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Does anyone know what the pay scale is for biglaw in secondary markets?

I'm sure it varies widely, but I'm specifically looking for any info on Pittsburgh or Cleveland firms. I have offers in both cities and I would love to know what associates make down the road. Specifically, Jones Day, BakerHostetler, Reed Smith, and K&L. Thanks to anyone and everyone!

My buddy is a 5th year in a different secondary market, and he says he makes slightly more than a first year in NY. His firm starts 1st years at 120k though, so I would imagine somewhere like Baker Cleveland that starts at 130k would end up paying a little more.

thanks for that! does anyone else have any insight? even in other cities, which would likely provide similar data points

bump--for Pittsburgh firms

Fourth years in Atlanta, which pays $135k base, make $152k.

Bump for Minneapolis.

Anonymous User wrote:Fourth years in Atlanta, which pays $135k base, make $152k.

That's actually pretty surprising to me. I knew it wouldn't approach the NYC scale, but I assumed it would be at least a 5% raise every year

Big firms in Nashville have moved to $120,000 starting (signing bonus/moving expenses on top of this). Most are still at $110,000.

In terms of starting salaries I know in Pittsburgh starting market for the largest firms is between 135-145, but I have no idea where it goes from there

This is sort of crazy to me that Pittsburgh and Cleveland start like 20k higher than Minneapolis, which has a higher Fortune 500 presence, bigger metro population, and always ranks as one of the most desirable cities to live (at least for bikers).

I've never been to Minneapolis but I've never heard of it being a more desirable place to live than Pittsburgh (maybe Cleveland, though). In any case, I don't get why the starting salaries are so much lower there than other midwest cities

A partner at another Midwest regional firm (in a different city, but with similar starting pay to what's been listed for Pittsburgh) told me that in his final year as an associate before making partner, he made ~$260k total (salary + bonuses).

It will be very tough for you to get hard answers because most secondary markets have non-lockstep compensation. As a result, even within a single firm in a single market, compensation among senior associates can vary widely.

That said, secondary markets are very compressed. Think 3-10% increases in total comp each year (often closer to low end).

Anonymous User wrote:A partner at another Midwest regional firm (in a different city, but with similar starting pay to what's been listed for Pittsburgh) told me that in his final year as an associate before making partner, he made ~$260k total (salary + bonuses).

That is a super high number that I would not expect--I assume that is on like an 8-10 year partner track?

Anonymous User wrote:http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc ... is/384975/

You'll have to show this to the partners of Minneapolis firms and let me know how it goes

Anonymous User wrote:Bump for Minneapolis.

starting salary is moving to $120k recently

Is Detroit still considered 110? Or is it 105?

Anonymous User wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:A partner at another Midwest regional firm (in a different city, but with similar starting pay to what's been listed for Pittsburgh) told me that in his final year as an associate before making partner, he made ~$260k total (salary + bonuses).

That is a super high number that I would not expect--I assume that is on like an 8-10 year partner track?

Correct. Sounded great to me, too.

I am at one of the first mention in the OP. I start at $140. From what I've heard some people do not get a raise every year. Some people do. I'd imaigine that overall compensation would be like 200k+ by time you are in your fourth year, but I have no idea really.

Does anyone know the typical Miami payraise schedule?

Anonymous User wrote:I am at one of the first mention in the OP. I start at $140. From what I've heard some people do not get a raise every year. Some people do. I'd imaigine that overall compensation would be like 200k+ by time you are in your fourth year, but I have no idea really.

Interesting--I thought just about every firm raised salaries on a yearly basis

Starting salary is 135k in Atlanta, but a few offices start at 150k.

Anonymous User wrote:Is Detroit still considered 110? Or is it 105?

Not sure exactly. there has been some movement recently but somewhere between 105 and 110 is the average starting salary. I know Foley detroit starts at 140, i think it's modified lock-step from there. So probably by your 4th year you're above 200. I would expect Jones Day to match that. Not sure what Gunderson will do.

Anonymous User wrote:Starting salary is 135k in Atlanta, but a few offices start at 150k.

Namely, Paul Hastings and Jones Day. Perhaps some others as well?