Perkins Coie Gives $20,000 Raise to Associates

October 13, 2015

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Summary: Perkins Coie has announced that first-year associates will now pocket an additional $20,000.

It’s a great time to be a first-year associate at Perkins Coie.

According to Law360.com, the firm has just given this group of attorneys an impressive $20,000 raise. According to an insider, associates at the firm’s Seattle and Bellevue offices all received the pay bump, and incoming attorneys are also eligible for the salary increase. The starting salary at the firm has now increased from $125,000 to $145,000.

The firm recently moved to a new location in San Francisco.

Associate pay has taken a significant hit since the 2008 recession weakened the legal job market. Now that Perkins has upped the ante, other Big Law firms–particularly those in the Seattle area–may have to increase associate paychecks to remain competitive.

Though the pay at Perkins Coie is impressive for a first-year associate, it has dropped by close to $50,000 since 2009. At that time, according to Forbes, first-year associates at the firm raked in $190,126.

Big law pay is impressive, but what do associates have to do for their paycheck? Many lawyers recount horror stories of 100-hour workweeks, difficult partners, and catty colleagues. How can one enjoy a hefty salary if there’s no time to plan a vacation, drive a new car, go shopping, or spend time with loved ones?

Perkins Coie recently added two attorneys to its D.C. location.

GlassDoor.com says 76 employees of Perkins Coie have reviewed the firm on its site. As of the publishing of this article, the firm had 3.3/5 stars, with the most recent review stating, “Great benefits, excellent salary and nice working environment.”

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Bruce Spiva joined the firm in March.

The change in salary isn’t the only big news at the firm. Recently, John Devaney was named the new managing partner of Perkins Coie. According to Chambers Associate, Devaney is the first managing partner outside of the Seattle area in 102 years. Devaney is based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office.