Summary: LawCrossing has reported annual salary data from the top law firms in the United States.
LawCrossing has published its 2015 survey of salary data from the best law firms in the United States. In the article, 2015 LawCrossing Salary Survey of Lawyer Salaries in Best Law Firms, data from over 90 law firms that responded to the survey is analyzed. In addition, LawCrossing asked these attorneys questions about vacation time, life as an associate, the demands of firm life, and bonus and benefit information.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP topped the list. Its associate salaries range from $115,000 to $160,000 for first year associates. Associates who have been with the firm for at least 7 years report a salary range of $175,000 to $280,000 per year.
In second place, Allen & Overy LLP reports a first year salary of $160,000. By year 8, associates can earn $280,000. Summer associates earn an impressive $3,076 per week.
Alston & Bird reported its data and is ranked third on the LawCrossing list. For first year associates in the Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Research Triangle, North Carolina areas, the base salary was reported as $135,000 for first year associates. Summer associates earn $2,600 per week. In Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Silicon Valley, and Washington, D.C. the starting salary is $160,000, with summer associates earning $3,075 per week. Interestingly, all summer associates were offered full-time positions with Alston & Bird.
In addition to salaries, many firms reported hefty bonuses for its associates. Arnold & Porter LLP, which took the number 4 spot on the survey, reported base salaries of $160,000 for its associates, as well as $10,000 to $40,000 bonuses for its associates (2012 data).
Even firms at the end of the list reported comfortable salaries for its associates. Winston & Strawn LLP, which was at the bottom of the list at number 93, reported first year salaries of $160,000 for its associates.
To see the full list of firms and their salaries as reported by the firm’s attorneys, check out the article at 2015 LawCrossing Salary Survey of Lawyer Salaries in Best Law Firms.
If you wish to compare this data to survey results of years past, check out previous survey results here.
Finally, if you’re interested in negotiating a better salary for yourself, check out LawCrossing’s tips here.
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