Seattle firms as a mid-level/senior associate Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi everyone:

My significant other looks to have a terrific career opportunity in Seattle, which means that we may need to up and relocate there in the coming year. I've been practicing for about 7 years -- clerked, litigated in biglaw (mass tort/healthcare, mostly), and am currently in-house at a major company doing litigation and investigations work. I won't be able to work remotely at my current position, and am thinking about returning to private practice if and when we move. Neither of us has any real ties to Seattle; my SO's job would be the sole reason we're moving there from another major city.

So my questions:
- Any chance that some of the better firms in Seattle hire someone as senior as I am but who probably isn't yet at counsel/partner level? I was well regarded at my former firm, which doesn't have a Seattle office, and have partners there willing to recommend me to other firms. If so, particular firms I might want to be targeting beyond the regular Perkins/DWT/K&L group, like well-regarded litigation boutiques?
- Any idea on salary/bonus levels for someone at the 6/7th year associate level in Seattle?

Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

Have also looked at Seattle, although I'm not in that market now (hence Anon).

In terms of boutiques, there is Susman Godfrey. And then there are the home-market boutiques like Byrnes Keller, Calfo Eakes, and Harrigan Leyh.

And then there are regional firms beyond DWT, KL Gates and Stoel Rives, such as Lane Powell.

I would be interested in hearing people's thoughts on other firms moving into Seattle, e.g. Quinn, Cooley, etc.

[Anonymous User]

As a senior, you’re probably looking in the 200-225 with a 40k bonus. I know that’s not good news for you but the Seattle market sucks in terms of pay. I used to work at one of KLG/Perkins/DWT and left Seattle altogether for comp reasons.

Most of the California firms don’t have any lit - Cooley, Wilson, etc.

[Anonymous User]

As a senior, you’re probably looking in the 200-225 with a 40k bonus. I know that’s not good news for you but the Seattle market sucks in terms of pay. I used to work at one of KLG/Perkins/DWT and left Seattle altogether for comp reasons.

Most of the California firms don’t have any lit - Cooley, Wilson, etc.

I'm a 5th year on the Seattle BL scale and can confirm that the scale is more or less accurate. Bonus at my firm is heavily dependent on hours, but I'd say that 40k with solid hours sounds about right.

Have also looked at Seattle, although I'm not in that market now (hence Anon).

In terms of boutiques, there is Susman Godfrey. And then there are the home-market boutiques like Byrnes Keller, Calfo Eakes, and Harrigan Leyh.

And then there are regional firms beyond DWT, KL Gates and Stoel Rives, such as Lane Powell.

I would be interested in hearing people's thoughts on other firms moving into Seattle, e.g. Quinn, Cooley, etc.

Quinn has like 1.5 lawyers in Seattle (I didn't even know they had moved into town).
As for Cooley, they have been around for a while, but I think they only have patent and corporate practices here. They hire maybe one SA a year. Cooley pays CA salary and also has higher hours expectations. I've heard second-hand that the group is very busy and the associates as a whole are pretty stressed out.

[Anonymous User]

I have been keeping my eye out for mid or senior-level associate positions in Seattle and not seeing much advertised publicly. I'm six years out of law school and have local connections and quite a bit of jury and bench trial experience.

[Anonymous User]

As a senior, you’re probably looking in the 200-225 with a 40k bonus. I know that’s not good news for you but the Seattle market sucks in terms of pay. I used to work at one of KLG/Perkins/DWT and left Seattle altogether for comp reasons.

Most of the California firms don’t have any lit - Cooley, Wilson, etc.

Any sense of the payscale at the boutiques? I know it will be less, but it would be interesting to know what the higher end small places are paying.

[Anonymous User]

Seattle market generally pays less but WA has no income tax, so your net income in Seattle biglaw remains very competitive. When you factor in taxes and cost of living, you're better off making $160k in Seattle than $200k in NYC.

That's just food for thought if/when you discovery boutique salaries. Personally, I have no idea what the smaller shops pay.

[Anonymous User]

As a senior, you’re probably looking in the 200-225 with a 40k bonus. I know that’s not good news for you but the Seattle market sucks in terms of pay. I used to work at one of KLG/Perkins/DWT and left Seattle altogether for comp reasons.

Most of the California firms don’t have any lit - Cooley, Wilson, etc.

Any sense of the payscale at the boutiques? I know it will be less, but it would be interesting to know what the higher end small places are paying.

Bumping for info on the pay scale at the higher end boutiques (specifically looking at Calfo Eakes).

[lawlo]

I'm also curious about corporate opportunities for a mid to senior level associate. Seattle, due to its cosmopolitan atmosphere, friendly tax situation, and outdoor activities make it an attractive place for me to lateral to in the future. I currently do M&A and some Cap Markets in a non-NYC market. No ties.