Skaddenfreude: Bingham, McDermott, End of Day Open Thread

Monday, February 5, 2007 4:12 PM - By David Lat

100 dollar bill Above the Law Above the Law law firm salary legal blog legal tabloid Above the Law.JPG This will probably be our last salary-related post of the day, so you can treat it as the end-of-day open thread. We’ll post any memos we receive later today sometime tomorrow morning (unless they’re extraordinary for some reason).

Here’s a good short item about D.C. pay developments, by Nate Carlile of the Legal Times. According to Carlile, the firms that have raised to $145,000 for first-year in Washington are as follows:

1. Akin Gump
2. Arnold & Porter
3. Covington & Burling
4. Gibson Dunn
5. Hogan & Hartson
6. Latham & Watkins
7. O’Melveny & Myers
8. Patton Boggs
9. Sidley Austin
10. Steptoe & Johnson
11. WilmerHale

After the jump, confirmed pay raise announcements from Bingham McCutchen and McDermott Will & Emery.

BINGHAM McCUTCHEN

From: Carbone, Anthony J.
Sent: Friday, February 02, 2007 7:10 PM
To: zz associates all; zz counsels all
Cc: zz partners all; zz of counsels all; Zimmerman Jay S.
Subject: 2007 Associate & Counsel Compensation

As you are all aware, there has been significant market activity related to associate and counsel compensation at many major law firms. Following careful study of the available market information, we will be increasing 2007 base compensation firm-wide. Our new base compensation model is as follows:

New York & London
Class Salary
Class I $160,000
Class II $170,000
Class III $185,000
Class IV $210,000
Class V $230,000
Class VI $250,000
Counsel I $265,000
Counsel II $280,000
Counsel III $290,000

All Other Offices
Class Salary
Class I $145,000
Class II $155,000
Class III $170,000
Class IV $190,000
Class V $210,000
Class VI $225,000
Counsel I $240,000
Counsel II $250,000
Counsel III $260,000

Base increases, including market adjustments and class promotions, will be paid at the conclusion of the firm-wide evaluation meetings in the March 2nd payroll run and will be retroactive to the beginning of the year. Of Counsel compensation will be determined individually.

The firm is committed to being competitive when determining compensation for all of our attorneys so that we can continue to recruit and retain the best legal talent. If you have any questions regarding our new compensation structure, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or other members of the COA leadership / Attorney Development team.

McDERMOTT WILL & EMERY

Date: February 5, 2007
To: U.S. Associates
From: Management Committee
Re: Associate Compensation

Our Associates play vital roles in the success of the Firm. In recognition of that, the Firm endeavors to pay our Associates fair and competitive competition. We are pleased to announce that retroactive to January 1, 2007, we are revising our Associate salary scales in most U.S. cities, as follows:

New York: Class of 2007 $160,000
2006 160,000
2005 170,000
2004 185,000
2003 210,000
2002 230,000
2001 250,000
2000 265,000
1999 (and more senior) to be established individually

Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., 4 California Offices

Class of 2007 $145,000
2006 145,000
2005 155,000
2004 170,000
2003 190,000
2002 210,000
2001 225,000
2000 240,000
1999 (and more senior) to be established individually

It should be noted that the Miami Associate scale was increased earlier this year.

cc: U.S. Partners
U.S. Counsel
Dave Alexander
William Norris
Nancy Berry

Associates Call and Law Firms Respond [Legal Times]

(129) Comments

Posted in: Biglaw, Bingham McCutchen, McDermott Will & Emery, Money, Skaddenfreude

Comments

1 Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:14 PM

Any news on Texas offices/firms moving to match pay raises?

2 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:15 PM

still no word about the Southern firms. annoying. folks are still saying A+B to 140.

3 Posted by forgot one | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:17 PM

david,
you omitted Paul Hastings from your list of firms paying 145K in the DC market.

4 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:21 PM

Has Winston & Strawn made an announcement yet?

5 Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:26 PM

Re: 4:14. Texas firms have apparently decided to either (1) become irrelevant; or (2) wait forever to make a decision. Lets hope its 2.

6 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:28 PM

4:26. I thought V&E raised 1st years to $150K?

7 Posted by anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:29 PM

When will Reed Smith raise to 160k in NYC?

8 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:30 PM

me too. Does someone have the memo?

9 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:32 PM

Does anyone know what McDermott raised Miami to earlier this year?

10 Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:33 PM

Can anyone confirm 4:28?

11 Posted by Interested in Arent | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:36 PM

Anyone hear anything about Arent Fox?

12 Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:36 PM

V&E 150k memo was a fake. Radio silent from the Texas firms.

13 Posted by anonymous | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:41 PM

any word on mcguirewoods and hunton?

14 Posted by Anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:44 PM

Winston & Strawn has not announced anything other than that they are watching the situation and will remain competitive in the market.

Individual announcements should come out this week, but they may not have decided what to do by then.

15 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:47 PM

People, quit asking about firms. If your firm has matched or done anything notable, you can find the information by doing a word search on this website. If nothing pops up, then nothing has happened.

16 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:47 PM

V&E (Texas) offical word as of the first part of last week:

"We're obviously going to remain competitive for the top legal talent. We are going to watch and see what happens,"

17 Posted by Anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:49 PM

4:47 - blow it out your ass.

18 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 4:50 PM

whoa, simmer down 4:49.

19 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:02 PM

Was A&P's raise firm wide to 145 or did they raise to 160 in NYC?

20 Posted by anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:02 PM

4:47 is a pansy

21 Posted by A&P | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:02 PM

Was A&P's raise firm wide to 145 or did they raise to 160 in NYC?

22 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:04 PM

has any philly firm raised at all? does ANYONE have any info in philly?

23 Posted by A&P | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:05 PM

Was A&P's raise firm wide to 145 or did they raise to 160 in NYC?

24 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:08 PM

5:04, pretty sure MLB raised to $145K in Philly

25 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:14 PM

Wiley Rein has an associates meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 5:00. Sounds like they might announce.

26 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:15 PM

5:08, thanks for the info... anyone have the memo or able to confirm?

27 Posted by Market in DC is not $145k | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:16 PM

List of $160k in DC:

Skadden
Paul Weiss
Cadwalader
Sullivan & Cromwell
Milbank
Cleary
Shearman & Sterling
Willkie Farr
Fried Frank
Dewey Ballantine
Weil Gotshal
Clifford Chance
Orrick
Thacher Proffitt
McKee Nelson
Debevoise
Fish & Richardson
LeBoeuf
Hughes Hubbard

I don't think this is complete, but that is 19 firms.

28 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:18 PM

5:16,

Add Jones Day.

29 Posted by Market in DC is not $145k | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:20 PM

List of $160k in DC:

I don't think this is complete, but that is 20 firms.

Thanks, 5:18

30 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:22 PM

If market in DC settles at $160, I can't imagine Chicago and LA not being $160 also. Anyone disagree?

31 Posted by anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:23 PM

5:18,

Are you positive JD has matched in DC?

32 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:24 PM

at the end of the day, does it really matter. hell, if you want $160 - move to NYC or DC.

33 Posted by anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:25 PM

The market in DC has for the most part settled and it is a 2-tier market with most NY-based firms paying $160k, and others paying $145k. Even the big LA-based firms like Latham, Gibson, O'Melveny and Paul Hastings paying only $145k in DC.

34 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:26 PM

Maybe MVA will move again in Charlotte like it did last time, which will then give A&B the "right" number they are looking for which will allow them to act in Atlanta too.

35 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:26 PM

Any thought that A&B may not move, which would mean that Atlanta (except for Troutman) is staying put at $115?

It looks that way to me, and that may be a solid business decision.

36 Posted by Anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:29 PM

Anyone notice the glaring error in the MWE memo?

"the Firm endeavors to pay our Associates fair and competitive competition."

Lat, did you retype this or was the error in the original email?

37 Posted by anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:32 PM

5:22, I don't necessarily disagree that Chicago and LA won't move to $160, but then again, I'm not too sure that $160 is market in DC. Yes, 20 of the top firms are at that level in DC, but a pretty respectable bunch have already raised to $145. Will they make a second move before things have truly settled (i.e. this year, or even in the coming weeks) and raise to $145? Perhaps. Will it be restricted to DC (to the exclusion of LA and Chi)? I could see that happening, given the selectivity of DC offices. Then again, how can firms in Philly, Boston and, gasp, Atlanta go to $145...

38 Posted by just a couple more at $160k in DC | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:32 PM

Also at $160 in DC:

Cahill
Weil Gotshal
Dickstein (not!)

39 Posted by just a couple more at $160k in DC | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:35 PM

Also at $160 in DC:

Cahill
Weil Gotshal
Dickstein (not!)

40 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:37 PM

I can't see A&B not moving with Troutman at $125. Plus, they will have to move if the Charlotte market moves, b/c they can't pay Charlotte more than Atlanta. They are just playing it safe I think and waiting for the dust to settle.

41 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:37 PM

Wiley Rein - so what did they say in the associates meeting?

42 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:40 PM

5:26 - Others have commented on this site that it was a bad business decision for Troutman to raise. One appeal of Troutman is that there is no 7-8 year wait to make partner. But I guess it could be worth the wait at another Atlanta firm seeing as how PPP at Troutman is so low.

When did the Atlanta market go to $115,000? Fairly recently? The quality of life has great appeal there but getting paid 72% of peers in NYC/DC seems like a big gap.

43 Posted by chi-town | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:42 PM

Chicago firms at $145:

McDermott
Sidley
Jenner
Mayer Brown

Firms in Chicago at $160:

Skadden

Chicago firms that remain silent:

Jones Day
DLA Piper
Winston & Strawn
Kirkland
Foley & Lardner
McGuirewoods

others???

44 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:44 PM

Chicago firms at $145:

McDermott
Sidley
Jenner
Mayer Brown
Sonnenschein

Firms in Chicago at $160:

Skadden

Chicago firms that remain silent:

Jones Day
DLA Piper
Winston & Strawn
Kirkland
Foley & Lardner
McGuirewoods
Bryan Cave

others???

45 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:45 PM

5:37 - the meeting is tomorrow

46 Posted by Atlanta Anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:45 PM

For whatever its worth, Bankrate's cost of living calculator shows that a $115,000 salary in Atlanta is worth $240,000 in NYC and $168,000 in DC.

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/movecalc.asp

That said, I will be pissed if my firm moves to $160k in NYC and DC and does not at least match Troutman in Atlanta (we are already at $120K in Atlanta, so we would likely go to $130k at least -- always have to stay just ahead).

47 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:47 PM

Chicago firms at $145:

McDermott
Sidley
Jenner
Mayer Brown
Sonnenschein
Schiff Hardin

Firms in Chicago at $160:

Skadden

Chicago firms that remain silent:

Jones Day
DLA Piper
Winston & Strawn
Kirkland
Foley & Lardner
McGuirewoods
Bryan Cave
Baker & McKenzie
Sachnoff Weaver
Chapman Cutler

others???

48 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:51 PM

Chicago firms at $145:

McDermott
Sidley
Jenner
Mayer Brown
Sonnenschein
Schiff Hardin

Firms in Chicago at $160:
Skadden

Chicago firms that remain silent:

Jones Day
DLA Piper
Winston & Strawn
Kirkland
Foley & Lardner
McGuirewoods
Bryan Cave
Baker & McKenzie
Sachnoff Weaver
Chapman Cutler
Bell Boyd & Lloyd
Vedder Price
Wildman Harrold

others???

49 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:51 PM

Chicago firms at $145:

McDermott
Sidley
Jenner
Mayer Brown
Sonnenschein
Schiff Hardin

Firms in Chicago at $160:

Skadden

Chicago firms that remain silent:

Jones Day
DLA Piper
Winston & Strawn
Kirkland
Foley & Lardner
McGuirewoods
Bryan Cave
Baker & McKenzie
Sachnoff Weaver
Chapman Cutler
Holland + Knight

others???

50 Posted by anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:51 PM

According to folks I know who work there, Arnold & Porter has not yet raised.

51 Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:52 PM

Add Chadborne to $160K in DC. I'm sure Boies Schiller will go too.

52 Posted by i miss Atlanta, and am cold | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:53 PM

5:45 - I have no doubt about bankrate's analysis.

I grew up in Buckhead and so my expectations for how I want to live in Atlanta are different than NYC where I will always feel like a poor student, even if I start at $160,000.

53 Posted by anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:53 PM

I think the South will move, the fact that there are three firms in Charlotte paying 145 (and two of those rumored to move to 160) is enough to make Charlotte, and therefore ATL to move; I don't think the question is whether the other firms match Troutman, it's whether and how far over they go

54 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:53 PM

Chicago firms at $145:

McDermott
Sidley
Jenner
Mayer Brown
Sonnenschein
Schiff Hardin
Latham

Firms in Chicago at $160:
Skadden

Chicago firms that remain silent:

Jones Day
DLA Piper
Winston & Strawn
Kirkland
Foley & Lardner
McGuirewoods
Bryan Cave
Baker & McKenzie
Sachnoff Weaver
Chapman Cutler
Bell Boyd & Lloyd
Vedder Price
Wildman Harrold
Holland and Knight

others???

55 Posted by Ridiculous that we're stuck at 145 when DC is at 160! | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:55 PM

Chicago firms at $145:

McDermott
Sidley
Jenner
Mayer Brown
Sonnenschein
Schiff Hardin

Firms in Chicago at $160:

Skadden
[Kirkland???]

Chicago firms that remain silent:

Jones Day
DLA Piper
Winston & Strawn
Foley & Lardner
McGuirewoods
Bryan Cave
Baker & McKenzie
Sachnoff Weaver
Chapman Cutler
Holland + Knight

others???

56 Posted by anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:56 PM

57 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:56 PM

Chicago firms at $145:

McDermott
Sidley
Jenner
Mayer Brown
Sonnenschein
Schiff Hardin
Latham

Firms in Chicago at $160:
Skadden

Chicago firms that remain silent:

Jones Day
DLA Piper
Winston & Strawn
Kirkland
Foley & Lardner
McGuirewoods
Bryan Cave
Baker & McKenzie
Sachnoff Weaver
Chapman Cutler
Bell Boyd & Lloyd
Vedder Price
Wildman Harrold
Holland and Knight

others???

58 Posted by Anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:56 PM

Arent Fox just went to $145 for first-years.

59 Posted by Ridiculous that we're stuck at 145 when DC is at 160! | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:57 PM

Chicago firms at $145:

McDermott
Sidley
Jenner
Mayer Brown
Sonnenschein
Schiff Hardin

Firms in Chicago at $160:

Skadden
[Kirkland???]

Chicago firms that remain silent:

Jones Day
DLA Piper
Winston & Strawn
Foley & Lardner
McGuirewoods
Bryan Cave
Baker & McKenzie
Sachnoff Weaver
Chapman Cutler
Holland + Knight

others???

60 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:57 PM

if I were a top Atlanta firm (all I know of is A&B and K&S) but I guess there are others, why raise to $125 if only Troutman has made that move? You need a few others to move for it to be a new "market". Sure a few law students might choose TS over the lower paying firms, but that is only a dozen or so people. Many others might go with A&B or K&S or whomever knowing that those firms have better clients and higher PPP...

Now in DC and Chicago, I would be very surprised if ALL the top firms didnt go to $145K soon.

61 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:57 PM

Does anyone have a list of big DC firms who haven't moved for whatever reason? A&P, Dickstein, Crowell? Others?

62 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:59 PM

Chicago firms at $145:

McDermott
Sidley
Jenner
Mayer Brown
Sonnenschein
Schiff Hardin
Latham

Firms in Chicago at $160:
Skadden

Chicago firms that remain silent:

Jones Day
DLA Piper
Winston & Strawn
Kirkland
Foley & Lardner
McGuirewoods
Bryan Cave
Baker & McKenzie
Sachnoff Weaver
Chapman Cutler
Bell Boyd & Lloyd
Vedder Price
Wildman Harrold
Holland and Knight

others???

63 Posted by At MWE | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 5:59 PM

Anon 5:29, typo was in original. They sent out a corrected memo hours later. Of course I got excited for about 5 seconds thinking they meant to take DC to $160.

64 Posted by Anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:00 PM

Katten Muchin has yet to move in Chicago as well.

65 Posted by A | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:01 PM

how does the Class system work at Bingham? Is it different than other firms or do they just call it something different?

66 Posted by RS DC | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:05 PM

question about the poster (5:45 I think) who first added Sachnoff to the Chicago list. I understand they will soon be part of Reed Smith. What is their rep in Chicago? Are they BigLaw? Do they currently pay market? Excited about the merger?

67 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:08 PM

Who in LA has gone to $160k? I know these have, who else?

Quinn Emanuel
Dewey Ballantine
Irell Manella

68 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:08 PM

If that Arnold & Porter raise is true it has not yet been announced

69 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:09 PM

anyone in addition to mlb @ 145K in Philly? dechert? dla piper? do people think the other firms will go to 135k?

70 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:27 PM

Re 5:59 - Lord Bissell has been silent.

71 Posted by Anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:33 PM

Do we have any confirmation on Jones Day (in any market)?

72 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:34 PM

Chicago firms at $145:

McDermott
Sidley
Jenner
Mayer Brown
Sonnenschein
Schiff Hardin
Latham

Firms in Chicago at $160:
Skadden

Chicago firms that remain silent:

Jones Day
DLA Piper
Winston & Strawn
Kirkland
Foley & Lardner
McGuirewoods
Bryan Cave
Baker & McKenzie
Sachnoff Weaver
Chapman Cutler
Bell Boyd & Lloyd
Vedder Price
Wildman Harrold
Holland and Knight
Katten Muchin
Lord Bissell

others???

73 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:38 PM

What is the list of LA firms at $145k?

74 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:40 PM

Chicago firms at $145:

McDermott
Sidley
Jenner
Mayer Brown
Sonnenschein
Schiff Hardin
Latham

Firms in Chicago at $160:
Skadden

Chicago firms that remain silent:

75 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:41 PM

6:01 - same thing as everyone else.

"Counsel", here, just means "we have not yet labeled you a career associate, but we may at some time in the future."

76 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:44 PM

EOB Monday -- guess no Chicago announcements today besides McDermott.

77 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:45 PM

@ 6:08 - I think Proskauer is paying $160K in LA.

78 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:48 PM

B&M should move this week.

79 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:52 PM

@6:45, you're right, thanks much. The list is currently:

Quinn
Dewey
Milbank
Fish & Richardson (SV/SD)
Stroock
Proskauer
Irell (?)

Who else? I thought I heard a rumor about Munger?

80 Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:56 PM

Should we send someone to investigate whether the Ropes, A&P, and K&E compensation committees have been taken hostage?

81 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:57 PM

All right, let's redirect this discussion to what really matters again--what is Ropes doing? How is it possible no one really know anything? They aren't this slow to make decisions usually.

82 Posted by anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 6:59 PM

160K in LA:

STB
S&C
Milbank
Quinn
Dewey
Skadden
Proskauer
Hughes Hubbard
Jones Day

others?

83 Posted by Anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:02 PM

Are you just pulling your LA info DIRECTLY from your ass? Irell has not announced, Stroock is only paying 150, and Simpson, Sullivan, Skadden, Weil, Quinn, Davis, Hughes Hubbard, and Jones Day are all at 160.

84 Posted by Mr. Roper | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:02 PM

Ropes just announced: Here are the numbers for the lockstep classes:

New York/Non-New York

2006 $160,000 $145,000

2005 $170,000 $155,000

2004 $185,000 $175,000

2003 $210,000 $200,000

2002 $230,000 $225,000

2001 $250,000
$250,000

85 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:04 PM

Apologies on Stroock, I had them on a list of firms paying more than $145k (the Latham/Gibson/OMM number), they are at $150k instead of $160k.

86 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:10 PM

I call BS on Ropes. Are you serious? Any other information?

87 Posted by Anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:12 PM

Mr. Roper, where did you get that info?

88 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:18 PM

Does anyone have a memo from A&P?

89 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:22 PM

Kirkland moved to a 145 base in December. At least in their west coast offices.

90 Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:25 PM

6:33

I have confirmed JD in Cali at 160. Talked to fellow associates out there today.

91 Posted by Why Wait | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:30 PM

What are all those Chicago laggers waiting for?

92 Posted by anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:32 PM

A&B Atl just raised to 130. Not retroactive -- effective Mar. 1.

93 Posted by anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:35 PM

Confirm A&B?

94 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:37 PM

Hello Mr. Roper?

95 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:45 PM

The silence from Reed Smith has been deafening. All we hear is that they want to be "one of the 20 global firms standing, with a big presence in London, New York and Hong Kong"

ok then money talks and BS walks ...

96 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:46 PM

A+B 130...done and done. yay money...enjoy your efficiency in the Village. You can come visit my 4k Buckhead manse any time! (C:

97 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:46 PM

A+B 130...done and done. yay money...enjoy your efficiency in the Village. You can come visit my 4k s/f Buckhead manse any time! (C:

98 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 7:50 PM

7:32/7:46 -- full chart?

99 Posted by 7:32 | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 8:03 PM

Compression remains the same.

100 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 8:07 PM

Ropes? Have they announced?

101 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 8:10 PM

i think SHEPPARD MULLIN matched

102 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 8:19 PM

A&B Memo???

103 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 8:23 PM

Lat: White & Case DC moved to $145 a while ago...

104 Posted by anymous a+b assoc | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 8:25 PM

THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR INTERNAL ALSTON & BIRD USE AND CIRCULATION ONLY. DISTRIBUTION OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT OUTSIDE ALSTON & BIRD IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

I am pleased to announce that the Partners Committee has approved salary increases for associates in the New York office, as follows:

Compensation Class Annual Base Salary
1st year $160,000
2nd year $170,000
3rd year $185,000
4th year $210,000
5th year $230,000
6th year $250,000
7th year $265,000

The salary increases are intended to keep our firm competitive in the New York marketplace and to compensate our associates fairly. The new pay scale is effective as of January 1, 2007; back-pay amounts (with appropriate deductions and withholdings) will be reflected in paychecks or direct deposits paid on February 15, 2007.

We thank you for your hard work and your important contribution to Alston & Bird’s success.

Jamie

105 Posted by anonymous | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 8:37 PM

I am confident that the D.C. gap will close next year once the D.C. firms start losing out in recruiting and once they have the opportunity to raise their rates to fully reflect pay raises. It's probably hard for them to bump first years 25k when the billing rates have already been set for the year. They probably did not anticipate that many firms in D.C. would hit 160. Not an apologist by any stretch - just trying to guess the business "justification."

106 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 8:57 PM

7:46 -- I will enjoy my efficiency in the Village... a lot. A mansion in Atlanta, though a mansion, is still in Atlanta...

107 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 9:27 PM

8:37, I completely agree. It's true there was SOME gap present between the NYC and DC markets before, but now there is a definite gap. If not 160, I see DC edging to $150.

108 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 9:28 PM

any word from Holland & Knight in any of the markets outside of Florida?

109 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 9:53 PM

Any news on Greenberg Traurig outside of NYC?

110 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 10:12 PM

What's wrong with an efficiency in the Village? What's the first rule of real estate? I'll give you a clue - it's not "size."

111 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 10:19 PM

Lawl for posting memo that starts with:

THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR INTERNAL ALSTON & BIRD USE AND CIRCULATION ONLY. DISTRIBUTION OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT OUTSIDE ALSTON & BIRD IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

112 Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 11:03 PM

Seems like the Atlanta firms were slow to follow the first Atlanta firm to raise (A&B I think) last time around too. Anyone else remember this being the case?

113 Posted by anonymous | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 11:06 PM

Interested in Arent: Confirmed that Arent Fox has gone to $145k for first years.

114 Posted by Chadbourne? | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 11:13 PM

Lat, how come no confirmation on Chadbourne?

115 Posted by anon | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 11:30 PM

The interesting fight to watch now is the battle (outside of NY) for the best patent litigators.

Four key firms yet to announce: Kirkland & Ellis, Finnegan Henderson, Ropes, and Howrey.

Fish & Richardson has set the bar at $160k, NATIONWIDE (including DC, Boston, California, and Atlanta). Quinn has joined Fish at $160k in California. Jones Day has joined Fish at $160k in California and DC. Other big IP players (Weil, Skadden, Proskauer, etc.) are also at $160k in California and DC.

Will the other firms choose to match at $160k outside of NY, or will they cede the top patent litigation talent to Fish, Quinn, et al.?

116 Posted by RLJSNTD | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 11:32 PM

Earlier Ropes post is legitimate, e-mail went out around 4 PM.

117 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 11:42 PM

I am so utterly disgusted by my firm. I'm in the DC branch office a big (the biggest) firm in a second tier city. Two blocks away here in DC, there is someone who works for a NY-based firm doing the same work I do who currently makes $50K more than me. Of course, assuming my firm eventually, grudgingly matches the lower end of the DC spectrum, the gap will only be $35K. Cold comfort. Law students: don't go to work for the satellite of a non-NY firm. It's just second tier.

118 Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 11:49 PM

I'm in the NY office of a Chicago firm waiting for them to raise. Chicago has been slower than other cities.

119 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, February 5, 2007 11:53 PM

11:42 - if the second tier city you're referring to is Chicago, then you must be talking about K&E. I imagine you're talking about a different second tier city because (1) Chicago arguably is not a second tier city and (2) when K&E raises you will not be making $35K less than NY based firms pay in DC.

120 Posted by guest | Permalink Tuesday, February 6, 2007 12:12 AM

Interesting move by Ropes...apparently they are interested in attracting mid-level laterals.

121 Posted by Probably down the hall from 11:42 | Permalink Tuesday, February 6, 2007 12:20 AM

11:53: 11:42 is likely referring to "Milwaukee" and not "Chicago" - and he/she is absolutely right. Working for a satellite (albeit an extremely lucrative satellite - but satellite nonethelss) - is the worst - because the main office of the non-NY, 2nd tier city firm has NO CLUE about what is happening in the rest of the country and has NO CLUE that no one else knows who their firm is. Hence - all talent will not rush to work for said firm unless they show the associates the money. Which they have yet to do...

122 Posted by DrMojo | Permalink Tuesday, February 6, 2007 12:48 AM

11:30, If what you say is true, don't forget about the IP Boutiques - at least in Chicago. Brinks, LVM, and Banner all match or exceed market in Chicago. The IP litigation market is far from concentrated in GP firms.

123 Posted by DrMojo | Permalink Tuesday, February 6, 2007 12:49 AM

124 Posted by guest | Permalink Tuesday, February 6, 2007 8:53 AM

11:42 could just as easily have been talking about Richmond or Tampa ...

125 Posted by SMRH associate | Permalink Tuesday, February 6, 2007 9:11 AM

Sheppard Mullin announced last week that CA/DC first years would make $145K, and NY first years would make $160K. They haven't yet announced compensation for more senior levels.

126 Posted by Anon | Permalink Tuesday, February 6, 2007 9:20 AM

seriously? atlanta firms are moving to 130 and philly firms are at 125? that seems a bit ridiculous.

127 Posted by guest | Permalink Tuesday, February 6, 2007 9:32 AM

Texas?

Bueller?

Texas?

Bueller?

128 Posted by Anon | Permalink Tuesday, February 6, 2007 10:50 AM

Reed Smith is a joke if they don't increase salaries.

129 Posted by Anon | Permalink Tuesday, February 6, 2007 5:25 PM

Has Baker Botts anounced anything for DC yet?