I make $140k at a mid-sized firm in Atlanta, billing around 2,100 hours/year. Still paying off loans and can’t afford to buy a home. Is this normal or should I be aiming higher?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I made more than that as in-house counsel in Atlanta. I would look for a new job.

like

So jelly haha

That’s very low pay for those hours. I’d try to lateral to a higher paying role.

like

I agree 100% that’s so low for that amount of hours!

like

It’s a lot of money compared to what most people make, which gives you something to be grateful about. But for a law firm, it doesn’t sound like a good deal. There are complete moron first-year associates making 200k base at large law firms with similar hours. It also doesn’t sound like enough to pay off loans for private law school efficiently while still having a comfortable life.

Aim higher! Job market sucks, but no harm in sending out a few applications, seeking either fewer hours or more money.

like

That seems low for how many hours you’re billing. For billing that many hours you might as well work in BigLaw and make far more

like

Buying a home is tough around Atlanta right now. Might be best to save that cash until the time is right.

like

Another Atlanta lawyer chiming in to say that seems low for those hours.

like

I make that as a paralegal in NYC and trust me, NYC firms do not pay any higher than most cities. Plus we have to pay a large city tax out of each check. I honestly made more money in Dallas, but for the hours and the market, based on experience, I would find a separate firm if you’re billing 2100 hours.

smart

Need more info. What year are you, what level of law school did you go to, what area are you practicing in.

In general, it seems on the lower end of the scale, but if you're a 1st or 2nd year who went to a 2nd or 3rd tier law school and you're doing ID, it's probably about right.

like

What practice area are you in? I’m in Atlanta and that doesn’t sound entirely off depending on practice but, depending on your background, you could be doing better too.

What's your YOE?

I really want to relocate to the US and then I see posts like this… I get paid EUR 150k for less than 1620 billable hours and gave every second Friday off…

Related Posts

As a first time PM at a company with no PM structure, I’m finding it difficult to learn good practices and bring myself to “the next level”. Has anyone here had a similar self taught start that made the break through to become a solid senior PM? Anything will help, books, etc.

like

Describe the most annoying/awkward Partner in your office and what do they do that is annoying?

like

Am I the only one who wants to quit every job after a year?

likefunnyuplifting

How long does is usually take to get staffed on the first project? Joined 11/15 and still no project... Fyi, I am in the commercial side. Should I be worried? Ive contacted my RM couple times and am reaching out to my network 😢

like

I was just asked to relocate to a different city. The move will come with a raise and promotion, but I'm conflicted. I enjoy where I live right now and I like being close to my family. Would love some advice.

likehelpfulsmartuplifting

Hello everyone. My joining date is 20/10/22 in natwest.But still i did’nt get any mail regarding my joining formalities.can anyone explain me that how many days it will take to complete my pes verification.

like

What are some of the things that were a MUST when buying your first home and what were some things that you were more flexible with and why? I’m having a discussion with my partner about what we absolutely need and what can be worked on later.

like

whether it's a good decision to jump to another company just for a high package?

I took this decision as it takes longer to get the same package in the current company. Please suggest… more

like

Looking for a good recruiter in central to puppet Florida...anyone have any one that they can recommend?

EY -TAS , S&O . We are hiring. If interested, reach out...

likehelpfulfunny

How common are credit checks for roles in accounting or finance positions? Will high utilization on credit card balances and low credit score be a deal breaker? I’ve been irresponsible and made mistakes, but wondering if I can switch jobs now or if I’m best off waiting 1-2 years and cleaning up my credit first.

like

How long did it take you to lose interest in your job?

like

Best mentoring advice you were given?

like

What will be provided in Accenture new joiners kit

like

Which navigation apps do you prefer using besides google maps for driving long distances?

like

Hi I have an offer from vmware as MTS3 as fixed 35LPA along with 6 LPA shares. But now i have an another offer pf 50LPA with no shares.can i negotiate with Vmware consdering the acquisition and also do vmware matches for the fixed part?

Have a really good relationship with current company, but got an amazing offer and very likely gonna leave (signed the offer, waiting for all the background checks to come back). How do you tell your boss you are leaving the company (if boss is not a dick lol) and not ruin relationship?

like

Bonjour, quels sont les salaires pour un poste de Junior Associate chez McKinsey ?

like

I was on a partner/manager call today and they were discussing the “high” turnover at the senior and experienced associate level. What was shocking is that while ours is about double normal, evidently we are 3 out of 4 in turnover meaning 2 of the Big 4 are even higher.

like

Additional Posts in Law

I am legitimately worried that Trump might take the country down or start a civil war. This is legitimately weighing on me. Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

likefunny

Anyone else having one of those days where you just can’t seem to do anything right? I’m dropping balls left and right here

like

If you and your girlfriend went to law school together, were you together the night the bar results came back? What if one of you doesn’t pass / and the other feels like they can’t celebrate?

like

200k in student loans. Unmarried, no kids. If you had to choose - Would you prioritize paying them down/off or saving up for big ticket items like a house/retirement?

like

I joined fishbowl a month ago and while I’ve seen a couple contentious debates but I must say I’m pleasantly surprised at how respectfully ppl comment on this app even when disagreeing. Usually anonymity on the internet brings out the absolute worst in ppl; they type things anonymously that they would NEVER say in person smh. But I really haven’t seen horrible comments here. I wonder what makes this app diff frm others?

like

How many billable hours per week is considered at capacity? I’m getting pushback on boundaries I’m setting about additional matters and marketing work from my firm when I’ve been billing 60-75 hours per week for the last 6 weeks, and I’m still behind on my work. I feel like it’s reasonable to not kill myself further to fit in more/turn things around faster at this point, but am I being unreasonable? I expect my workload to remain at this level through the end of the year at least.

like

Technical question: if I work for a firm in State A, am barred in State A, but live and work remotely in State B, where my firm has no presence, am I breaking any rules in State B?

likehelpful

Does anyone know of recruiting firms with a focus on Anti-money laundering? I’m foreign educated and newly admitted NY attorney with CAMS certification but living in Miami lol. I’m here, because my husband practices in SoFlo. Any recommendations? I don’t have any experience but have CAMS.

like

Any firms adopted a remote/hybrid system permanently???? We’re back in office full time and omg I hate it so much.

like

What’s the best way to turn down a 2nd interview? During the 1st interview, I learned that the compensation for the role is not within the range that I am looking for and requires 400 more billable hours a year than what I bill now. I’d basically be laterally for my current salary just to bill 400 more hours. I also wasn’t aware that the local office was strictly ID. Firm website advertises lots of practice areas. Any advice? TIA!

like

How long after you start a new job is it appropriate to take a vacation? And for what length of time?

like

Any entertaining stories about opposing counsel just losing their mind on you in court or over the phone? How do you respond to opposing counsel who is being rude, unreasonable, or verbally abusive?

like

Insight on Venable?

like

As things start to open up fully, some of my institutional clients are sending notices that we are expected to do X activity over zoom from here on out (things we used to do in person). Clearly it’s a cost cutting measure. Anyone else feel like filing for telephonic appearance so the insurance company can save a buck isn’t going to sit well with judges who prefer in person attendance? I hope they deny all of them so my billables don’t suffer. Less travel = more desk bs I have to do to hit quota

like
like

Has anyone been admitted to Massachusetts by transfer of UBE score? I submitted my application in July and took and passed the state law exam today. How long after this were you admitted? Thanks!

like

What is a realistic signing bonus ask for a mid level lit associate to a midsize major market firm that pays 80% DPW scale ?

like

Career Sabbatical?

Can anyone who has taken a career sabbatical to travel/explore other interests share their experience with both leaving their jobs and returning to the legal field?
I really want to live in Asia for a year at least before I have to settle down and start a family. I’m not getting younger but don’t want to be reckless with my career.

like

Messed up a document production. What now?

like

Interviewing with Cordell & Cordell next week for a SouthEastern associate position. Any tips? Things I should know about the firm/position? Things to avoid?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal