Pay levels for in-house lawyers show clear distinctions by seniority, sector and location, according to our latest survey of pay and conditions for these roles, conducted in September 2025. Newly-qualified lawyers earn £44,263 at the median across the UK, a figure that is nearly £13,000 higher in London, while heads of legal departments command salaries approaching £150,000 — with top earners exceeding £200,000. Recruitment and retention pressures remain limited, and most employers report a settled labour market for legal professionals.