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I'm about halfway through my first year at a smaller firm (approx 40 attorneys). I know it varies greatly firm to firm, but does anyone have any thoughts on what sort of raise I should expect? Supposedly my billing rate will increase 25% after my first year. Perhaps a 20-25% raise to keep my salary/billings ratio the same? Assume I will crush my billable hours goal and get a great review.

Anonymous User wrote: Perhaps a 20-25% raise

Funniest thing I've ever read on TLS.

0-10%, partially depending on how much your salary is currently.

thesealocust wrote:

Anonymous User wrote: Perhaps a 20-25% raise

Funniest thing I've ever read on TLS.

I also lol'd

Those I know in MidLaw usually see between 5-15% with the majority concentrated in the 7-10% range. If your billing rate actually increases 25%, your bonus (if you receive one) may well see a commensurable increase.

The average US COLA increase is typically around 4%, though it has reduced to 2% since the depression. Other than that, it will depend on the firm. If the firm values its employees and likes to retain its associates, they should be generous (10-15%). The average is probably around 5-7%. Still, you are in midlaw, which typically pays better bonuses than biglaw due to the lower base salary.

Such a dumb question for a practicing attorney to ask. How is anyone to answer that with any further information? What market are you in? What type of firm do you work for? My friend works for a med mal firm on LI and didnt get a raise after her first year. Its pretty much shit law. If thats the type of firm you work for, expect the same or maybe 4%. If you work for a boutique firm that is reputable for its practice area and has good clients, you can expect something higher.

phonepro wrote:Such a dumb question for a practicing attorney to ask. How is anyone to answer that with any further information? What market are you in? What type of firm do you work for? My friend works for a med mal firm on LI and didnt get a raise after her first year. Its pretty much shit law. If thats the type of firm you work for, expect the same or maybe 4%. If you work for a boutique firm that is reputable for its practice area and has good clients, you can expect something higher.

Thank you for your tactful response. I left out further details because I wanted as many responses as possible from those with firsthand knowledge; we can agree that the amount of TLS'ers in midlaw is already limited enough.

But seriously, I appreciate the secondhand views of a 3L.

Cupidity wrote:Those I know in MidLaw usually see between 5-15% with the majority concentrated in the 7-10% range. If your billing rate actually increases 25%, your bonus (if you receive one) may well see a commensurable increase.

Thanks. This is what I initially thought; but when you see how much you are billing, your mind starts to wonder from reality.

IAFG wrote:

thesealocust wrote:

Anonymous User wrote: Perhaps a 20-25% raise

Funniest thing I've ever read on TLS.

I also lol'd

Not true: there are many threads that are more entertaining/hilarious than my unrealistic expectations