Newly Qualified Solicitor Jobs in Manchester
Over the past two decades, Manchester has seen a huge transformation to become a thriving city with new opportunities for employment, housing, leisure and cultural experiences. The 2021 census showed the population had increased by 9.7% over the previous ten years as more people relocated to the area. Regeneration of the city has seen an influx of financial and professional services, including law firms, recognising the potential of this key location in the north of England. Our connections with these firms and knowledge of the region, means we are well place to help you find your first job as a newly qualified solicitor in Manchester.
The legal sector in Manchester has increased over recent years and there is now a wide choice of firms covering different areas of law where you could find employment as an NQ solicitor. Many top law firms have offices in the city including Addleshaw Goddard, DLA Piper and Eversheds Sutherland. Working for an international or national law firm in a regional location is often a good way to gain experience working for a big firm but in a smaller office.
How much does a NQ Solicitor make in Manchester?
Newly qualified solicitors in Manchester can expect to earn an average annual salary of around £37,0001. Larger firms may pay significantly more, with figures from Chambers Student2 suggesting salaries over £50,000 for NQ solicitors at some of the more prestigious law firms.
Living costs for a NQ Solicitor in Manchester
Despite increased costs of living across the country, the north is still generally cheaper than the south. Housing costs for a single person or a couple in a one bedroom flat average around £1,000 a month in the centre of Manchester, dropping to £720 if you live further out. A three bedroom family home will likely be between £1,100 and £1,800 depending on location. Council tax in Manchester ranges from just over £1,300 a year for Band A to over £1,900 for Band D.
If you live right in the centre, then you may be able to take advantage of the free bus service to get to work each day. If you live further out, then a travelcard covering Greater Manchester could be your best option. A 28-day bus travelcard is £80 or for the tram it is £102 or combined travel on both is £136. There are multiple other options available depending on where you live and the type of transport you use.
Things to do as a NQ Solicitor in Manchester
The north is known to be friendly, and Manchester is no exception. It is a welcoming city of diverse cultures with lots to see and do. It is also well placed to escape and explore the spectacular countryside in this region.
After a busy day at work, it is important to take some time out to enjoy where you live. The regeneration of Manchester has also seen a rejuvenation of cultural and leisure activities in the city. You can sample all kinds of cuisine from the vast choice of multicultural restaurants and eateries. Experience the food and drink scene at The Corn Exchange, Spinningfields and The Printworks.
You can visit one of the many museums and galleries or enjoy the music and theatre scene. The AO Arena is host to many big music events and for sports fans, you can catch a match at one of Manchester’s world-famous football grounds.
For shopping there’s the Andale Centre right in the centre and the Trafford Centre is a shopping and leisure complex with a cinema just on the outskirts of Manchester. In the Norther Quarter the Manchester Craft & Design Centre and Afflecks are packed with an eclectic mix of independent traders and creatives selling a wide range of original items.
Wherever your NQ solicitor job is located and whatever you choose to do after work, travelling in and around Manchester is easy. A regular and reliable network of buses and Metrolink trams provide access throughout the city and across the Greater Manchester region. There are also three train stations for commuting from further afield.
NQ Solicitor Job Vacancies in Manchester
As a newly qualified solicitor, Manchester is an ideal location to find a suitable job for the next stage of your legal career. You will still experience working in a big city, but with generally shorter commutes, you will have more time to enjoy life outside of work.
The range of opportunities in Manchester is varied and at Chadwick Nott we have previously placed newly qualified solicitors with law firms in specialist areas including commercial law, employment law, corporate law, family law, property, banking and finance, injury and professional negligence and insurance. Click here to see our latest vacancies.
How can Chadwick Nott Help?
The Chadwick Nott office is located right in the heart of Manchester and our team of recruitment specialists have consistently maintained strong relationships with law firms in the city and across the north west. These connections mean we can reliably place suitable candidates in appropriate NQ solicitor jobs.
The knowledge and assistance our Manchester office associates can provide goes beyond just the recruitment process. Living locally themselves they can offer further help and advice relating to living and working in Manchester.
For more information about finding jobs for newly qualified solicitors in the region, get in touch with our Manchester office.
References
- Glassdoor. 2023. NQ Solicitor Salaries in Manchester. [Online]. [September 2023]. Available from: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/nq-solicitor-salary-SRCH_IM1044_KO0,12.htm?clickSource=searchBtn
- Chambers Student. 2023. Law firm salaries compared. How much do trainee lawyers and NQs earn? Available from: https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/law-firms/law-firm-salaries-compared
- Numbeo. 2023. Cost of Living in Manchester. [Online]. [September 2023]. Available from: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Manchester