each of your seats, as well any paralegal experience you’ve had. This isn’t to say your CV should be five or six pages long, but certainly the two-page rule we were all given by careers advisers in school can safely be disregarded!
Should I partner with an Agency?
Having operated in the regional market for almost a decade and dealt with NQs every year, I would strongly advise securing the services of one specialist recruiter, who has a proven track within your market.
Here at Chadwick Nott, as specialist legal recruiters, we can provide insights into market conditions, salaries, chargeable hours targets, cultures, hybrid working policies.
If you are a March 2025 qualifier and might benefit from having a chat, do get in touch with Luqmaan Ayaz at Chadwick Nott:
(M) 07733 270 275
(E) LuqmaanAyaz@ChadwickNott.co.uk
