Chartered legal executives As of May 2018, there were around 20,000 trainee and practising chartered legal executives.
Solicitors As of April 2018, there were 141,811 practising solicitors. The total number of solicitors on the roll was 187,961.
Barristers As of July 2017, there were 16,435 practising barristers. Of those, 13,076 were self- employed (not including those in dual practice, registered European lawyers or second six pupils). Women make up around 37% of all practising barristers (ie, 6,022 women compared to 10,380 men). BAME individuals make up 12% of all practising barristers (ie, 2,068). Mostly self-employed, so receive irregular (but often substantial) fees. Work mainly with solicitors and other barristers. Chambers and court-based. Engage more in one-off advocacy (ie, court cases). Aspire to become Queen’s Counsel (QC) – that is, a top barrister, normally instructed in very serious and complex cases. The Bar Standards Board requires that all pupils be paid no less than £12,000 per annum. Many earn much more - upwards of £50,000 in some cases.
Women make up just over 50% of all practising solicitors. However, many fewer women than men are currently at partner level – an average split in private practice is 67%male partners compared to 33% female. BAME individuals make up 21% of all solicitors, as well as 20% at partner level. Mostly employed in private law firms, so receive regular monthly salary. Work mainly with individuals, companies and barristers. Office-based, although have some rights of audience. Engage more in ongoing advisory and one-to-one client work. Aspire to become partner – that is, part-ownership of a firm and entitlement to a percentage of its profits. While there is no longer a minimum annual trainee salary, the average UK salary for a first-year trainee is around £27,000, while City firms pay considerably more – anywhere from £35,000 upwards.
Women make up around 75% of all CILEx members.
BAME individuals make up around 13% of all CILEx members.
Mostly employed in private law firms or in-house, so receive regular monthly salary. Work mainly with solicitors and individuals. Office-based, although they have some of the same rights of audience as solicitors. Engage more in ongoing advisory and one-to-one client work. Should they choose to do so, legal executives can go on to become coroners, judges or partners. Starting salaries are usually up to £20,000 per year while qualifying, while chartered legal executives can expect to earn £45,000, and can earn much higher.
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