BigLaw firms do not negotiate individual starting salaries.
They use a standardized national pay chart called the Cravath scale, where every associate is paid the same amount based solely on their seniority.

Below is the scale in the clearest, easiest-to-read format.

BigLaw Base Salaries by Class Year

Class YearExperienceBase Salary
1st Year (Class of 2024)New associate$225,000
2nd Year1 year$235,000
3rd Year2 years$260,000
4th Year3 years$295,000
5th Year4 years$345,000
6th Year5 years$370,000
7th Year6 years$400,000
8th Year7 years$415,000

If a firm is “on scale,” this is what they pay—no negotiation required.

Typical Annual Bonuses

Bonuses follow the same seniority-based structure:

Class YearTypical Bonus Range
1st Year$15,000 – $20,000
2nd Year$20,000 – $25,000
3rd Year$30,000 – $40,000
4th Year$45,000 – $60,000
5th Year$65,000 – $80,000
6th Year$85,000 – $95,000
7th–8th Year$100,000 – $115,000+

In strong economic years, bonuses may be substantially higher.

Total Compensation Overview

Approximate salary + bonus totals:

YearTotal Compensation
1st Year~ $240,000
3rd Year~ $290,000 – $300,000
5th Year~ $410,000+
7th–8th Year~ $500,000+

Why BigLaw Pays This Much

BigLaw salaries are high because:

  • Associates routinely work 60–90 hours per week
  • Work involves high-stakes corporate deals and litigation
  • Firms bill clients hundreds or thousands of dollars per hour for associate time
  • Large firms generate enormous revenue and pass some of that value to associates

The compensation reflects the workload, pressure, and expectations.

Who Actually Earns These Salaries

Only roughly 15–20% of law graduates enter BigLaw.
Pathways depend heavily on:

  • Law school attended
  • GPA and class rank
  • OCI performance
  • Resume strength
  • Market conditions and timing

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