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Register as a LocumInterim Lawyer & Locum Solicitor Hourly Rates (UK Regional Guide)
Hiring a locum solicitor or interim lawyer can be a cost-effective way to manage workloads, cover absences, or bring in expertise for specialist projects. But what are the typical hourly rates, and how do they vary across the UK?
At Interim Lawyers, we place locum solicitors and interim legal staff nationwide. This guide provides up-to-date insights into average hourly rates, with regional variations and key factors that influence costs.
National Average Hourly Rates for Interim Lawyers
The table below shows typical hourly rates for locum solicitors and interim legal professionals across the UK. Rates vary depending on location, area of law, and level of experience.
| Role | Average Hourly Rate (UK) |
|---|---|
| Locum Solicitor | £35 – £55 |
| Locum Legal Executive | £30 – £45 |
| Interim In-House Lawyer | £55 – £95 |
| Specialist Practice Area* | £75 – £110 |
*Specialist practice areas include Corporate, Commercial Property and Commercial Litigation.
Regional Locum Solicitor Rates
Rates vary significantly by region. London and the South East remain the highest-paying areas, while firms in the Midlands and North typically pay slightly lower.
| Region | Average Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| London | £50 – £105 | High demand; good premium paid for most corporate & commercial roles. High street law rates are higher. |
| South East | £40 – £65 | Strong demand in residential conveyancing, family and private client. |
| Midlands | £35 – £55 | Mixed market (commercial & high street law) with varied needs. |
| North West | £35 – £50 | Steady demand for personal injury, consumer litigation and commercial property. |
| North East | £30 – £45 | Smaller market; family and crime practices feature heavily. |
| Scotland | £35 – £55 | Demand varies by area; much higher in Edinburgh and Glasgow than Inverness. |
| Wales | £30 – £45 | Regional & high street firms seek flexible locum support across practice areas. Higher prices in more rural areas. |
Factors Affecting Interim Lawyer Rates
Several factors influence what you can expect to pay (or earn) as a locum solicitor:
- Experience & Seniority – Senior solicitors or those with niche expertise command higher rates.
- Practice Area – Corporate, commercial, tax and litigation roles often attract premium rates.
- Location – Firms in London and the South East pay higher due to demand and cost of living.
- Urgency of Appointment – Emergency cover or short-notice placements may push rates up.
- Remote vs On-Site – Some roles offer flexibility for hybrid or fully remote working. Remote usually about 10-20% lower hourly rates.
How to Use This Guide
This page is designed as a practical reference for both firms and locums. For more detailed tools and resources, see:
- Use our Locum Calculators to estimate weekly or monthly earnings.
- Check our monthly hourly rate reviews for updates.
- Read our Guide to Being a Locum for tips on getting started.
- Explore FAQs to answer common questions.
- If you’re looking for assignments, Register as a Locum today.
Regular Updates
We update our hourly rate data on a regular basis to reflect the latest market conditions. Please check back for new figures, or contact us if you’d like tailored advice for your situation.
FAQ for Regional Locum Hourly Rates
Typical UK rates range from £35–£55 per hour, depending on experience, practice area and location.
London roles usually command £50–£90+ per hour, with higher ranges for corporate, commercial and specialist work.
Yes. Corporate, commercial property, tax and high-value litigation often pay premiums versus routine areas.
Experience/seniority, practice area, urgency, location and working pattern (on-site vs hybrid/remote) have the biggest impact.
Often slightly higher for senior, specialist or urgent assignments; typical ranges are £45–£70+ per hour depending on sector and scope.
Use our Locum Calculators to model weekly/monthly figures: https://www.interimlawyers.co.uk/locum-calculators/
We review and update the page regularly to reflect market conditions. For tailored advice, contact us.
Locums: Register here — https://www.interimlawyers.co.uk/register-as-a-locum/
Firms: Get in touch — https://www.interimlawyers.co.uk/contact/
TESTIMONIALS
…still with us are the 3 senior property and private client locums you placed with us – all three excellent and long term- many thanks.
Long term locum solicitor
Can I say that I have enjoyed working with Interim Lawyers and Ten Percent Legal over the last couple of years, your no nonsense, keep it simple approach is such a refreshing change from other agencies I have used.
Solicitor
I have recommended you and said you were the agent to approach. I hope that was the correct procedure. Somebody has to say how valued you are by small firms.
Recommendation
Thank you for your assistance and I will use you again when the need arises, I find you a very efficient and friendly company.
Senior Partner, South Coast Law Firm
For locums we use Jonathan Fagan at Interim Lawyers. He’s a nice, helpful guy and his fees aren’t too bad (for an agent!)
UK Law firm
I was a bit apprehensive at first when you initially emailed me as I thought this would be another generic email and I have unfortunately previously had some poor experiences with recruiters. That is not to say that all recruiters out there are the same but I can honestly say WITHOUT A DOUBT you have been the most pleasant recruiter I have dealt with; very efficient and found me the ideal role very quickly. This is testament to your capabilities and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. Thank you so much once again for your efforts Emma.
Locum Solicitor Candidate
Thank you for your assistance and I will use you again when the need arises, I find you a very efficient and friendly company.
Senior Partner, South England Law Firm
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