The latest salary report from the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) shows that while median salaries for first-year associates are set at $200,000 as of January 1, 2025, the market has stagnated compared to previous years. Although a few firms have raised entry-level salaries to as high as $225,000, the overall trend indicates a softening market with less competitive pressure resulting in a flat median salary. Notably, only 32% of firms offer the $225K salary, rising to 45% among larger firms with over 700 lawyers.
Without the stiff competition of the talent wars to push it along, the market is not moving as quickly to follow the few big firms who have announced first-year pay increases.
While some firms are now offering an eye-popping $225,000 entry-level salary, the overall median first-year salary remained flat compared to the figures NALP reported in 2023.
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