4.5K is only for the larger local firms (though its since been upped to 4.8K - 5K at 1 or 2 firms). At foreign firms based here, its anything from 5.5K to I dont know, maybe 7 - 8K? On the other hand, lawyers in small firms are getting 3K plus even after 2 - 3 years.

If you want big money, do something else. If you want stability of income, lawyering isnt bad, I suppose.