Solicitor Jobs in London
Despite the higher than average living costs, the lure of the bright lights, the big city and the abundance of prestigious law firms, makes London an appealing location for many when looking for solicitor jobs.
Solicitors and the Legal Profession in London
London is home to some of the world’s premier law firms and is known internationally as a major legal centre. Consequently, around 40% of lawyers in England and Wales work in London. Chadwick Nott provides specialist legal recruitment solutions to bring you the very best in-house and law firm solicitor jobs in London across any and all practice areas. Whether you are looking for a solicitor position within a US firm, magic circle law firm, a West End practice or a boutique law firm, Chadwick Nott are here to make the process simple and effective.
According to 2023 figures, the average base salary for solicitors in London is £62,644 . Salaries for our vacancies for solicitor jobs in London can be anywhere from £40,000 per annum to well in excess of £150,000. This vast salary range depends on factors such as your years of experience, the job position and the type of law firm you work for.
Solicitor jobs in London are most often with private practice law firms covering a wide range of sectors. Positions can be in banking and finance, corporate and commercial, property law, as a commercial or residential property solicitor, in family or employment law or as a private client solicitor.
Outside the Office
Many law firms are located in the City, South Bank and Canary Wharf areas of London. Each of these districts has a wide variety of stylish cafes, bars and restaurants as well as the typical London pub for lunchtime meetings or after work social events to wind down.
There are of course other firms in the West End close to London’s theatre district or in many of the popular London suburbs often surrounded by the famous London landmarks.
Getting around London
The availability and choice of public transport makes travel in London easy. Frequent bus, tube, DLR, tram and train services mean you can access all parts of the city for work or pleasure.
Living costs in London
While salaries for solicitors are likely to be higher in London, you can expect to face increased living costs. Average rents in central London are upwards of £2,000 a month for a one bedroom apartment and close to £4,000 for a typical family home . Annual council tax for a Band D home ranges from a surprisingly low rate of £1,000 up to £2,300, depending on the borough. Outside of the centre, a one bed apartment averages £1,500 and a three-bed house costing around £2,500.
Consequently, many people choose to live outside of London and make the daily commute. Travel costs are, therefore, another factor to consider when looking for solicitor jobs in London. In 2023, an annual travel card for zones 1-4 is £225 a month.
Things for solicitors to do in London
London has a rich legal history and in the City of London you can explore the historic sites of the Inns of Court, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Old Bailey. You can also take a walk along Chancery Lane, long associated with the history of the legal profession and home to the Law Society’s Hall. And that’s only the legal sights and landmarks! As our capital city, London is renowned worldwide for heritage and its cosmopolitan feel. London is also home to many famous museums, art galleries, and parks, such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, and Hyde Park. History buffs love London for its rich history and all things royal family.
There is so much choice when it comes to things to do, see, or enjoy in London since it’s such a big city. From restaurants to museums to shops to markets, there are so many of them that you’re always spoiled for choice.
Opportunities for solicitor jobs in London
Chadwick Nott has been recruiting solicitors for jobs in London and the surrounding area since 1992. We can place candidates in a range of roles for solicitors at all stages of their legal career. Positions we recruit for can include Private Equity Lawyer, Private Client Solicitor, Healthcare Advisory Lawyer, Residential or Commercial Property Solicitor, Litigation Lawyer, Senior Legal Counsel and Head of Legal. With over 200 years of combined experience our recruiters have built strong relationships with law firms across the capital. Working in the legal profession and knowledge of the City as a recruiter, places them in the ideal position to provide advice and help guide you to find the best solicitor job to fit your career goals.
Contact our London office and a member of our team will be in touch.
References
- Pirical. 2019. The UK Legal Market in Numbers. [Online]. [26 June 2023]. Available from:
2. Glassdoor. 2023. Solicitor Salaries in London. [Online]. [26 June 2023]. Available from:
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/solicitor-salary-SRCH_IM1035_KO0,9.htm? clickSource=searchBtn
3. Numbeo. 2023. Cost of Living in London. [Online]. [26 June 2023]. Available from:
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/London
