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Brewer isn’t Biglaw , but it’s playing (and paying) like it is. First-year salaries now $300K. Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors, a premier litigation boutique, has just announced a groundbreaking move: Starting salaries for first-year associates are now set at $300,000. This figure surpasses the typical Biglaw market rate of $225,000, highlighting Brewer's commitment to attracting top-tier talent. But the firm's compensation strategy doesn't stop there: 🔹 Third-year associates: $375,000 🔹 Fourth- and fifth-year associates: $400,000–$450,000 🔹 Partnership consideration: Eligible after just five years Founding partner William A. Brewer III emphasizes the firm's forward-thinking approach: "The bigger the stage, the better." This development prompts several important considerations: Client Impact: With higher associate salaries, billing rates may increase. How will clients respond to these changes? Industry Influence: Will other firms follow suit, potentially reshaping compensation norms across the legal landscape? Brewer's bold strategy may set a new benchmark. Expect to see more firms reassessing associate compensation soon. Congratulations to Brewer and their team!
Brewer also states that the billable hour is outdated. https://www.law360.com/articles/2316896?copied=1
@As
AI would like a word with your model
Like any industry, legal services are priced on supply and demand. The increased base salary—the main COGS in this case—will naturally drive up prices and reduce purchasing power. Perhaps that’s good from the associates perspective (i.e. less hours to work), but the bigger problem is likely the dead weight social loss being created from the price floor on salaries. Namely, people being priced out of legal services with reduced access to justice. Will be interesting to see whether this is sustainable or if salaries are better left to the market to decide.
From a wellness perspective, I can’t endorse this. Expectations of associates to cover their cost to the firm has to increase, thereby increasing pressure, stress, anxiety, depression, intrafirm competition, substance abuse and suicidal ideation. This stokes an unhealthy environment. How can this be something to congratulate?
Interesting
But what are they paying their staff? Are they yet another lawfirm that doesn't appreciate their support team?