The growing pay gap between cash-flush Big Law associates and in-house lawyers is real. But it’s still possible to move from a top law firm to a mid-level position at a corporate legal department without losing stacks of money. 

While making the switch will likely involve a base salary reduction, in-house bonuses and equity grants, such as restricted stock units or incentive stock options, can lessen the financial blow and, in some cases, erase the pay disparity over time.