Ashurst has increased its pay for newly qualified (NQ) lawyers by £2,000 while freezing rates for lawyers with 1-3 years’ post qualification experience (PQE).

The new rates see first and second year trainees receive £1,000 more than last year, taking home £39,000 and £44,000 respectively, while NQs’ salaries have grown from £61,000 to £63,000.