Tag Archives: Summer Associates

Navigating the Legal Landscape: A Deep Dive into the Top 20 Law Firms for Summer Associates in 2023

The legal profession, ever-fluid and dynamic, offers both promise and challenges. For young attorneys on the cusp of their careers, understanding the nuances of top law firms can pave the way for a future marked by growth and success.

“In the constantly shifting landscape of law, being well-informed and strategic in your early career choices isn’t just beneficial; it’s imperative,” mentioned Lateral Link Director, Anna Szymczak.

Paul Hastings firmly holds the top position with an enviable average score of 4.996. Their prowess shines distinctly in areas such as “Interesting Work” and “Partner-summer associate interaction,” both recording a perfect 5.000. Equally commendable is their emphasis on an accurate “Firm Self-portrayal,” with an outstanding score of 5.000.

“Selecting the right firm involves more than just considering its reputation. It’s about balancing one’s goals with the firm’s ethos, the quality of mentorship, and the type of work offered,” said Lateral Link Principal, Susan Agopian.

Boasting an international footprint, Clifford Chance has shown remarkable ascent. Their commitment to “Real Work” and “Training and Guidance” is evident, with both categories hitting a perfect 5.000. This combination of global reach and attention to attorney growth underscores their dedication.

“Starting out in the legal field isn’t merely about joining a prestigious name. It’s about finding a place that promotes growth, provides hands-on experience, and cultivates a solid legal foundation,” observed Romina Filippou, Senior Director at Lateral Link.

Duane Morris, not far behind, boasts an overall score of 4.977. Their focus on providing “Real Work” and ensuring robust “Associate-summer associate interaction” is evident, with both sectors securing a 5.000. This indicates an environment where budding attorneys don’t just work but actively engage and form meaningful connections.

In the competitive legal realm, these scores are more than just numbers. They serve as guiding lights for those navigating their career choices. Firms like Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer and Cahill Gordon & Reindel have also demonstrated excellence in “Training and Guidance” and “Communication of Goals and Expectations,” respectively.

“Early career decisions can set the trajectory for an attorney’s future. Aligning with seasoned recruiters who truly understand the legal world can be the difference between a good and a great start,” articulated Kelly Rizo, Senior Director in our Texas office.

As the legal world continues to evolve, so do the opportunities and challenges that come with it. “The choices made today influence the career paths of tomorrow. Rely on insights, mentorship, and the wisdom of those who have tread similar paths to make those choices wisely,” advised Lateral Link Senior Director, Tori Keith. Making informed decisions early on is paramount. At Lateral Link, our seasoned professionals serve as compasses guiding young attorneys towards promising horizons. If you’re eager to navigate the intricacies of the best-suited firms and programs, place your trust in our experienced recruiters. Embark on your journey to excellence with Lateral Link. Let’s embark together.

2023 Summer Associates Survey Rankings – Top 20

2023 Ranking2022 RankingFirm Name
14Paul Hastings
236Clifford Chance
31Duane Morris
426Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer
541Cahill Gordon & Reindel
61Blank Rome
79Proskauer Rose
824Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
925Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton
1074Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
115O’Melveny & Myers
1212Linklaters
137Allen and Overy
1418Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft
1510Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
1617Sullivan & Cromwell
178Day Pitney
1865Fenwick & West
1948Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr
2013Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman

The Rising Wave of Associate Salaries: Analyzing the Impact on the Legal Industry in 2023

An insightful recent examination of associate remuneration has unveiled a striking surge in first-year associate pay packets since 2021. As of the onset of 2023, the median base salary for a first-year associate touched the landmark of $200,000, a noteworthy escalation of $35,000 (+21.2%) from 2021. The figures also underscore the diverse effects of these raises across various firm sizes, geographical regions, and legal markets. This swell in associate remuneration carries wide-ranging ramifications for the legal industry, encompassing issues related to talent retention and acquisition, fiscal strains on smaller firms, and potential changes in client billing rates.

Escalating Salaries Across the Spectrum

The 2023 Associate Salary Survey has indicated a rise in first-year salaries across all firm sizes since 2021. Intriguingly, smaller firms, housing 100 or fewer lawyers, recorded the steepest growth in median first-year salaries, showing a 29.2% increase from $120,000 in 2021 to $155,000 in 2023. This trend suggests that even compact firms are feeling the heat to augment salaries to remain competitive in the race for legal talent.

Firms employing between 251-500 lawyers saw their median first-year salaries climb by 21.9%, from $160,000 in 2021 to $195,000 in 2023. Likewise, firms housing 701-1,000 lawyers witnessed a 20.6% increment, with median first-year salaries growing from $170,000 in 2021 to $205,000 in 2023.

The most substantial dollar rise was observed in firms with 501-700 lawyers, with median first-year salaries soaring from $155,000 in 2021 to $200,000 in 2023 (+$45,000), a 29.0% augmentation. This data points out that mid-sized firms are also making noteworthy adjustments to their salary structures to keep pace with the dynamic legal market.

In the case of the most sizable firms, those hosting more than 1,000 lawyers, the median first-year salary touched $215,000 in 2023, a 23.3% rise from $174,000 in 2021. While these firms were the sole entities to report such elevated median salaries, their sway over the rest of the market is substantial, as they account for 75.0% of all first-year salaries in this firm size category.

Overall, the salary augmentations in large firms, paired with rising inflation, have exerted pressure on smaller and mid-sized firms to amplify their salaries as well. This pattern illustrates the extensive effect of the “talent wars” and the market’s reaction to the escalating demand for proficient legal professionals.

Geographical Influence on Salaries

Geography continues to significantly influence salary variations across regions, cities, and states. The 2023 Associate Salary Survey provides analyses for 26 individual cities and additional states and regions, revealing a wide spectrum of law firm compensation. Median first-year salaries by city oscillate between $145,000 and $215,000.

Eleven cities now boast a median starting salary of $215,000: Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles/Orange County, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and the Washington, DC area. These cities are spread across different regions, reflecting the flourishing legal markets in these areas.

In locations outside of the 26 major cities featured in the report, the $215,000 starting salaries are found less frequently. The highest median first-year associate base salary in these smaller U.S. cities and towns was in the Northeast ($170,000), trailed by the Midwest and West, both at $165,000. The South reported the lowest salaries, with a median first-year salary of $135,000. This regional disparity underscores the necessity of considering local market dynamics when setting salaries.

Moreover, the most commonly reported first-year associate base salary across all firm sizes was $215,000, accounting for 42.7% of all salaries. This further underlines the influence of major legal markets and large firms on salary trends throughout the industry.

The Ripple Effect on Summer Associates

The escalation in associate salaries also cast a significant impact on second-year summer associates. Their median weekly salary witnessed a robust growth of 13.4%, elevating from $3,075 in 2021 to $3,550 in 2023. This indicates that law firms are revising their compensation packages not only for full-time associates but also for summer associates to maintain a competitive edge in the legal talent market.

Furthermore, the rise in summer associate salaries could potentially sway law students’ decisions when choosing firms for their summer internships. Consequently, firms offering higher summer associate salaries may attract more high-achieving law students, further fueling the competition among law firms.

Beyond salary adjustments, some firms may also enhance the overall summer associate experience by offering unique professional development opportunities, networking events, and mentorship programs. These non-monetary benefits could serve as differentiating factors for firms in the eyes of law students, helping them attract and retain top talent amidst rising salary expectations.

Rippling Effects on the Legal Industry

Talent Retention and Acquisition: The rapid salary increases reflect the fierce competition for legal talent. Law firms must continue to offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain the best talent.

Financial Strain on Smaller Firms: The salary increases in large firms and rising inflation have created financial pressure on smaller firms to boost their salaries. Smaller firms may need to explore alternative strategies, such as offering non-monetary benefits, to stay competitive in the talent market.

Regional Disparities: The geographical influence on salaries underscores the need for firms to consider regional cost of living and market factors when determining their compensation packages.

Impact on Clients and Legal Services: The increased salaries may lead to higher billing rates, which could affect the affordability of legal services for clients. Law firms may need to look for ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs to maintain client relationships.

The notable increase in associate salaries since 2021 underscores the fierce competition for legal talent and emphasizes the need for law firms to adapt swiftly. As the legal industry continues to evolve, firms must meticulously consider their compensation strategies and maintain flexibility to attract and retain top-notch professionals. If you’re seeking a more personalized understanding of these industry shifts and how they can potentially impact your legal career trajectory, connect with a Lateral Link industry expert. We are poised to provide you with tailored advice and guidance, helping you navigate your career in this ever-changing landscape and ensure you secure exactly what you’re looking for in your legal career.