Got a biglaw offer, but the pay seems low

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nobody gives a shit what law school I went to at my firm because I do good work. And also because nobody gives a shit what law school you went to or what journal you were on or what your class rank was after the first few years of practice.

Sure, if you have specialized expertise or a nice book of business. If you're Joe Schmoe Associate with nothing differentiating, then the academic snobbery still abounds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:90k - ha! I make more than that in the federal government. Ha!

k

That seems low. I made 92 as a paralegal.

Sure you did.

At least 1/4 of the paralegals I managed until last month made more than $90K. It's usually a non-exempt position, so a few of them were based under $90K, but made it in OT. If you are specialized in a practice and can be billed out at near-associate rates, you can make it into six figures and be very profitable for a firm and a good value for the clients. Because so many paralegals leave the industry after 3 years (to go to law school or leave the industry), the ones who are good and stick around can make good money. You have to hazard pay for the hours/unpredictable schedule, too. And the really good ones are more useful than first- and second-year associates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:90k - ha! I make more than that in the federal government. Ha!

k

That seems low. I made 92 as a paralegal.

Sure you did.

At least 1/4 of the paralegals I managed until last month made more than $90K. It's usually a non-exempt position, so a few of them were based under $90K, but made it in OT. If you are specialized in a practice and can be billed out at near-associate rates, you can make it into six figures and be very profitable for a firm and a good value for the clients. Because so many paralegals leave the industry after 3 years (to go to law school or leave the industry), the ones who are good and stick around can make good money. You have to hazard pay for the hours/unpredictable schedule, too. And the really good ones are more useful than first- and second-year associates.

I know someone who is a paralegal for Hilton and he gets paid over $100,000.

[Anonymous]

This thread is four years old people!