Salary Guide
Our annual Salary Guide provides insights into compensation trends, hiring outlooks, and in-demand skills across key legal practice areas in the US.
PDF • Updated May 2026
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In this guide
Salary Trends
Up-to-date compensation benchmarks across roles and experience levels.
Practice Areas
Detailed insights by practice area, from Corporate to Litigation and more.
Hiring Outlook
Market trends, demand forecasts, and hiring expectations for 2025.
Top Skills
The most in-demand skills that drive value and career growth in the legal sector.
HIA LEGAL
PRIVATE PRACTICE · MARKET INTELLIGENCE
2026 Salary Guide
London & New York Markets
Snapshot as at September 2026. Indicative ranges, not guaranteed offers.
$235k – $455k
NY elite associate scale.
£150k / £170–189k
Magic Circle NQ · US London NQ
$3.59m
Am Law 100 average PEP
2026 snapshot
New York
Milbank reset the elite ladder to $235,000–$455,000 on 2 June 2026, effective 1 July.
Year-end bonuses $20,000–$115,000. All-in cash about $255,000 to $570,000.
London
Magic Circle NQ £150,000. Elite US London £170,000–£180,000. Quinn
Emanuel London NQ £189,000 from 1 July 2026.
Partners
Am Law 100 average PEP $3.59m. Income partners near $690,000.
Magic Circle PEP commonly £1.8m–£2.5m.
FX as at September 2026: £1 = $1.35.
Key Insights
Competitive Salaries
Salaries continue to rise across most practice areas, driven by demand for top talent.
Strong Hiring Outlook
Firms are investing in growth areas, with a strong focus on mid-level and senior hires.
Skills in Demand
Technology, data privacy, and cross-border expertise remain highly valued.
Get the Full Guide
Download our complete Salary Guide 2025 for in-depth data, trends, and analysis.
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