I was paid 155 in New York in 1988 at a firm that was incredibly difficult to join. Yes, had the credentials you might suspect.

The per hour wage was nevertheless very low.

In some sense it was a great place to develop a narrow set of skills, particularly in developing Big Law quality work product. But it was not the place to learn how to develop clients or even the business of law. I don’t regret the experience but it wasn’t my cup of tea.

In my last job I reported to the CFO of a Fortune 20 corporation. Was a third line manager and mostly spent time leading and developing talent. Probably it was a job where my best skills could be put to use. I am back in a legal job for my last job but have business people reporting to me. Make the most of any job you have. No regrets.

Anonymous wrote:Son finally got an offer for his first job out of law school-starting salary 90K in Boston. I think that is low.

I'm a lawyer. That is not low.

A government job in DC, assuming a GS-11, Step 1 as a new attorney is just under $85k a year.

I don't see a lot of information but school, location, graduating gpa, and name of firm or non-profit (if not government) would all play into the salary amount. My guess is that OP may have heard about some of the imo outrageous salaries some first year gradates make coming from higher ranked schools, to larger firms, and at the top of their class. If you know kids who start out making $200k then $90 can seem low.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2025/DCB.pdf

Anonymous wrote:What exactly is the job? Where did he go to law school?

What is your job, OP, and what is your salary?

More importantly, what was your salary at your first job? Mine was $14,000!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe he needs to live his own life and will do better without you being intrusive. Are you some kind of expert on the legal job market? That's a reasonable salary for some types of jobs, not others.

All of us can understand a parent's worry about living costs in Boston or other HCOL areas so no need to shame them.

But he needs to convey pride and excitement to his child (for this hard won accomplishment) —not disappointment!

Google “bimodal salary distribution lawyers.” A small number of lawyers make a lot of money. A large number of lawyers do not.

He's just starting. That's a good, solid salary to be proud of. He may also have more realistic, lower hours than some places that pay better and where people burn out after a few years. If the firm is a good environment, he can progress smoothly and nicely to a higher salary, pick a burb with appropriately priced homes and have a wonderful life with better life balance than the big law folks. We should all be so lucky!

What exactly is the job? Where did he go to law school?

What is your job, OP, and what is your salary?

He will probably get a decent bump after the first year. New lawyers aren't very useful as they're still learning.

Unless he goes to a T14, it is unlikely to make six figures when graduating right away after law school. And not every T14 grad makes a lot, they might clerk or do public interest.

Almost 25 percent of Harvard MBA's are still unemployed from the Class of 2024.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/chriswestfall/2025/01/15/when-harvard-mbas-cant-find-jobs-how-the-job-market-has-changed/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My husband got paid around 60k right out of law school as a prosecutor. Best training and stepping stone he could have had. Now makes 175k as an attorney for a government agency. Calm down.

Was that 20 years ago?

.

Nope he made the 60k about 10 years ago. I bet they still pay around the same though- low pay but good benefits. 175 k now and we are comfortable with this. Great work life balance.

Congratulations to you son!

Most attorneys do not make a huge amount of money. I only see that as the norm on boards like this one.