Northern Ireland Legal Market 2026: Salary & Working Trends
Whether you are considering your next career move or recruiting top talent, having a clear understanding of current salaries in Northern Ireland’s legal market is essential.
The figures below are based on live market data and reflect typical ranges across different roles. Salaries will vary depending on firm size, practice area, location, and level of responsibility, so this guide should be used as a reference rather than a fixed benchmark.
Solicitor Salary Insights
Typical Salary Bands
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Market Insight |
| Newly Qualified (NQ) | £33,000 – £38,000 | Entry-level solicitor roles; corporate and commercial roles sit at the top of this range, general practice lower. |
| 1–2 PQE | £36,000 – £46,000 | Early-career solicitors; corporate/commercial litigation and real estate roles in medium and large firms can reach the top end. |
| 3–4 PQE | £40,000 – £48,000 | Growing responsibility, client management, and case handling begin to influence salary. |
| 5–6 PQE | £48,000 – £56,000 | Mid-level experience; specialist experience can increase earning potential. |
| 7+ PQE | £58,000 – £68,000 | Senior solicitors; corporate, commercial, and commercial real estate roles tend to be at the higher end. |
| Salaried Partner | £65,000 – £85,000 | Non-equity roles; pay varies by firm size and structure. |
| Equity / Experienced Partner | £90,000 – £130,000+ | Dependent on equity share, firm performance, and practice area. |
Practice Area Impact
- Higher-paying areas: Corporate, commercial, commercial real estate, and commercial litigation
- Mid-range: Litigation and family law
- Lower end: Smaller general practice firms.
Working Patterns & Flexibility
Hybrid working is increasingly common across large and medium-sized corporate and commercial firms, and is also offered within commercial litigation and commercial real estate teams.
Smaller general practice firms, particularly residential conveyancing, tend to operate primarily on site.
Typical Benefits in NI Legal Firms:
- Pension contributions – usually 5–10% employer contribution.
- Annual leave – commonly 20-25 days, sometimes more for senior staff.
- Bonus schemes – performance-related, often in corporate/commercial teams.
- Professional subscriptions – Law Society fees often covered.
- CPD / training support – paid training, courses, or study leave.
- Hybrid / flexible working – especially in medium/large corporate and commercial teams.
- Healthcare / wellbeing – private health insurance, employee assistance programs.
- Other perks – season ticket loans, childcare vouchers, cycle-to-work schemes, social events.
- Joiner/relocation bonuses – some firms offer one-off payments to new solicitors as part of the recruitment package; more common in corporate/commercial teams.
Legal Support Salary Insights
Legal support professionals remain in demand, with salary levels influenced by experience, seniority, and type of firm.
Typical Salary Bands
| Role | Salary Range | Market Insight |
| Legal Executive | £30,000 – £36,000 | Senior support roles with significant responsibility; specialist knowledge can push salaries toward the top end. |
| Paralegal | £23,500 – £28,000 | Early to mid-level roles; litigation and commercial experience increases earning potential. |
| PA / Partner Legal Secretary | £28,000 – £36,000 | Supporting partners or senior teams; responsibility and firm type influence pay. |
| Junior Legal Secretary | £23,500 – £26,000 | Entry-level roles; progression can be rapid with experience. |
Support Market Insight
Legal support salaries continue to rise, especially for legal executives, paralegals, and PAs supporting senior fee earners. Candidates with strong organisational skills, specialist experience, and adaptability are highly sought after.
Key Takeaways
- Firm size and practice area matter. Corporate and commercial roles tend to pay more and often offer greater flexibility.
- Experience drives value. Salary progression is closely linked to responsibility and specialism for both solicitors and support staff.
- Hybrid working is common in medium and large firms, particularly in corporate, commercial, and litigation teams. Smaller practices remain primarily office-based.
- Market awareness is key. Understanding typical ranges helps both candidates and employers make informed decisions.
Thinking about your next move?
Whether you’re a solicitor or legal support professional, having insight into current salaries and market trends will help you make informed career decisions.
For tailored guidance on Northern Ireland salaries, opportunities, or market trends, Pathway – Specialists in Legal Recruitment is here to help.