Biglaw

When An Email About Associate Compensation Is Not Actually About Associate Compensation

Looks like associates will be getting a raise, but exactly how much remains to be seen.

By  
on

Locke Lord is “examining and discussing” ways to improve associate compensation — which sounds like great news for folks at the firm. See, during the great associate raises of 2016, the firm boosted salaries in their larger offices, but not quite up to the market rates established by Cravath. Now, removed from the frenzy that characterized the firm’s last salary bump, Locke Lord’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee is taking a closer look at compensation structure.

They haven’t actually, you know, made a decision yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t send out an all-attorneys email:

Looks like associates will be getting a raise, but exactly how much remains to be seen.

To be fair, Locke Lord is not in an enviable position here. They want to keep associates in the loop about compensation — goodness knows the black box at other firms can be a source of frustration — but there really isn’t much to say. And if associates decide to stay at the firm rather than seek new jobs at higher compensation levels because they believe raises, they’re a comin’, so much the better. As one tipster noted:

Bizarre information-less comp update at Locke Lord.

At least associates know they’ll know their new salary by November. We’ll definitely be paying attention to see what the powers that be at Locke Lord decide.

Sponsored

headshotKathryn Rubino is an editor at Above the Law. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).

Sponsored

Topics