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Eversheds ushers in variable pay bands for junior lawyers

Author: ben.mitchell@legalweek.com

Published: 25/10/2007 03:17

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Eversheds has introduced new performance bandings to the way it pays junior lawyers, it has emerged, in a move that could see the firm’s newly-qualified (NQ) lawyers earn more than their seniors.

The changes, which took effect from last month, will see London solicitors with one-year post-qualification experience (PQE) take home £61,000-£68,000, dependent on individual performance during the year.

The figures indicate a substantial rise on last year’s flat rate of £55,500. Outside the capital one-year PQEs will earn £37,250-£40,500.

The move means the firm’s one-year PQE lawyers could earn less than their NQ counterparts, who are currently paid £62,000 in London and from £36,000 to £39,000 across the regions. The NQ rates were raised after a review earlier this year that brought the firm’s junior salaries in line with market rates.

However, a spokesperson for Eversheds confirmed there were currently no lawyers at the bottom of the one-year PQE range with the majority of the 2007 London intake earning an average of £64,000 this year.

Pay for two-year PQEs onwards remains almost entirely merit-based.

The move was agreed after a review conducted earlier this year by senior management and the firm’s human resources team. Departmental heads will also continue to assess the performance of lawyers on an annual basis.

The spokesperson added: “We wanted to introduce broader pay bands based on each lawyer’s individual performance.”

The decision to individually assess the performance of junior lawyers comes after Eversheds axed its lockstep system for partners in favour of a merit-based remuneration model last year.

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