Do solicitors get paid more than barristers?

Asked by: Desiree Spencer  |  Last update: August 20, 2022
Score: 4.5/5 (53 votes)

Practicing Barristers
Unlike solicitors, who are employed by firms or businesses, barristers remain self-employed throughout their career (unless they move to practice in-house) – therefore their salary is more dependent on the type of work and level of experience.

Is a barrister higher than a solicitor?

Barristers can be distinguished from a solicitor because they wear a wig and gown in court. They work at higher levels of court than solicitors and their main role is to act as advocates in legal hearings, which means they stand in court and plead the case on behalf of their clients in front of a judge.

Who Earns More barrister or solicitor UK?

Barristers tend to charge much more money per hour than solicitors; however, since they are self-employed, payday can be irregular. Nonetheless, barristers with their practice and more than three years of experience can expect to make anywhere between £50,000 and £200,000 annually.

How much does a UK barrister earn?

Qualified barristers in private practice with around five years' experience can earn anything from around £50,000 to £200,000. For those with over ten years' experience, earnings can range from £65,000 to £1,000,000.

What type of lawyer gets paid the most UK?

A simple rule of thumb is that corporate and commercial law fields pay well, personal service law fields pay not so well. Corporate and commercial solicitors can be earning £100k and upwards, personal service law fields (aka high street solicitors) earn up to around £50k in most cases.

Solicitor or Barrister: Which One Should You Choose? (Salary, Hours, Employers, Work Experience)

24 related questions found

Do solicitors make a lot of money?

The most lucrative job roles for solicitors tend to be those who have taken on a role as a partner in a firm. These people can earn over £100,000 including taking their share of the profits of that firm. However, partners can also be required to take cuts if the firm has not been profitable that financial year.

What is a barrister salary?

£40,000 - £90,000. General Civil. £20,000 - £50,000. £40,000 - £100,000. Chancery.

Are barristers rich?

Barristers in chambers do not have salaries; they are self employed. That means that they get paid for the work that they do, and if they are not working (for example, if they are on holiday) they do not get paid. So it is not the case that you will pick up a set monthly amount as a barrister.

What is the highest paid job in the UK?

According to Glassdoor salary data, the highest paying jobs in the UK are:
  • Chief Financial Officer.
  • Executive Director.
  • Chief Technology Officer.
  • Senior Leader.
  • Chief Operating Officer.
  • Chief Executive Officer.
  • Medical Manager.
  • Director.

What is the starting salary for a solicitor?

Starting/newly qualified salaries at Osborne Clarke LLP – £41,500–47,000 depending on location/£60,500–80,500 depending on location. Starting/newly qualified salaries at RPC – £40,000 (London), £35,000 (Bristol)/£70,000 (London), £49,000 (Bristol).

What can solicitors do that barristers can t?

A solicitor's job is primarily a desk job. Solicitors can become involved with a wider variety of cases than barristers can, including commercial contract drafting, estate planning and real property transactions, among other practice areas.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice area
  • Tax attorney (tax law): $122,000.
  • Corporate lawyer: $115,000.
  • Employment lawyer: $87,000.
  • Real Estate attorney: $86,000.
  • Divorce attorney: $84,000.
  • Immigration attorney: $84,000.
  • Estate attorney: $83,000.
  • Public Defender: $63,000.

What type of lawyer gets paid the most?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:
  • Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ...
  • Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ...
  • Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ...
  • Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ...
  • Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.

Is a barrister cheaper than a solicitor?

A barrister is usually the most cost-effective way of going through the legal system because they are paid by their work. A solicitor meanwhile will charge by the hour. When you pay a barrister, you are only paying for what you need, such as their expertise and time.

Can you be both a solicitor and a barrister?

Have you trained to become a solicitor and had a change of heart? Don't despair – solicitors can become barristers if this is the route you wish to take. Read on to find out how to do it.

Why do solicitors instruct barristers?

A solicitor will usually instruct a barrister to represent their client in court for two reasons: their commitments to their other clients mean they can't attend court on that day, or they feel that the case requires a specialist advocate or expert guidance.

What jobs pay 1m a year?

Jobs that better your chances of becoming a millionaire
  • Professional athlete.
  • Investment banker.
  • Entrepreneur.
  • Lawyer.
  • Certified public accountant.
  • Insurance agent.
  • Engineer.
  • Real estate agent.

What jobs pay 100k a year UK?

Jobs that make 100k a year
  • Chief Executive.
  • Brokers.
  • Air Traffic Controller.
  • Corporate and Financial Managers.
  • Prime Minister.
  • Attorney.

What is the lowest paid job in the UK?

Lowest paid occupations in the UK 2021

Data on the lowest paid occupations in the United Kingdom in 2021 showed that the worst paid occupation during that year were bar staff, who on average were paid approximately 301 British pounds a week.

Is being a solicitor worth it?

The role of a solicitor is highly valued and respected in the UK, and it can also be highly rewarding by working to achieve a successful outcome for your client or community. Excellent career progression.

How much does a London QC earn?

Criminal QCs are comparatively poor relations, with annual earnings of £200,000 to £425,000 and a top rate of £400 an hour. A number of QCs specialising in tax, commercial law, and chancery (wills, property and trusts) pocket as much as £2m a year.

How much does a barrister cost per hour UK?

Currently our junior barristers charge between £150 to £300 per hour, and the most senior members charge between £350 to £600 depending on the circumstances of the case. Court Hearings: A barrister's fee for attending court hearings will be agreed with you in advance.

What is the most paid job in the UK 2020?

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in UK
  • Aircraft Controllers. ...
  • Chief Executive and Senior Officials. ...
  • Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers. ...
  • Marketing and Sales Directors. ...
  • Legal Professionals. ...
  • Information Technology and Telecommunication Directors. ...
  • Brokers. ...
  • Financial Managers and Directors.

How much lawyers earn UK?

Salaries for newly-qualified lawyers across the rest of the UK are in the region of £27,000 to £60,000. As a newly qualified solicitor in Scotland, you can expect to be paid around £30,000 rising to £38,000, depending on your area of private practice or whether you're working in house.

What GCSEs do I need to be a barrister?

You'll usually need: 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including maths and English.