The Golden Handcuffs Paradox: When Partnership Dreams Become Nightmare Reality Here’s a subversive thought that’s been bubbling up in law firm corridors and anonymous message boards: what if the brass ring we’re all reaching for is actually fool’s gold? A recent Fishbowl discussion has lawyers questioning whether the partnership track is really the yellow brick […]
How Top Law Firms Really Choose Their Graduates (And What They’re Paying for Them) Top law firms are shifting away from traditional grades-focused hiring. Instead, they’re quietly testing soft skills—like how grads treat receptionists and whether they can hold a decent conversation at a cocktail event. EQ is the new IQ in legal hiring. Every
Artificial intelligence may be rewriting the rulebook for lawyering—but it’s not rewriting what makes a lawyer indispensable. So says Kate Barton, global CEO of Dentons and leader of the world’s largest law firm, in a compelling Fortune piece that urges lawyers to double down not on data—but on emotional intelligence (EQ). Forget chatbots and contract
Lawyers, AI, and the One Skill Tech Can’t Replace Read More »
A Snapshot of the UK Legal Market – What Young Lawyers Need to Know John Bowie, LawFuel Publisher For younger lawyers in the UK—or those from fellow common law jurisdictions like Australia and New Zealand eyeing the British legal market—the current landscape is a mix of opportunity, upheaval, and old-school prestige still clinging on for
UK Law Jobs 2025: £180,000 NQ Salaries & Career Opportunities for Lawyers Read More »
The battle for top legal talent in the UK is really heating up, and firms are putting their money where their mouth is—especially when it comes to newly qualified (NQ) lawyers.
CMS, DLA Piper, and Ashurst have all just bumped up their NQ salaries.
CMS has raised its London NQ salary to £120k, up from £110k, which means they’re now on par with Simmons & Simmons and Travers Smith. And it’s not just London: their NQs in Bristol are now getting £76,500 (up from £70k), while those in Manchester, Sheffield, and Liverpool are up to £68k (from £62k), and in Scotland it’s £68k too (from £60k). That’s a pretty sweet bump across the board!
DLA Piper NQs are now looking at £130k, which is a hefty 18 percent year-on-year increase with increases at a lower level in the NQs in the other UK offices.
How UK Lawyer Pay Rates Are Reshaping the Legal Job Market Read More »
Article: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld, Attorneys Mastering complex litigation is a game-changer for legal professionals. Image Source: Unsplash It’s not just about resolving disputes. It’s navigating high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional cases where every decision can ripple across industries. The demand for attorneys skilled in securities fraud, antitrust class actions, and other intricate fields continues to rise. Firms
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The Law Firm Hiring Slowdown Norma Harris, LawFuel contributor Firms keep hiring lawyers, but they’ve hit the brakes lately. Why? There are just too many gears turning: low demand in some areas, rising costs, tech investments—and economic uncertainties. They’re no longer in full-throttle mode, waiting to see how the chips fall. Sometimes, it feels like
Sonia Hickey Origination credits play a significant role in determining an attorney’s overall compensation. These credits, which recognize the value of bringing new clients or matters to a firm, can directly influence salary negotiations and long-term financial growth. Attorney recruitment firms have developed effective strategies to use these as leverage, ensuring candidates secure the most
How Attorney Recruitment Firms Use Origination Credits to Maximize Your Salary Read More »
Jacqui Coombe, LawFuel contributor A law degree has always been considered a gateway to a prestigious legal career. The first idea for a job that comes to mind has a lot to do with the courtroom, right? But law degree jobs extend far beyond it. Many graduates pursue traditional roles like solicitor or barrister. However,
Law school presents a dual challenge. Students must excel in class while gaining practical experience. This split focus feels overwhelming but is necessary. Success in law depends on both strong academics and real-world knowledge. Courses require long hours of reading and analysis. At the same time, internships and clerkships demand professional focus. Surveys show how
Balancing Academic Responsibilities and Practical Experience in Law School Read More »
