Is $70,000/year, requiring 1600 billable hours, with a $4K bonus if I make the billable hours requirement, reasonable for family law?
The practice is 10-20 people; 5 attorneys if I join. In the suburb of Atlanta, GA.

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

I don’t think this is reasonable for any job as an attorney

likefunny

Deputy prosecutors in my city start at $62k. Law clerks start at $58k. Without bonuses.

I pay my paralegals close to this

likehelpful

No. I am in Atlanta and it’s not worth it. You can do a lot better in this market.

like

If it were me I would keep looking. When I was trying to move in-house before the pandemic, I was tempted to take an extremely low offer because it was the first one I got. I held tight and finally got a much better, more reasonable offer with great people. Firms are paying crazy money and 70k is a slap in the face.

As a paralegal I’m appalled for you… I think our junior paralegal made more than that in both salary and bonus of billing requirement was met. Granted, different practice group and a bigger firm but I have no words. I’d say put more feelers out there and see what other opportunities are available to you.

like

Are you big law? Bc that would probably explain higher salary as para

The outrage here is hilarious. This would be right in line in Minneapolis, not sure about Atlanta. Lots of lawyers make less than six figures, especially new lawyers. And at least in the Midwest, family lawyers make less money than those in civil practice (just like IP lawyers make more than those in civil often). Also it's pretty standard for paralegals in smaller firms to make more than new lawyers, especially in family law where so much of the discovery is standard. My husband is in a family firm that's nearly exactly the size of the one you mentioned. They start at 65k-80k for lawyers, but they have 2 paralegals making over 100k. A good paralegal is indispensable and makes you money.

What i would ask yourself is does this firm have a good reputation in an area in which you want to practice? And what does advancement look like? Are there any mid-level associates? How much are they making? Are they happy? In the example above of my husband's firm, he lateraled in at 130k and has received steady, substantial raises. And he's home almost everyday by 5:30pm.

like

These are all great questions. I'm not sure how I can get honest answers from current employees. But these question and the answers are very important to me.

This is my first job at a firm, I was a prosecutor for 6months and have 3 years as a legal assistant to an in-house counsel.

like

Tbh I believe it’s on par for the billable hours offered and considering it’s a small firm. But, you can probably find a higher paying job with the trade off being that your billables will be higher.

like

There are 5 attorneys and 15 staff?

like

But I know for sure that there at 4 attorneys and I would be #5

Regional southeast city, $70-75K is in line for first year lawyers here at a firm of that size.

like

People that live in NYC and other big cities fail to realize a lot of attorney jobs pay less than six figures. It’s quite common. I believe I saw before that the average salary for a FL attorney, for instance, is about 85-90k.

like

Are you a first year?

Yes.

Ok so what’s a more reasonable rang for small firms (less than 50 employees)?

I know practice area will be a factor but I’m applying and the NAPL .org and Urban said 1 year associates average $85K/ year back in 2021.

Billing rate not firm size determines what you should get paid

like

Monthly billable requirement is 60 hours at my firm and I made 72k last year. 3 member firm.

Related Posts

Considering an offer to move to a (what I believe) late-stage start-up… 200+ million in funding through series A, B, C+ and have heard news of IPO next. I would be in a mid-senior role. Not sure how to negotiate on compensation package with consideration to equity as I’ve been in consulting since starting my career. Anyone have advice/suggestions?

like

Salary bands for senior EA - Does anyone know what they are for the following Canadian companies: KPMG, Amazon, Telus, and Deloitte

like

What should be average salary for Scrum master 3years exp and overall 7 years exp?

like

Dear Sharks

Has anyone got Bonus payment, Usually 30% bonus split into 7.5% will paid on the last month of each quarter right
Like March, June, September, December

I have joined August month
I have not got any variable pay bonus
Is my understanding correct
Pls guide

Below is the summary of Bonus shared at EY GDS. Can rest of the Big 4 fishes mention their Bonuses as well in the comments for both India and Global entities. Will share the summary with the group once we get enough data.

Post Photo
like

EY GDS or Macquarie. Both offering same salary. Which would be better?Macquarie Group EY

like

Let's talk money 💰

Why are there glass ceilings on salaries in NL?

Considering that cost of living has gone up significantly here, doesn't the market need some adjustment?

Is salary just a function of years of seniority?

I do understand the case of better WLB and social benefits than the US. Hence not a direct comparison.

Anyone who understands the market willing to share their take?

Thanks!

like

Hi fishes,
I just got an offer from a startup in India putting my total comp to 40LPA(incl. vested stocks work 8kUSD and I also have an offer from a big 4 in the London for 65250GBP + benefits.

Any thoughts on comparing the two options?

like

Thoughts on the corporate strategy team at Visa? Trying to learn more about the regional vs global teams, salary (US btw), career progression etc. Thanks!

like

Any ideas about the securities technology audit associate role in an investment bank? Work life balance, salary range, career prospect? I’m an IT consultant with 3 years of experience. Will it be a wise move? Please share your thoughts, appreciate it :)

What’s the common process for when a client offering you a job at the end of the project? Do you still have to go through interviews and stuffs like a normal application or the client would just send you an offer?
The client asked me to join their team, we talked about the position (no specific comp yet), and they asked for my resume. Just want to know what the common process is like in this situation, TIA.

likehelpful

What’s a typical video producer salary in London?

like

I have had salary discussion and the Hr provided me the salary breakup on 5th August, I have accepted the the offered salary, how long will it take to receive the offer letter for TCS.

Hello, after doing some research I believe I’m being underpaid. About 4 months ago HR did a market analysis for my role. They bumped my salary for about $2k. I’m a mid-level Executive assistant with 6 years of experience and currently supporting 5 executives at a fortune 50 company. One C level and 4 Vice Presidents. I’m currently making $61,000 with bonus included. Based on my research I should at least be making $71,400. I have a check in with my boss tomorrow and I am asking for a raise.

like

Hello Everyone..Anyone who knows about the Salary range of Manager L2 in PWC AC Blore under Business Acumen team?

like

As a Cybersecurity Analyst I make right under 80k in total compensation (62k Salary, 17k Bonus). I have two years of experience, an Associates in Networking and a Sec+ cert, does everyone feel like this is a fair compensation based off my credentials and experience?

likehelpful

Curious to know what other firm's bonus structures are, particularly those with billable requirements of 1900 and below. Trying to understand what the norm is and figure out if associates at my firm are getting screwed. thanks

like

Female fishies in 🇸🇬 - I'm looking for a new basic skirt suit that will take me through formal work events. What are some brands I should consider? (Affordable for SA salary lol)

like

At what point does it make sense to buy a home? I have ~700k in the stock market and a lower than average salary currently (80k) and pay 1800 a month in rent.

like

What is the Expected Salary for 12 yoe Java aws developer?

like

More Posts

Are tears considered business casual or not really?

like

Hi Fishes,
Considering recent news about credit Suisse and it's fall in shares in this year ,is it good decision to join CS ? In Finance (FP&A) profile.
Please help to make decisions. Thanks in advance

like
like

Accenture global SC - 17fixed 3var + 2JB Exp -4.7 any scope to negotiate further? If yes how much? Accenture

I am also looking for other opportunities if any of you can help refer

like

Is it fairly smooth to transition to CDI without inpatient coding experience? I have my RHIA but have been apprehensive to get into CDI. I feel like I have transferable skills from my background in profee coding, coding educator and having payor side experience. Is it necessary to get IP coding experience or just jump ship for the challenge?

like

How is Prescient Healthcare Group as a firm? What is WLB like? What do senior roles at director level look like? Professionalism? Brand? Compensation?

like

Ia it good to join EY GDS in consulting service line?

like

I have got an offer from S&P Global I want to know about following things

How much of Variable Pay is Paid ?? I got 15% of Base salary but how much will be paid like the usual norm i want to know

And what are the deductions from Base salary apart from PF ?
There are lot of allowances like internet reimbursement etc etc
Are they mandatorily credited or you need to claim ?

How is the Project Manager position at NTT ( Location : Mumbai) ?
Job security?
Pay scale to be asked for as minimum as where does this role stand in internal hierarchy in the company?
( Considering the high cost of living in Mumbai)

like

Just got some fun news, my CEO decided he wants to have an office Christmas party this and just told me I'm in charge of it... Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can host a party for around Christmas for 150-220 people? I know this is super last minute

like

Anyone else not getting points / nights for recent Marriott stays? Account activity isn’t working in the app

There has to be a point where focusing on minute details generates diminishing marginal returns.

like

Is there ever going to be a comeback of the main coins (BTC/ETH/LTC) or are the golden days done?

Are you working from home 100% of the time or less? How do you create work/life balance when you are always home?

like

Why do firms fire people with low but still profitable hours? I am in my first full year on track for pretty low hours (~1500) but the actual realized fees (after writedowns) are still double my yearly salary. Is it because firms know they could replace someone like me with an equivalent attorney who would bill more?

like

I’ve seen this rant a lot so I know we all have that one partner—but for the love of god can you just forward me the emails when you get it?? I see you got this urgent request over 10 days ago 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

likefunny

H1b season is 3 days away and no response from law firm. Is anyone facing issues with a brand new h1b ? Opt case

like

How much do people make on average in VC after 2-3 years out of undergrad in MBB/IB?

like

Hi
Is there any opening in IBM for Oracle apps technical.
Looking for job change

like

Additional Posts in Law

When you tell the recruiter at A that you got an offer at B and want to know the status of next steps, what happens behind the scenes?

like

BILLABLE v. SALARY BASED.... pros and cons? I’ve never worked at a firm that has billing requirements, I’ve always been salary based, but I’m interested to know what your experiences have been!

like

Is it normal or ideal to continue working on a deal in your last week at the firm?

like

I'm a long time prosecutor getting into the ID game and billable hours. Are there any resources out there that can help me get more effective/efficient without spending months/years learning the hard way? Some days I'm at the office 10 hours, took virtually no breaks and yet only bill 7. 🤬

like

First time interviewing multiple potential hires at a job fair tomorrow. Any tips or suggested questions?

like

Plan was to bill 10 hours but I couldn’t make it past 8. Happy Tuesday.

like

2020 grad M&A/PE Associate in LCOL area thinking about moving to a ECVC/M&A boutique. I generally like the work I do and the people I work with, but I really don’t like the hours and the constant late nights and weekends. Currently on pace for 2250. Boutique I have been eyeing has billable hour requirement of 1500-1600 and comes with a 20-25% paycut. Is this a stupid idea and should I grind it out until I can move in house? Will this ruin my opportunities down the road?

like

Has anyone ever worked out of a co-working space? Did you like it / did you get any social interaction out of it? I’m in a 100% remote role & the isolation is driving me crazy. (My team does everything via email or IM - phone & video calls are super rare) I’ve been considering working from a co-working space 1-2 days a week, but it’s so expensive I’d like to get some first-hand reviews first. Thanks!

like

BigLaw M&A: what do you consider to be “big deal” vs a small and medium deal? For example, what do you consider a $150M deal?

like

I’ve been negotiating a settlement on behalf of a client. OP is a major corp. we’ve gone back and forth for months, almost a year. Finally came to a final agreement and we’re reviewing for final signature. Then client is reviewing and decides they want something else modified. It’s a point of contention. OP has said no. Should I communicate this to client before pushing back against OP’s rejection of the mod?

like

Is there a market for lawyers to add expertise In crisis management or reputation management? My goal is to counsel clients on how to respond to media inquiries without saying or posting something detrimental to a potential litigation while still maintaining communication with their client base. If so, how to break into that industry? Courses? Books? Certifications?

like

Why do partners tell associates to be cost-conscious when billing for certain clients when they can just cut your hours on the back end?

like

Typical non-equity partner salary? Include law firm size pls.

like

Curious to know what other firm's bonus structures are, particularly those with billable requirements of 1900 and below. Trying to understand what the norm is and figure out if associates at my firm are getting screwed. thanks

like

Firm needs to get something done in Town X (130 miles away). Coincidentally, I also need to be in Town X that same day for something else (personal stuff). Is it OK to volunteer to do the thing and ask for a reimbursement of my expenses (fuel etc.)?

likesmart

How do y’all deal with burnout? First year already billed 1900 since Jan. I feel like I’m tired and uninterested in work all the time now.

like

A summer associate has a side hustle business. It’s ok until they are barred right?

like

Best side jobs for extra money? Really need to supplement my income..

like

What would you say is the difference between a billable hour target vs. minimum? I feel like some firms boast about not having a “minimum” but the expectation is that you to exceed this target which just makes it a minimum.

like

Any advice for new, relatively young, in house attorney? I feel lost and I’m having to build the “legal dept” from scratch.

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