Solicitors


As of July 2010, there were around 150,000 on the solicitors’ roll.


Barristers


As of December 2010, there were over 12,400 self-employed barristers.


Women make up over 45% of the Women make up around 50% of profession. However, fewer women than men will reach partner level -


21.5% compared to 41.9% of male solicitors in private practice.


Mostly employed in private law firms, so receive a regular monthly salary.


Office-based.


Engage more in ongoing advisory and one-to-one client work.


Aspire to become partner - part ownership of firm and entitlement to a percentage of its profits.


The Solicitors Regulation Authority sets the minimum annual salary for trainees; in 2011-12 it was £18,590 (London) and £16,650 (outside London). Many firms pay


considerably more - a first-year


trainee at a large City firm could earn around £37,000, rising to £65,000 on qualification.


Mostly self-employed, so receive irregular (but often substantial) fees.


Have to pay to be a member of chambers.


Chambers and court-based.


Engage more in one-off advocacy (ie, court) cases.


Aspire to Queen’s Counsel (QC) - a top barrister, normally instructed in very serious and complex cases.


The Bar Standards Board requires that all pupils be paid no less than £12,000 per annum (as of September 2011). Many earn much more - upwards of £40,000 in some cases.


those taking pupillage and around 33% of those called to the Bar.


Further reading


Solicitors – www.lawcareers.net/solicitors see sections under “Read about”


Barristers – www.lawcareers.net/barristers see sections under “Read about” ILEX – www.lawcareers.net/solicitors/ILEX


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