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Anyone know anything about Michael Best beyond the fact that they're from Wisconsin?

Been thinking about these guys in a bigger market than their WI spots. I noticed their salary according to NALP and Vault looked a bit lower than I was expecting, and NALP actually says they're lockstep...

These salary #s seem appropriate for "Wisconsin Biglaw," but would come in wellll under market in several markets they have offices, including the one that I live in and am considering. Anyone know if they really don't adjust up in these markets? Esp for a lateral, it seems kinda awkward that they'd ask you to take a huge salary hit when coming from someone that they probably consider a "peer firm."

That and any other info totally appreciated thanks

They pay below market even in large cities. But good reputation, especially employment and IP. Whether that justifies the below market pay is up to you.

sparty99 wrote:They pay below market even in large cities. But good reputation, especially employment and IP. Whether that justifies the below market pay is up to you.

Thanks for the response. I saw that Vault (or maybe it was NALP? - one of them) said they are lockstep in salary - is that true, or do you think there is some room for negotiation? FWIW, I'm fairly mid mid-level.

And when you say good reputation, any chance you could expand on that? Particularly, is that like, good reputation in terms of high quality work? Or more in terms of good people and work-life balance? Or both? Neither? Lol.

I've been at my current firm for quite a while, and I'm still trying to figure out the ways to identify the red flags for the reasons that I want out of here, while still interviewing from outside of a firm. For ex, I think the regions my current firm operates in would also usually be referred to as having that "good reputation," but... eh well.

Anonymous User wrote:

sparty99 wrote:They pay below market even in large cities. But good reputation, especially employment and IP. Whether that justifies the below market pay is up to you.

Thanks for the response. I saw that Vault (or maybe it was NALP? - one of them) said they are lockstep in salary - is that true, or do you think there is some room for negotiation? FWIW, I'm fairly mid mid-level.

And when you say good reputation, any chance you could expand on that? Particularly, is that like, good reputation in terms of high quality work? Or more in terms of good people and work-life balance? Or both? Neither? Lol.

I've been at my current firm for quite a while, and I'm still trying to figure out the ways to identify the red flags for the reasons that I want out of here, while still interviewing from outside of a firm. For ex, I think the regions my current firm operates in would also usually be referred to as having that "good reputation," but... eh well.

NALP says they're 130-150 with lockstep. As for negotiation, if they're lockstep for all of their class years instead of just the first 3-4, you might be able to negotiate your class year if you have some desirable circumstances but assume the answer is going to be no.

im guessing you work(ed) there? do you know if they are raising salaries this year, with many (most?) midwestern markets?

Also have a couple particular other questions if there's any chance you wouldn't mind I DM them to you

Thanks!