I’ve been in a legal admin type role at a regional law firm for two years. Is it normal to negotiate pay this early in my career or will it look ungrateful? I don’t want to jeopardise my chances of moving up in the firm.

First things first: asking about a pay rise is not ungrateful and managers should expect this kind of conversation. It’s a normal part of working life and two years in is a very natural point to raise it. Handled well, it can actually show the kind of professionalism and self-awareness that gets people noticed for progression.