Thornton Legal has released the 2025 Liverpool & Merseyside Legal Salary Guide, offering one of the clearest snapshots yet of what solicitors are earning across the region.
Whether you’re climbing the ranks as a lawyer or setting pay for your firm, this guide provides real-world data, insight, and foresight on where the legal market is heading locally.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- NQ salaries: From around £42k at smaller firms, up to £65k in high-end practice areas such as banking and real estate.
- 2–4 PQE: Typical earnings between £50–72k, depending on specialism.
- 4–6 PQE: Most core areas fall around £54–75k, with banking reaching £80k.
- 6–8 PQE: Salaries typically £58–85k, with top banking roles pushing toward £90k.
- 8+ PQE / Senior Associates / Legal Directors: Generally £80–110k, with corporate, banking and construction roles stretching to £120–125k.
What’s Driving the Shifts in Liverpool & Merseyside
The 2–5 PQE window is the hottest part of the market. Demand is high and talent is scarce, meaning firms are making stronger offers to attract and retain.
NQ pay continues to edge upward, but firms are careful not to over-inflate starting salaries. Senior roles are more stable, with pay rises usually linked to strategic hires or firm growth.
Perhaps most notably, candidates now weigh culture, flexibility, career progression and work-life balance just as much as salary.
Thornton Legal’s Perspective
Nick Tappin, Director at Thornton Legal, comments:
“Firms in Liverpool are starting to understand that offering flexibility, career progression and genuine work-life balance can be just as powerful as headline salary figures. We’re seeing more candidates prioritise culture and development opportunities over a marginal increase in basic pay.”
Why This Matters
For legal professionals, the guide offers a valuable way to benchmark pay across PQE levels and practice areas. For firms, it is a practical tool to test remuneration structures — especially in the mid-PQE bands where competition for talent is toughest.
Download the full guide here → Liverpool & Merseyside Legal Salary Guide 2025 (PDF)
For a confidential discussion about the numbers or to explore your firms recruitment strategy, please get in touch:
Contact:
07525 660386
nick@thorntonlegal.co.uk