Katharine Hardie, chair of Pinsent Masons in Scotland and Northern Ireland

The move, which takes effect in September, represents a 12.9 per cent increase on the previous starting salary of £31,000.

In London, the firm will increase starting salaries by 22.6 per cent from £75,000 to £92,000.

A spokesperson for the firm said in a statement: “We recognise the importance of remaining competitive to attract and retain talent, of which remuneration is a factor.

“As a purpose-led professional services firm our focus remains on creating an environment that presents opportunities for development, champions innovation and promotes wellbeing for our next generation of lawyers.”