By Joel Khambay
In this blog, you will learn:
How Locum Solicitors decide their day rates.
Where the latest legal jobs are and how to apply for them.
Unlike salaried Solicitors, legal locums are typically paid a day rate rather than an annual salary. Determining the right rate, however, is not always straightforward.
Day rates should reflect your experience, technical expertise, area of specialism, and the value you bring to a local authority, while remaining competitive within the current market.
Day rates can vary considerably depending on a range of factors, including the complexity of the role, the area of law, the urgency of the assignment, geographical location, and whether the position is remote, hybrid, or office-based.
Market demand also plays a significant role, with locums in high-demand practice areas often able to command higher rates.
Throughout this blog, we delve into the key factors which influence legal locum day rates, explain how rates are determined, and provide practical advice to help you negotiate a fair, competitive, and sustainable rate for your next assignment.
Why do Locum Solicitors decide their own day rate?
Unlike permanent employees, locum Solicitors engaged by local authorities are typically paid on a day-rate basis rather than receiving a fixed annual salary.
Because each assignment varies in its requirements, duration, and level of responsibility, day rates are usually negotiated between the locum, the recruitment agency, and the hiring authority before the contract begins.
How should Locum Solicitors decide their day rate?
Locum Solicitors can decide their day rate by:
Considering supply and demand.
Reflecting on their experience and skill level.
Calculating a minimum acceptable day rate.
Taking into account the working arrangements and logistical requirements.
Considering supply and demand
Day rates can be impacted by many factors including supply and demand. Supply and demand directly dictate locum day rates and when demand for interim cover outstrips the number of available Solicitors, rates rise.
Rates typically increase when there is a high demand for Locum Solicitors, local authorities are managing large caseloads or there is a shortage of Solicitors with specialist expertise.
This means Locum Solicitors may be able to negotiate a higher salary day rate when their skills are in demand.
Even the time of year can affect demand and day rates. For example, during the summer there’s often reduced availability from Locum Solicitors, which can drive rates higher.
However, if the rates become too high that local authorities can’t afford them, they may opt to find alternative locums.
Just as rates can increase due to demand, an oversupply of candidates or a decrease in workload can push rates down.
This is something Locum Solicitors need to be aware of and should consider changing market conditions when setting their day rate.
Once a minimum day rate has been established, Locum Solicitors can compare it against current market rates using legal recruitment consultants, salary and rate guides and industry networks
Reflecting on their experience and skill level
A locum Solicitor’s daily rate depends on their experience, skill level, and area of expertise, as well as the specific requirements of the assignment.
Certain practice areas such as commercial, corporate and regular law also often attract higher day rates due to market demand and the level of expertise required.
A solicitor's level of experience, specialist knowledge, and track record are all important factors when determining an appropriate day rate.
In general, legal locums with extensive local government experience, niche expertise, or a proven ability to manage complex caseloads independently are often able to negotiate higher rates than less experienced candidates.
However, post-qualification experience (PQE) alone does not determine a Solicitor's market value. A Lawyer with 20 years' PQE will not necessarily command a significantly higher day rate than someone with 10 years' experience.
Local authorities are primarily interested in whether a candidate has the specific skills, technical expertise, and practical experience required to deliver the work effectively.
Calculating a minimum acceptable day rate
Before accepting an assignment, Locum Solicitors should calculate a minimum acceptable day rate.
The rate should take into account business and personal costs, including tax, National Insurance and pension contributions.
An additional 15% to 25% should also be factored in when setting a day rate to cover unbillable time, such as annual leave, sickness, training and administrative tasks..
Unlike permanent employees, Locum Solicitors are not paid when they are not working, so these costs also need to be reflected in their day rate.
Factoring in personal and professional costs means that Locum Solicitors can set a day rate that is fair, competitive and sustainable
Taking into account the working arrangements and logistical requirements
When Locum Solicitors set a day rate, they should factor in travel, location, hybrid work arrangements, required office attendance and any other logistical requirements. All of these can influence the overall value of the assignment.
Salaries and rates can fluctuate depending on practice area, location and assignment type. For example, locations such as London and the South East traditionally pay higher in general.
Locum solicitors should keep this in mind when researching competitors’ rates before setting their own.
It is important that Locum Solicitors consider how fully remote or hybrid roles can have different rates compared to on-site assignments. For Locum Solicitors in the UK, fully remote roles often pay less than on-site or hybrid positions.
Some law firms may offer lower day rates for remote roles because there are no commuting costs and greater flexibility.
By comparing rates with industry benchmarks, Locum Solicitors can decide rates that are competitive and reflect current levels of demand.
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