Salaries for newly-qualified (NQ) solicitors at Bird & Bird have increased by 15%. The firm is offering associates £71,000 a year, £9,000 more than the previous rate of £62,000.

First year trainees at the international law firm have also received a £2,000 salary bump to £40,000, whilst those in year two will earn £44,000, up from £42,000.

Meanwhile, Clyde & Co confirmed an 8% pay increase for its NQs. Associates at the firm will now receive a salary of £70,000 – an impressive £5,000 increase. There have also been hikes to trainee pay to £40,000 in year one and £42,000 in year two.

Clyde & Co also announced an 86% autumn retention rate, with 37 of 42 trainees staying on at the firm including 33 qualifying into the London office. Qualifiers will join the corporate, marine, aviation, employment, planning, real estate, international arbitration and energy practices.