Allen & Overy (A&O) is increasing its associate pay bands by between £500 and £1,000, as the firm becomes the first of the magic circle to announce its 2012-13 rates.

The small increases, effective as of 1 May, will see pay for newly-qualified (NQ) lawyers rise by £500, up from £61,000 to £61,500, while trainee rates are being held stable, starting at £38,000 in the first year.