Undeterred by sceptical clients and sluggish levels of corporate activity, nearly nine out of 10 lawyers are aiming to raise their charge-out rates this year, according to new research, with a quarter expecting rises of more than 5%.

According to the latest Legal Week EJ Legal Big Question poll, 64% of law firms will this year raise charge-out rates by up to 5%, with a further 25% saying they will boost them by between 5% and 10%.