Simmons & Simmons is rewarding its Bristol-based newly qualified solicitors with a £19,500 pay rise that will see them take home an annual salary of £96,000 as the international firm bids to become the ‘number one’ destination for talent in the south west.

The Bristol increase, which comes into force in May, is part of a ‘revamped enhanced’ salary structure for lawyers at all levels. Bristol-based trainees saw their salaries rise by £1,500 last September, with first-year trainees now earning £47,500 and second-year trainees earning £49,500.

The firm said existing associates in Bristol will be assessed against the enhanced salary benchmark. Associates were previously offered the Bristol Markets Adjustment, a scheme that offered them 10%-20% on top of their current salaries if they met certain billable targets. The adjustment will be incorporated into associates’ base salaries and they will still be eligible for the firm's UK-wide bonus scheme.

In London, first-year trainees earn £52,000, second-year trainees earn £57,000 and newly qualified solicitors earn £120,000.

A spokesperson said Simmons & Simmons does not share the salaries of solicitors above NQ level.

Caroline Turner-Inskip, head of the Bristol office, said: ‘These changes are all about rewarding our fantastic lawyers in Bristol. As the leading international firm in the region, we want to make a bold statement and further elevate the standing of our high-performing Bristol office.

‘Making this move not only rewards our Bristol lawyers for their high-performance levels, but also helps us to continue to retain and attract top talent in the years ahead, and develop our associate and partner pipeline outside of London. We want to be the number one destination for the best and most ambitious lawyers living in the area – or moving to the area from London – and see these changes as a really important part of this aim.’