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NQ Solicitor Jobs
FIND YOUR NEXT LEGAL ROLE TODAY
NQ SOLICITOR JOBS.
Ordinarily it takes at least six years to qualify as a solicitor, if you have studied law full time, and once you have acquired qualified status, there is often a decision to be made about the next step in your legal career. While there may be the opportunity to be retained at the firm where you trained, many newly qualified solicitors will find this as a good time to look for their next move. The size of the firm where you trained may be too small or too big for your own aspirations, or perhaps the range of areas of law the firm specialises in doesn’t match your needs. To find the perfect NQ solicitor jobs for you, get in touch with Origin Legal to be the first to hear the best opportunities for your career.
Not all of our jobs are advertised on our website. We get new jobs on a daily basis and we would be delighted to talk to you in more depth, please pick up the phone or email us.
Experts in sourcing your dream newly qualified solicitors jobs in top firms.
Origin Legal has been placing exceptional candidates in some of the most enticing newly qualified solicitor jobs across the UK, giving them great opportunities for their chosen path. Whether your next move is finding a larger law firm to give you space to grow or whether there is a niche area of law that excites you and you are determined to follow that passion, Origin Legal’s expert recruiters have a wide network of contacts across a varied range of law firms to find you your dream position. Across the UK, top law firms rely on Origin Legal to find the best NQ solicitors looking for the springboard to a successful career. Contact Origin Legal to get yourself on the path to the future career you seek.
Here you’ll find clear answers to the questions we’re asked most. If you don’t see what you need, we’re happy to help.
Are there many opportunities for newly qualified solicitors?
Yes, the number of solicitors in the UK is increasing although some areas are hard for NQ solicitors to get into including Corporate and Banking and Finance. Certain specialisms such as Private Client (particularly trusts and cross-border tax) are seeing strong demand, however. There are also opportunities in infrastructure, regeneration and housebuilding projects as the government is eager to progress these areas.
How much can I expect to be paid as an NQ solicitor?
There continues to be an aggressive pay race for NQ solicitors especially within the top-tier regional firms. Some regional NQ salaries have moved to the mid to late £70,000s. Mid-tier firms are also pushing up pay to retain and attract talent. However, not every law firm is doing this – some firms are freezing NQ pay to prevent the levels getting too close to more senior salaries so it is worth looking around for the best opportunities.
Are there opportunities for NQ solicitors to work in-house?
Yes, opportunities to work in-house legal teams are growing, especially in the areas of compliance, Environmental, Social and Governance, data protection, Internet Protocol and regulatory risk. Moving in-house might also offer more predictable hours, more business-focused work and possibly a different career trajectory than private practice.
Is London still the place to be for NQ solicitors?
Of course, London is central in the legal world but there is a trend for NQ solicitors looking to work regionally with more candidates choosing to leave the City and find roles across the UK. Cities such as Manchester and Leeds are showing recruitment demand. Regional firms can also offer great NQ opportunities with lower cost of living and potentially less competition than “City-only” roles.
How is the role of a NQ solicitor changing?
It is evolving, as always. There’s a current trend towards fixed-fee billing rather than purely hourly billing. For NQ solicitors, this could mean less timekeeping pressure (or different kinds of pressure) and potentially a need for different business development or efficiency skills.
Will the introduction of AI influence the work I do as a newly qualified solicitor?
AI and legal tech are becoming more embedded in law firms’ operations. The Law Society highlights increasing adoption of AI for document drafting and contract analysis. This may change the nature of junior work in so far as more routine tasks could be automated, meaning newly qualified solicitors may be able to focus on higher-value, judgment-based work.
As a NQ solicitor, can I get a job working offshore?
There are opportunities…but not everywhere. For NQs with aspirations to work offshore, Jersey and Guernsey remain the leading jurisdictions. Elsewhere offshore, such as the British Virgin Islands, most firms having a strong preference for lawyers with at least a year or two of PQE under their belt. The Cayman Islands and Bermuda are both ruled out due to their PQE requirement of three and five years for work permits.
What top tips would you give a NQ solicitor?
There’s plenty and here’s a few. Be open to regional roles; don’t just focus on London. The North of England and other regions are likely to offer strong NQ hiring opportunities.
Also target growth practice areas. Consider specialisms like private client, planning, ESG/regulatory or disputes rather than just “classic” corporate. We would encourage you to learn how to work with AI tools, document automation or data analytics. This could make you more attractive to firms.
Take a moment to ask yourself: What is my preferred area of law? What type of law firm do I want to be at? What are my long-term career aspirations? These questions are important in the choices you are making.
