Small Firm Salary & Raises Forum

[Law Student 2848]

If you got a job at a smaller firm, say only a handful of attorneys, and had a starting salary of $60,000 a year, is there a general amount you could expect to receive as a raise each year? Just wondering what the 5 year salary outlook would be. Even 10 years if anyone knows. Thanks!

[mvp99]

Salaries at small firms generally vary too much to give you a good answer

[Civilservant]

It varies by practice area as well as the attitude of the partners. I've known small firms to have two partners and even if you've been there 10 years, you are still just a salaried employee.

I think you are looking at it the wrong way. You want to build your skills and network in your first few years, and if you stay at that small firm, you want to originate business and show your value. Then your compensation becomes a bit more complicated than flat salary.

[Johann]

Yep could be about the same. Could be 4 times that and could be a partner within that time. Too much variance.