Technically there is no official minimum salary for trainee lawyers, however The Law Society recommends a minimum of £22,541 for those training in London and £19,992 for trainees elsewhere in the country.

In reality, trainee lawyer salaries vary across the UK and your location is one of the biggest factors affecting what you'll earn.

Firms in London often pay trainees above and beyond the recommended minimum. For example, the Magic Circle - comprised of London's five most prestigious law firms - currently offer first year trainees salaries in the region of £45,000 to £48,000. Once trainees reach their second year salaries rise to between £51,000 and £54,000. 

However, it's the USA-based firms (usually found in London) that pay the most impressive wages. For example, Kirkland & Ellis pay first-year trainee solicitors £50,000, while White & Case offer a salary of £48,000. These figures rise to £55,000 and £53,000 respectively in the second year.

While firms outside the capital tend to pay less, their pay packets are not to be dismissed. First-year trainee salaries in regional law firms range from £20,000 to £39,000. High street firms typically offer training salaries of £22,000 to £30,000.

Trainee salaries in Scotland are typically lower than the rest of the UK - the Law Society of Scotland’s recommended rate is £19,500 for first-year trainees and £22,500 in the second year. To find out more, see solicitor, Scotland.

Trainee solicitors are expected to work long and tiring hours and, at the start of your training contract, client contact will be minimal and the majority of your tasks will be administrative. Qualifying as a solicitor is a long process and the training contract is the final hurdle. As such, many trainees, especially those at City or Magic Circle firms, are rewarded with high salaries. Read more about the reality of working in law.