Rises for trainees too
Ropes & Gray has bumped up its newly qualified (NQ) solicitor salaries in London to £170,000, a rise of just over 3% on the previous rate of £165,000.
The increase, which took effect on 1 January 2026, puts the US firm firmly among the very top payers in the London market, comfortably ahead of the Magic Circle (all currently £150k) and well above the rates on offer at most UK-headquartered firms.
The Legal Cheek Firms Most List 2026 shows the pay uplift puts Ropes’ NQs on same salary level as their peers Weil and Willkie.
Trainee salaries are also getting a lift. From 1 September, first year trainees will earn £62,000, up from £60,000, while second years will see their pay rise from £65,000 to £67,000.
London managing partner Rohan Massey said:
“Our commitment to attracting and retaining the brightest legal talent is reflected in this salary increase. We are proud of our training programme and the exceptional work our trainees and newly qualified solicitors deliver for our clients.”
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