Linklaters has opted to raise its newly-qualified salary rate by £1,000 to £51,000, slightly ahead of its magic circle competitors, which are paying the benchmark rate of £50,000.

The new rate took effect from 1 May. Last week Clifford Chance announced it would be returning salaries to the rate it set in 2002, with the starting salary for newly-qualifieds rising to £50,000 from £48,000.