American law firms operating in London have increasingly outpaced their English counterparts in attracting newly qualified lawyers, driven largely by higher salaries and shifting trainee preferences, according to recent research.
A report published this month by Chambers, known for its annual legal directories, highlights a widening pay gap between US firms and the “magic circle” of elite English law practices. The average salary difference for newly qualified lawyers now stands at approximately £18,000 in favour of American firms. Despite the longstanding reputation for demanding hours at US firms, trainees at the UK’s top English firms reportedly work longer weeks—averaging 53 hours compared to 49 hours at American law offices in the City of London.
The survey encompassed over 1,000 trainee solicitors across 86 of the largest UK law firms. It revealed that US firms are gaining ground in popularity among graduate recruits, with three American firms—Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and Paul, Weiss—ranking among the five most sought-after employers. Kirkland & Ellis, founded in Chicago, currently leads the trainee preference league, while Latham & Watkins, based in Los Angeles, ranks third. Notably, four years ago these firms barely entered the top 20.
Among English firms, HSF Kramer, a hybrid Anglo-Australian-American practice, was placed second. Addleshaw Goddard took third place, while Bird & Bird and Burgess Salmon shared fifth place alongside Paul, Weiss, which recently launched its London training contract program.
When asked about their priorities in choosing employers, 76 percent of trainees cited business “culture” as a crucial factor, with another 70 percent emphasizing “reputation and prestige.” However, market analysts suggest compensation remains the dominant motivator, given the steep increases in post-qualification salaries offered by US firms.
Data from Legal Cheek, which tracks City law firm pay scales, shows that 27 US-based firms offer higher salaries to qualified solicitors than the English magic circle. Quinn Emanuel, headquartered in Los Angeles, ranks highest with starting salaries of approximately £189,000 for newly qualified lawyers in London. Other top-paying US firms include New York-based Sullivan & Cromwell at £181,000, closely followed by Davis Polk, Gibson Dunn, Willkie Farr, and Paul, Weiss, each offering around £180,000. In contrast, the leading English firms have starting salaries closer to £150,000.
On average, salaries at US law firms in London are £168,000, significantly above the average salaries at City and English national firms, which stand at roughly £109,600 and £109,000 respectively.
Cait Evans, head of research at Chambers, commented that US firms are “disrupting the traditional hierarchy among the most prestigious legal employers in the UK,” signaling a notable shift in the recruitment landscape for new legal professionals.