Shoosmiths raises London NQ pay to £105k, flags salary bunching

Shoosmiths has increased NQ salaries in London to £105,000, with the pay rise taking effect from November.

The firm’s updated bonus scheme means lawyers can now earn up to 19% of their salary through firmwide and individual performance-related awards. That includes a standard chargeable hours target of 1,350 - described by the firm as one of the most achievable in the market - with bonuses accruing from 1,485 hours.

In June, Shoosmiths announced firmwide 5% bonuses after partner profits exceeded the £1 million mark for the first time. The bonus pool worked out at a total investment of £3.5 million.

The move comes amid continued junior pay hikes, particularly in London, with firms under pressure to retain early-career lawyers without triggering pay bunching further up the ladder - an issue Shoosmiths directly acknowledged in its announcement.

What they said

The firm said: "We know the recent rise in NQ salaries has had a knock-on effect at other levels, creating understandable concerns around pay compression. These dynamics are being felt across the market, and we remain committed to providing competitive salaries at all levels across the firm."

"While base salaries at NQ level have increased in response to market pressure, our bonus scheme provides meaningful additional earning potential, particularly for more experienced lawyers."