US Large-Firm Associate Salaries Close In on $200K

A first-year salary of $200,000? Not quite yet, but with word that Williams & Connolly is raising pay for starting associates to $180,000 a year, the magic $200K mark is now certainly within shouting distance. The new salary will put the firm's first-years about $20,000 above the market rate for most major U.S. firms, with a $15,000 to $25,000 boost for its other associate classes. Firm managers and legal recruiters contacted last week doubted many players would rush to match. Williams & Connolly, they say, is an anomaly because of its small size, tight litigation focus and reputation for being one of the most selective firms in the country when it comes to hiring.

US Large-Firm Associate Salaries Close In on $200K law.com Thu, Dec 27, 2007