Lawyer Pay

Davis Polk will pay $25K stipend to 2027 summer associates ‘giving back’ in summer 2026

Law students who work as a summer intern in nonprofit, government or academic positions in 2026 will be paid a $25,000 stipend if they join Davis Polk & Wardwell as a summer associate in 2027.

Nov 13, 2025 11:26 AM CST

About 40 court-appointed defense lawyers in 1 state refuse new cases; shutdown also affects local DC courts

The government shutdown affecting court-appointed lawyers in federal cases is now being felt in Washington, D.C., where money is running out for private attorneys representing indigent defendants in local courts.

Nov 6, 2025 9:39 AM CST

More firms are helping lawyers stress less over money

Zooming in on the legal profession, 67% of all young lawyers and 68% of young lawyers with student loan debt feel stressed or anxious because of their finances, according to a 2024 survey by the ABA Young Lawyers Division. The survey also found early career lawyers with high debt are delaying marriage and having children and are struggling to reach savings and investment goals.

Nov 3, 2025 2:14 PM CST

Equity partner profits jump 13.7% in first half of 2025 amid rising law firm revenue

Law firms held the line on equity partner ranks in the first half of 2025 as revenue increased, helping profits per equity partner increase 13.7% from the same period last year, according to a six-month survey of mostly larger firms by Wells Fargo’s Legal Specialty Group.

Aug 27, 2025 8:58 AM CDT

Person accused in machete attack among those with dropped charges amid defense lawyer work stoppage

The chief justice of Boston’s municipal court dismissed 39 more criminal cases amid a defense lawyer work stoppage Tuesday, including that of a person accused in a machete attack near a school.

Aug 13, 2025 9:29 AM CDT

This BigLaw firm will pay summer bonuses of up to $25K

Taking the BigLaw lead, Milbank has announced that it will pay summer bonuses to associates and counsel ranging from $6,000 to $25,000.

Aug 7, 2025 1:02 PM CDT

Nonequity partner’s unjust enrichment suit against Duane Morris remains largely intact after judge’s ruling

A federal judge has refused to dismiss a proposed class action lawsuit alleging that Duane Morris saddles nonequity partners with business expenses and partnership taxes, even though they have no power in the law firm.

Aug 6, 2025 9:02 AM CDT

BigLaw partner won’t charge his $3,250 hourly rate to defend New Jersey cities in Trump administration suits

Milbank partner Neal Katyal usually charges $3,250 per hour, but he is giving quite a break to two New Jersey cities that he will help defend in Trump administration lawsuits challenging their immigration policies.

Jul 31, 2025 10:50 AM CDT

In ‘pervasive’ trend, some law firms reward partners by creating new tiers or more shares

Some law firms are adding more certainty and equity for top rainmakers by creating new tiers or more shares to boost their base compensation, according to a report by Law.com. The changes to compensation structure are “one of the most pervasive trends” right now, says law firm pay consultant Blane…

Jul 16, 2025 2:00 PM CDT

Is this the year for associate raises?

Law firm associates hoping for a bump in the salary scale this year may have to keep waiting, according to a recruiter who spoke with Bloomberg Law.

Jul 10, 2025 2:58 PM CDT

Jury awards $6.2M to ex-law firm employee who was paid less than male colleagues

A New York jury has awarded $6.2 million to an attorney who sued her law firm for allegedly firing her after she complained that she was paid less than male attorneys who ranked lower than her.

Jun 16, 2025 12:03 PM CDT

Think new BigLaw associates are all making $225K? Think again, new NALP report says

Despite reports of $225,000 starting salaries for BigLaw associates, most law firms are paying less, according to a report released Wednesday by the National Association for Law Placement.

May 29, 2025 10:55 AM CDT

These attorneys defend clients in need; their pay is being frozen for months

A number of attorneys representing clients who cannot afford legal representation in federal cases are set to have their pay halted for more than two months because of budget shortfalls in the congressional spending bill passed this year, court officials say, alarming lawyers and judges.

May 14, 2025 9:05 AM CDT

New associates get paid $300K at this boutique firm

Litigation boutique law firm Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors will be raising salaries for first-year associates to $300,000 beginning Sept. 1, an increase of $50,000.

May 1, 2025 3:08 PM CDT

Litigation boutique firm will pay special bonuses as high as $60K

Litigation boutique law firm Wilkinson Stekloff will pay special bonuses to associates ranging from $25,000 to $60,000, the firm recently told employees in a memo.

Apr 17, 2025 12:51 PM CDT