The End of Traditional Salary Banding – What Lawyers Need to Know in 2025

Legal salaries are changing rapidly across the UK, particularly in London, Manchester, and Liverpool. The old model of strict PQE-based pay scales is being replaced by merit-driven, market-responsive structures that reward expertise, soft skills, sector knowledge and overall impact.

For legal professionals, demonstrating commercial awareness and the tangible value you bring is now more important than ever. Firms are responding to candidate expectations for flexibility, career development, and meaningful work—offering diverse packages to attract and retain top talent. In growing specialisms like tech, employment, and regulatory law, salaries are rising fastest, while support roles and early-career positions, though in strong demand, still require candidates to demonstrate adaptability and continuous learning.

Goldfinch & Partners is at the forefront of these market changes, providing clients and candidates with real-time salary data, benchmarking, and guidance to ensure fair, competitive, and future-proof hiring decisions.