Big Law Pay Scale: Salaries, Bonuses, and Career Progression
Big Law pay scale refers to the standardized salary and bonus structures at the largest and most prestigious law firms, commonly known as Biglaw. Understanding how this pay scale works is crucial for aspiring attorneys.
What Is Big Law?
Big Law generally refers to large, high-revenue law firms that handle corporate litigation, mergers & acquisitions, finance, and complex cases. They typically employ hundreds to thousands of attorneys in major cities.
Starting Salaries for Associates
As of 2025, the first-year Biglaw associate salary is around $215,000, with yearly bonuses ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 depending on hours and firm profitability.
The Biglaw Lockstep Model
Many Biglaw firms follow a lockstep pay scale, where salary increases automatically each year of practice.
For example:
- Year 1: $215k
- Year 2: $225k
- Year 3: $250k
- Year 4: $295k
- Year 5+: $345k+
Bonuses and Incentives
Associates earn annual and special bonuses based on billable hours, typically 1,900-2,200 hours. Year-end bonuses can exceed $100,000 for senior associates.
Partner Compensation
Equity partners in major firms often earn $1 million to $7 million annually, depending on firm profitability and client origination.
Regional Variations and Market Leaders
New York sets the market scale, but other cities like Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Los Angeles closely match. Mid-sized markets may pay slightly less.
Career Progression in Biglaw
The typical path: Summer Associate → First-Year Associate → Mid-Level Associate → Senior Associate → Counsel or Partner. Promotion often requires meeting billable hour targets and developing a client base.
Work-Life Balance and Challenges
High compensation comes with intense hours (often 60–80 per week), tight deadlines, and high expectations, impacting work-life balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the starting salary in Big Law for 2025?
About $215,000 plus bonuses.
How much do Big Law partners make?
Many equity partners earn between $1 million and $7 million annually.
Do all Big Law firms follow the lockstep scale?
Most do, but some use merit-based or hybrid compensation models.