Here’s what we know: the associate lateral market is fire, Biglaw is already trying special bonuses to keep the associates they have while simultaneously enticing new ones, and elite Biglaw firms are also raising salaries for associates. Given these facts, it only makes sense that raises will ripple through Biglaw as part of a battle for legal talent.
This is all something leadership at Sheppard Mullin knows. It was even explicitly acknowledged in the firm’s memo announcing associate raises: “Remaining competitive in attracting and retaining talented Associates is a critical part of [providing value and service to our clients] endeavor.” So, effective July 1, the below scale is what associates there will be making.
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You can read the full memo on the next page.
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Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. 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).