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Credit: Simmons and Simmons

International law firm Simmons and Simmons is to introduce an enhanced salary structure for lawyers based at its Bristol office.

From May, salaries for newly qualified (NQ) associates in Bristol will rise from £76,500 a year to £96,000, compared to £120,000 for NQ associates in London. Bristol-based trainees received a £1,500 pay rise last September, with first-year trainees earning £47,500 and second-year trainees earning £49,500.

The adjustment will be incorporated into associates’ base salaries and they will still be eligible for the firm’s UK bonus scheme. The changes will also apply to all other existing associates based in Bristol, who will be assessed against the new salary benchmark.

Caroline Turner-Inskip, head of the Bristol office at Simmons and Simmons, said: “These changes are all about rewarding our fantastic lawyers in Bristol. As an international firm in the region, we want to make a bold statement and further elevate the standing of our high-performing Bristol office.

“Making this move not only rewards our Bristol lawyers for their high-performance levels, but also helps us to continue to retain and attract top talent in the years ahead, and develop our associate and partner pipeline outside of London. We want to be the number one destination for the best and most ambitious lawyers living in the area, or moving to the area from London, and see these changes as a really important part of this aim.”

Through its flexible benefits programme, Simmons and Simmons offers perks that are either funded by the firm or available to purchase at a discounted rate. The benefits include a group flexible retirement plan, private medical insurance, free GP visits, a gym subsidy, life assurance, emergency care service, childcare vouchers, a season ticket loan, music lessons and a subsidised staff restaurant.