Best and worst cities in the UK for lawyers

Reading time: two minutes

Newcastle upon Tyne has emerged as the best UK city for legal professionals, while London ranks as the worst, according to new research from Witan Solicitors. The study analysed salary data, job availability and affordability metrics from the Office for National Statistics to assess where lawyers can achieve the greatest financial stability and quality of life.  

Newcastle topped the rankings with lawyers retaining over 84% of their £55,266 salary after rent, supported by a strong number of job openings per capita. Manchester, Preston, Leeds and Norwich followed closely, offering a compelling mix of affordability and career opportunity.

While London remains a magnet for top-tier firms and high-profile cases, the city’s average salary of £58,322 is offset by high rent, leaving lawyers with just 67% of their income after rent. Other poorly ranked cities include Southend-on-Sea, Reading, Crawley and Bristol, all impacted by high costs and limited legal job availability.

Director at Witan Solicitors, Qarrar Somji, said: “For years, London has been viewed as the ultimate destination for ambitious lawyers. While it can be a place to build credentials, earn top salaries, and work on landmark cases, the reality isn’t always what it seems. The long hours, high pressure and cost of living can make it difficult for many to see a clear path forward.

“Our research highlights that lawyers across the North and Midlands can enjoy more of their income and a better quality of life without necessarily compromising their careers. Smaller and regional firms may not always match the pay that you can get at large City practices, but they usually provide a flexible and more sustainable way to build your career.”

However, Somji emphasised that the rankings and figures show “an average picture” and that every lawyer’s experience differs depending on factors such as personal circumstances, career path and specific priorities.