Compensation

White Papers

• 2023 Solo & Small Firms Compensation Survey Report 
  by Above the Law and iManage
  

  More than one thousand (1,000) attorneys participated at firms with 50 or fewer lawyers. At 32 pages, the report breaks down compensation down by seniority, firm size, practice area, geography, and other variables. Here are a few highlights: 

  • For partners, twenty-six percent (26%) earn $500,000 or more. Twenty-six percent (26%) earn $250,000-499,000. Twenty-five percent (25%) earn $150,000-249,000.
  • For associates, sixty-one (61%) earn between $75,000 and $149,000. Bonuses as a percentage of base pay range 5-15%.
  • Most attorneys earned at least five percent (5%) more in 2023 than the prior year.
  • Generally, larger firms pay more than smaller firms. Urban firms pay more than rural firms.
  This report includes some worthwhile benchmarking data to consider as you set compensation for your firm.

• 2023 In-House Compensation Survey Report
  by Above the Law and Paragon
  

  Published last month by Above the Law and Paragon. 1,900 in-house counsel participated in the survey, and here are a few highlights: 

  • Median income: $284,000, with CLOs at $325,000 and junior-level in-house lawyers at $196,000.
  • Eighty-six percent (86%) get bonuses in the 20-30% range
  • The best paying industries are Real Estate and Energy and, surprisingly, not so much for Technology companies.