Linklaters returns to normal lockstep pay rises

Linklaters’ move to reinstate the normal lockstep of pay rises for associates, announced this week, may signal the end of the pay freeze in UK firms. Certainly, it reflects the growing confidence in the industry. While newly-qualified lawyers will earn £61,500, a one-year post-qualified experience (PQE) lawyer will earn £68,000 from May. Those with two years' PQE will earn £73,000, and those with three years’ PQE will earn £85,000. The firm also pays a performance-related bonus to top achievers. While Linklaters did not – unlike many firms – freeze pay in 2009, they reduced the levels of the pay bands, resulting in an effective pay rise of between 2% and 4%.

Linklaters returns to normal lockstep pay rises legalweek.com Wed, Mar 31, 2010