Before everyone gets too excited over solicitors' pay (I am not one, but I do know a bit about it) the huge figures quoted in the Press apply to a tiny number of City firms. In reality, plenty of High Street solicitors are pushed to make more than £30k or so. A newly qualified City solicitor will start on about £40-45k, and the senior ones make loads, but the big firms only take on people with a 2:1 or better from a decent university, who have passed a demanding selection process. The Crown Prosecution Service, for example, offers in the low £20ks for someone who must have done a degree then a postgrad course then two years' training before qualifying.
The grass is always greener!
[This message has been edited by JPJ (edited 31 May 2001).]