Three years as a big-firm lawyer, and it’s a pretty sure bet that the annual paycheck is going to be at least $200,000. Not bad, even if Sallie Mae is still claiming a big chunk of it.
Using information provided by third-, fourth-, and fifth-years, we’ve compiled the salaries and bonuses of Am Law 200 associates from around the country. Overall, midlevel associates reported median salaries of $170,000 in their third year, with bonuses at $30,000. By years four and five, total compensation hit $222,000 and $245,000, respectively.
