Law firm associates are unlikely to see raises in base pay this year. Recruiter Ru Bhatt suggests that while the base pay scale ranges from $225,000 to $435,000, larger annual bonuses may still be feasible at top firms. The current market shows a decrease in associate hiring by 5.9% compared to last year. Firms are focusing on costs and profitability amid a slowing recovery in merger and acquisition activities, which are affecting salary decisions for associates.
"It is up to these partners to decide: Am I willing to forgo some of my comp to keep associates happy or to attract the right types of associates?"
"The current salary scale for associates at many large firms ranges from $225,000 to $435,000 after the last raises to base pay announced in 2023."
"The 'tepid bounce back' of merger and acquisitions work could be affecting salary decisions; although deal work at firms increased nearly 19% for the first half of 2025, the increase is lower than expected."
"Many firms are looking to keep down costs and juice profits as the recruiting focus remains on high-end partners at leading firms."
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