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USAYou are here: Destinations > International > USA
Depending on the firm, associate salaries were cut, raised or frozen in 2009. Many firms have unfrozen and/or restored bands to previous levels. $160,000 is the first year salary for most large New York firms. Some US firms have kept salaries frozen meaning lawyers in their first, second and third years are earning $160,000.
In these tough times it seems there is a diminished role for junior lawyers in major US firms. Many graduates have had their start dates deferred. Most firms cut junior lawyers’ year-end bonuses considerably in 2009, while retaining or even increasing bonuses for some more senior associates.
Some firms have paid bonuses outside of normal bonus periods to compensate for reduced year-end bonus payments. One firm announced a mid year bonus in July 2010 and another firm paid a spring bonus earlier this year.
In the past decade, large law firm salaries in offices outside of New York have come into line with New York salaries. For many firms in the current climate, these pay scales are unsustainable and some firms have gone back to geographical differences in their pay scales.
In 2010, there are isolated opportunities to work in the US for exceptional lawyers.
Click here to have your Frequently Asked Questions about working in the United States answered.
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