With legal employers navigating a shifting landscape and demand growing for mid-level talent, the 2025 CILEX Salary Survey paints a compelling picture of opportunity, advancement, and ongoing challenges in the legal sector. Over 2,200 CILEX members shared insights into their earnings, career satisfaction, and professional experiences, offering a powerful snapshot of what it means to build a legal career through CILEX.
A proven pathway to progression
The data confirms what many in the sector already know: progressing through the CILEX membership grades pays off. Average salaries rise steadily with each step:
Over half of respondents saw a salary increase after completing a qualification level, and more than 1 in 4 enjoyed a pay rise of 20% or more.
Accessible routes, competitive rewards
Nearly 60% of survey participants began their CILEX journey with A-levels or below, yet their earnings are on par with law graduates. This reaffirms the value of CILEX as an accessible, flexible and financially rewarding route into the profession.
CILEX members also report high job satisfaction:
Bonus potential and career advancement
As members move into senior roles, bonus structures reflect increasing commercial responsibility. Practising Fellows and CILEX Lawyers reported average bonuses of over £2,400 - almost three times more than student-level respondents.
Career progression also brings significant financial rewards, with salaries rising from £29,000 for junior assistants to over £100,000 for partners and firm owners.
Persistent pay gaps
While there's much to celebrate, the survey highlights serious disparities:
CILEX continues to work with employers and stakeholders to tackle inequality and promote a more inclusive profession.
Where you work matters
Unsurprisingly, London leads on salary. But it’s not alone. Senior CILEX salaries top £60,000 in regions like the South West and East of England. And firm size matters less than expected: micro and small firms often offer competitive pay.
Specialisms that stand out
CILEX professionals working in judicial, consumer law, and legal practice specialisms command the highest salaries - up to £149,000 for judiciary roles - highlighting the breadth of opportunity within the CILEX route.
The bottom line?
CILEX continues to offer a powerful pathway into the legal profession - one that delivers on career satisfaction, progression, and earning potential, while offering an inclusive alternative to traditional routes.
Explore the full report
👉 cilex.org.uk/salary-survey-2025