Ally McBeal may have a differnet set of challenges to young law graduates in the city of London. According to a Guardian report today, competition for newly qualified legal bods in the city is so high that starting salaries can reach upto £35,000 to £40,000 a year.

The higher salaries are being paid to combat the effects of poaching by Wall Street firms and dot.com start-ups. Some Wall Street firms are reported to be offering upto £100,000 a year as starting salaries.

The downside of this type of starting package however is that for high salaries the companies expect high output to recover their expenditure. The resulting drop-out rate amongst hopeful new lawyers is high.

The Guardian reports that one city firm has installed sleeping cubicles so that staff can work through the night, whilst another firm has arranged onsite medical and dental facilities so that staff don't have to leave the office for treatment.

Sara Chandler, of the Young Solicitors Group is reported as saying, "Firms are failing to regard their young solicitors as an asset that might get worn out. Remuneration is not the only aspect of their employment package."