Social Welfare Solicitor Salary in West Yorkshire 2026
Salary benchmarks for social welfare solicitors in West Yorkshire, from newly qualified (NQ) through to 8+ PQE, broken down by firm size. Includes paralegal, legal secretary and fee earner ranges. Data is based on market benchmarking across 8 regulated firms in the area.
View Social Welfare firms and jobs in West Yorkshire→Qualified Solicitor Salaries
Annual salary ranges for social welfare solicitors in West Yorkshire by experience level and firm type. Mid-point figures shown; hover or expand for full range.
| Experience | High Street / Boutique | Regional / Mid-size | City / National | In-house |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newly qualified (0-1 PQE) | £38,500 £30,500–£46,000 | £41,000 £34,000–£49,500 | £57,500 £46,500–£72,500 | £47,500 £40,000–£58,500 |
| 2-3 PQE | £44,000 £35,000–£53,000 | £48,000 £39,500–£57,000 | £65,000 £52,000–£83,500 | £54,500 £45,500–£67,500 |
| 4-5 PQE | £51,000 £40,500–£62,000 | £55,500 £45,000–£66,500 | £76,000 £59,500–£100,500 | £64,000 £51,000–£80,000 |
| 6-8 PQE | £60,500 £46,000–£75,000 | £65,000 £51,000–£80,000 | £91,000 £69,500–£121,000 | £75,000 £58,500–£95,500 |
| 8+ PQE | £68,500 £53,000–£89,500 | £77,000 £60,000–£100,500 | £109,500 £82,000–£148,500 | £89,500 £68,500–£118,500 |
Figures are regional estimates for guidance only. Actual salaries vary by firm, candidate profile, and negotiation.
Salary by Firm Size
How social welfare solicitor pay varies across firm types in West Yorkshire. NQ salaries shown; the premium for larger firms widens with seniority.
High Street / Boutique
£38,500
NQ (typical)
Range: £30,500–£46,000
8+ PQE: up to £89,500
Regional / Mid-size
£41,000
NQ (typical)
Range: £34,000–£49,500
8+ PQE: up to £100,500
City / National
£57,500
NQ (typical)
Range: £46,500–£72,500
8+ PQE: up to £148,500
In-house
£47,500
NQ (typical)
Range: £40,000–£58,500
8+ PQE: up to £118,500
Non-qualified Roles
Salary benchmarks for support and fee-earning roles in West Yorkshire social welfare teams. Figures use a mid-size firm baseline.
Paralegal
| Experience | High Street / Boutique | Regional / Mid-size | City / National | In-house |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | £26,000 £24,500–£28,000 | £27,500 £25,500–£30,000 | £30,000 £27,500–£34,000 | £28,500 £26,000–£32,000 |
| 1-3 years | £27,500 £25,500–£30,000 | £29,500 £27,000–£33,000 | £33,500 £30,000–£38,500 | £31,000 £28,000–£35,000 |
| 3-5 years | £29,500 £27,000–£32,500 | £32,000 £29,000–£36,000 | £37,000 £32,500–£42,500 | £34,000 £30,000–£39,000 |
| 5+ years | £32,000 £29,000–£36,000 | £35,000 £31,000–£40,500 | £40,500 £35,500–£48,500 | £38,000 £33,000–£44,500 |
Legal Secretary / PA
| Experience | High Street / Boutique | Regional / Mid-size | City / National | In-house |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | £25,000 £24,000–£26,500 | £26,000 £24,500–£28,000 | £29,500 £27,000–£33,000 | £27,500 £25,500–£30,000 |
| 1-3 years | £25,500 £24,500–£27,000 | £27,500 £25,500–£30,000 | £32,000 £29,000–£36,500 | £29,500 £27,000–£33,000 |
| 3-5 years | £26,500 £25,000–£28,500 | £29,500 £27,000–£32,000 | £35,000 £31,000–£40,000 | £32,000 £29,000–£36,000 |
| 5+ years | £28,500 £26,000–£32,000 | £31,500 £28,500–£36,000 | £38,000 £33,000–£44,500 | £35,000 £31,000–£40,500 |
Fee Earner / Legal Executive
| Experience | High Street / Boutique | Regional / Mid-size | City / National | In-house |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | £25,500 £24,000–£28,000 | £28,000 £25,500–£31,500 | £35,000 £30,500–£40,000 | £32,000 £28,500–£36,500 |
| 1-3 years | £27,500 £25,000–£30,500 | £30,500 £27,500–£34,000 | £39,000 £34,000–£45,500 | £35,500 £31,000–£41,000 |
| 3-5 years | £30,500 £27,500–£34,000 | £34,000 £30,000–£39,500 | £44,000 £37,000–£52,500 | £39,000 £33,500–£46,500 |
| 5+ years | £34,000 £30,000–£40,000 | £38,500 £32,500–£47,000 | £50,000 £42,000–£61,500 | £44,500 £37,500–£54,500 |
Social Welfare Firms in West Yorkshire
Regulated social welfare firms in West Yorkshire on the SRA register. Salaries above reflect the market across these firms.
Arch Law Limited
Leeds
Excello Law Limited
Also known as 458 Law, Lowry Legal, Livida Legal, Dba Law, Ocean Legal, Elevate Legal, Three Points Law, G&g Law, Preston Law, Cargo Law, Ionic Legal
Leeds
Gt Stewart Limited
Also known as Gt Stewart Solicitors & Advocates, McGrath & Co, Hockfield & Co, Fmw Law, Eskinazi & Co, Hudgell & Partners, Bretherton Law
Leeds
Mjc Law Limited
Leeds
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Also known as Reddens, Northelm, Lime Solicitors, Corclaim, Marrons, Mayo Wynne Baxter
Leeds
Weightmans LLP
Leeds
Womble Bond Dickinson (uk) LLP
Leeds
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP
Leeds
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for a newly qualified social welfare solicitor in West Yorkshire?
Newly qualified social welfare solicitors in West Yorkshire typically earn between £30,500 and £49,500 depending on firm size, with boutique and high street firms around £38,500 and mid-size firms around £41,000.
What does a social welfare solicitor earn at 4 to 5 PQE in West Yorkshire?
At 4 to 5 PQE, social welfare solicitors in West Yorkshire typically earn between £40,500 and £66,500 depending on firm size, with boutique firms around £51,000 and mid-size around £55,500.
How does firm size affect social welfare solicitor salaries in West Yorkshire?
Firm size has a significant impact on salary. At NQ level in West Yorkshire, a high street or boutique firm typically pays around £38,500, while a City or national firm may pay £57,500 or more. The premium widens at senior levels, where large firms can pay substantially above regional norms.
What is the salary for a paralegal in West Yorkshire in 2026?
Entry-level paralegals in West Yorkshire typically earn between £24,500 and £30,000 depending on firm size, with boutique firms around £26,000 and mid-size firms around £27,500. With 5 or more years of experience, the range rises to £29,000 to £40,500, with boutique firms around £32,000 and mid-size around £35,000, based on 2026 benchmarking data.
Where does LawBoard salary data come from?
LawBoard salary benchmarks are derived from market data covering law firms registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Figures are adjusted for region and practice area using established market multipliers. They represent typical ranges for guidance only and are updated periodically.
Related Pages
Firm data sourced from the Solicitors Regulation Authority register. Salary benchmarks are regional estimates for guidance only and are not specific to any individual firm. Recruitment support available via RecQuest.