Allen & Overy (A&O) has boosted base pay for newly qualified (NQ) associates from £78,500 to £81,000, following a successful year for the firm.

The 3% increase, which took effect from September, comes alongside a 5% rise in pay for first-year trainees to £44,000 and a 4% increase in second-year trainee pay to £49,000. A&O declined to provide a figure for pay including bonus.