Small firms need a reality check on salary expectations. Used to work for midsize firm in nyc got laid off and found a new firm. The offer was much lower ( 45k diff) and back to less than 6 figures but given how long I was searching i accepted the role. There is a promise to have a discretionary review at 4 month mark to bring me at 6 figs, but still would be a 30k delta from last firm. I'm working 8 hour days, no billable requirement in litigation. Was I lowballed and is there cont.

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I’ve seen small firms pay above market and below. I think there are several factors including area of law and city.
I have seen firms big and small take advantage of the current market, more supply than demand.
For many smaller firms, when they hire for a new role, they start salary lower because it’s a test/trial period. They want to know how you perform and if you’re the right fit for their smaller company.
Alllllll of that being said -
If I were you, and the market is what it is, stick it out to month 4 but kill it before then.
And when that review comes up be prepared with your numbers and how you contributed to the team (tangible and intangible)
The other option is that you work there while interviewing at other firms that may pay what you were making.

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Is there justification in asking for what i was making at my old firm given amount of work I'm being asked to do? Is 85k standard? There are few associates and weekend work has already started less than 1 month in...

There is a lot of overflow meant billing 8 but working closer to 12...

At small firms, having one right now, there is issues you may not be aware of. The profit margins in a small firm are not high. Especially with Covid right now. Then add in all the stuff in required to pay for you (insurance, malpractice insurance, benefits, taxes, etc) it can be quiet a lot. You have to set salaries at what it doable long term and not where you're praying a client comes in to so you can pay the staff.

Covid has definitely slowed our practice so if you hang in there, and get through this with them, you'll have a great position for getting a raise once business picks back up

At a small firm your salary is based on how the firm is doing and how much money it's making from your labor (versus someone else's) not how much you are working. In my small firm i worked many 80+ hour weeks in the beginning for much less than the market pay i was making before. Now i make more than what I was making before, but you have to start thinking about the firm and your role in it if you want to last or thrive there, let alone be compensated fairly. If you want to simply be an employee at a specific rate, stay in big law. If you are bringing in clients or good returns, ask for a bonus structured on receivables, which is very reasonable and shows you want to contribute.

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