AI generated picture. Some junior lawyers at top City firms work on average 12-hour days.

The salaries of junior lawyers is a topic that sparks headlines, adding even bigger sparks to debates over 20-something-year-olds pocketing hefty wage packages. However, considering the hours they work and what is expected of them, the money is earned.

US firms, many of which now dominate London, not only compete over lawyer rates but also create a pay war for junior lawyers. For years, the battle over who is increasing their newly qualified (NQ) salaries has dominated news cycles, as some City firms have increased the starting package to over £150,000.

The top ‘starting’ salary in the City currently stands at £180,000, following the increase in NQ pay by US firms Gibson Dunn and Quinn Emanuel la

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