When it comes to associate compensation, boutique firms are leaving Biglaw in the dust. While many of the industry’s largest firms have yet to announce whether they’ll match Milbank’s new salary scale, elite boutiques have been quick to fall in line. The latest firm to join the growing list of matches is one that has built a reputation for rewarding top talent.
Trial boutique Elsberg Baker & Maruri was founded just over two years ago after David Elsberg, a founding member of Selendy Gay Elsberg, departed the elite boutique to launch his own firm alongside his former Quinn Emanuel colleagues, Rollo Baker and Silpa Maruri. Since opening its doors, EBM has already made headlines for its generous associate bonuses. Now, the firm is matching the latest Milbank salary scale. Here’s the firm’s updated salary structure:
- Class of 2026/2025: $235,000
- Class of 2024: $245,000
- Class of 2023: $270,000
- Class of 2022: $320,000
- Class of 2021: $385,000
- Class of 2020: $410,000
- Class of 2019: $440,000
Summer associates at the firm will also receive pro-rated raises. That’s likely to earn plenty of goodwill from the law students hoping to jumpstart their careers there.
“We hire associates of the highest caliber whose superb work has been central to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients and driving our firm’s strong performance,” founding partner David Elsberg said. “We’re grateful for their contributions and committed to recognizing and rewarding them.”
Congratulations to everyone at Elsberg Baker & Maruri!
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Staci Zaretsky is the managing editor of Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.