Taylor Wessing has increased its associate pay bands across the board for the first time since freezing rates in 2009, with salary levels for junior lawyers increasing by at least 2%.

Newly-qualified pay increases from £59,000 to £60,000, while pay for lawyers with one year's post-qualification experience (PQE) rises from £63,500 to £65,000.

Meanwhile lawyers with two and three year's PQE see the biggest increases, with those with two years' PQE receiving a 3% increase from £67,000 to £69,000 and those with three years' PQE seeing pay range from £70,000 to £78,000 compared with £68,000 and £75,000.

Trainee pay has also increased, moving from £35,000 to £36,000 for first year trainees and from £38,000 to £39,000 for second year trainees.

The City firm froze both pay bands and lawyers' progression through the bands in 2009, while in 2010 the firm left pay bands unchanged but allowed lawyers to move through them.

Taylor Wessing HR Director Caroline Rawes said: "The increase in our associate pay bands this year is evidence of our commitment to attracting and retaining the very best talent; and our recognition that in order to do that our salaries need to be in keeping with our competitors.

"In addition to salary, there is a bonus scheme to reward associates whose performance has been particularly strong."