Accurate commentary for salary reviews, recruitment of staff, and retention of key talent is now absolutely essential. Published in March 2026, we have created our most comprehensive and up-to-date guide on pay and reward in the Northern Ireland marketplace.
The tables below provide guidance on basic salary levels for a range of positions. No consideration of benefits, bonuses, or other emoluments is included in these ranges. The information has been summarised by the Legal Recruitment team at Abacus Careers and is based upon salary information provided by candidates in-post throughout 2025 and in 2026.
These tables offer a generic overview of the NI Legal sector. Variances and exceptions will occur due to (i) size of companies, (ii) regional differences (e.g. outside of Belfast) and also (iii) between practice areas e.g. corporate, real estate, litigation, employment, IP, family, etc.
Just scroll left and right to view salary tables for the following sections Qualified Solicitors, In-House and Non-Qualified Support.
Law
| Qualified Solictors | Salary | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level of Post Qualified Experience (PQE) | Average | Low | High |
| Newly Qualified Solicitor | £38,000 | £34,000 | £42,000 |
| PQE 1 Year | £40,000 | £35,000 | £45,000 |
| PQE 2 Years | £42,000 | £37,000 | £47,000 |
| PQE 3 Years | £45,000 | £40,000 | £50,000 |
| PQE 4 Years | £48,000 | £44,000 | £55,000 |
| PQE 5 Years | £55,000 | £50,000 | £60,000 |
| Associate (5-8 Years) | £65,000 | £60,000 | £75,000 |
| Snr Associate (6-9 Years) | £70,000 | £60,000 | £85,000 |
| Salaried Partner / Legal Director | £90,000 | £80,000+ | £140,000+ |
| Equity Partner – contact our team for specific advice. | £TBC | £TBC | £TBC |
For further advice or perspective on the information provided please contact one of the Legal Recruitment team who will be glad to assist.
Finally, please reference the range and role of benefits on offer when considering the issue of reward. Make sure to visit our associated page ‘Benefits & Total Reward’ which features an example of the financial impact benefits can make.