By Maria Ward-Brennan Clifford Chance has become the latest magic circle firm to raise its newly-qualified (NQ) lawyer pay in a salary war that has no sign of slowing down. The elite firm confirmed its NQs will now be paid £150,000 per year, up from £125,000, effective from 1 May 2024. In addition, Clifford Chance has also increased trainee pay from £50,000 to £56,000 in year one and £55,000 to £61,000 in year two from 1 September 2024. The firm has not commented on the new compensation. Clifford Chance has followed its fellow magic circle competition after Freshfields raised its salary to the…