With first-year associate salaries increasing at some large firms, midsize firms have taken notice and evaluated compensation, but many have chosen not to follow suit and instead say they are staying competitive by providing hands-on opportunities and work-life balance instead of increasing salaries.

The average starting pay for first-year associates in Pennsylvania is on the rise this year, The Legal reported last month, and some large firms have raised first-year salaries as high as $160,000.