Big4 Salary Progression Forum

[tigers2019]

I am currently talking to a few different Big 4 offices in major markets (NY, DC, Chicago, Atlanta), and I am curious to if there is anybody out there willing to share salary progression of an JD/LLM in the Big 4? I have found an abundance of information about starting salaries, but little to none for a JD/LLM for being a senior associate, manager, etc. I would appreciate anybody that has any insight into this. Thanks all!

[Anonymous User]

I am currently talking to a few different Big 4 offices in major markets (NY, DC, Chicago, Atlanta), and I am curious to if there is anybody out there willing to share salary progression of an JD/LLM in the Big 4? I have found an abundance of information about starting salaries, but little to none for a JD/LLM for being a senior associate, manager, etc. I would appreciate anybody that has any insight into this. Thanks all!

I work in Big 4 NYC with JD but no LLM. Have gone 100->108-> to now 120 as a senior associate in my 3rd year. From what I understand the JD/LLM salaries are more "compressed" and their salaries converge to an extent with JDs and even MSTs as you get higher up. I know several JD/LLMs who started at 120 and only went up to ~125 after their first year. If I stay until manager, would imagine I'd be making around 150k my first year, though you get a solid bonus just for making manager also.

[Anonymous User]

To the anon and OP: Sorry to derail the direction of this thread. I am a 1L also interested in working for Big 4 after I graduate with JD. I have no accounting experience in undergrad, but have a tax related judicial internship (local, state court) lined up for this summer. After this summer, what's the timeline of applying for 2L Big 4 summer internships? What sort of credentials/things do they look for? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

[Anonymous User]

I work in Big 4 NYC with JD but no LLM. Have gone 100->108-> to now 120 as a senior associate in my 3rd year. From what I understand the JD/LLM salaries are more "compressed" and their salaries converge to an extent with JDs and even MSTs as you get higher up. I know several JD/LLMs who started at 120 and only went up to ~125 after their first year. If I stay until manager, would imagine I'd be making around 150k my first year, though you get a solid bonus just for making manager also.

I agree with this. Salary compression is real until all JDs, CPAs, and LLMs make the same $$ (happens around manager level), then I think the raises get better. Source: I also work at a Big4, JD with no LLM. Expect the salary to be lower in Atlanta than the other offices, my guess would be $95k starting for a JD/LLM.

As far as timing goes, it is similar to legal hiring--it happens at the beginning of your 2L year. Go on LinkedIn, find an alumnus from your school that is partner at a Big4, contact them and see if they will help you get the recruiting ball rolling. Make sure to emphasize your interest in tax.

[Anonymous User]

For a tax LLM in NYC int tax/M&A starting this year at ~115, what's the progression gonna look like?

5%? 9%?

I am trying to get a sense of how strong the "compression" is.