Lawyer Salary

Some lawyers are very good at technicals and are content to just do what they do best.
So moving from SA in big 4 to associate in international firms make the most sense because they will continue to be a SA in the international even in their late 30s/early 40s.

Some know they can’t do BD/ get business for the firm so they are never going to cut it as partner anyway.

Some know they don’t have gravitas. Like for instance if you have a face that look like a kid even when you’re 40, is that going to instil confidence in your clients, esp if you are in corporate and are up against banks etc

[Laui]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Really interested to hear what are some of the reasons a SA at an international firm choose to stay where they are, when their peers at a big 4 firm may have already become JPs. Am speculating here (and would love to hear others’ views) but is it because the title of “partner” becomes less important when the international firm pays more and is it also perhaps due to a declined interest in making equity partner?

Well, a few reasons I can think of off the top of my head. Speaking anecdotally so anyone feel free to chime in if I’m wrong or if their experiences differ.

The responsibilities between Big4 JPs vs International SA is likely the same, at least for the legal work. Big4 JPs may have some billing pressure, beyond what International SAs do. International SAs tend to earn more though.

In terms of progression, I find the prospects of further promotion similar. Big4 JPs are on a timer - if they don’t bring in enough business, there’s no promotion to equity, and there may be a chance of being asked to leave. For International SAs, if they can’t bring in business, they may be stuck at the SA or Counsel level, or be asked to leave.

I agree that the “partner” title for Big4 JPs is an upside to some, but bear in mind that upon promotion you will become self-employed and lose your employee-related benefits (e.g. insurance, leave entitlements, etc.) - there’s a different scheme for partners (who are in essence business owners).

As discussed earlier, perhaps our generation don’t care too much for the title as many people don’t intend to make partner anyway. It can devolve into a dick-measuring contest, and I think many lawyers from this generation don’t seem to give 2 ****s about that. There are so many more opportunities these days anyway and once a person makes a conscious decision to leave the legal profession all these “title” concerns become unimportant quickly.

Originally Posted by Laui

Well, a few reasons I can think of off the top of my head. Speaking anecdotally so anyone feel free to chime in if I’m wrong or if their experiences differ.

The responsibilities between Big4 JPs vs International SA is likely the same, at least for the legal work. Big4 JPs may have some billing pressure, beyond what International SAs do. International SAs tend to earn more though.

In terms of progression, I find the prospects of further promotion similar. Big4 JPs are on a timer - if they don’t bring in enough business, there’s no promotion to equity, and there may be a chance of being asked to leave. For International SAs, if they can’t bring in business, they may be stuck at the SA or Counsel level, or be asked to leave.

I agree that the “partner” title for Big4 JPs is an upside to some, but bear in mind that upon promotion you will become self-employed and lose your employee-related benefits (e.g. insurance, leave entitlements, etc.) - there’s a different scheme for partners (who are in essence business owners).

As discussed earlier, perhaps our generation don’t care too much for the title as many people don’t intend to make partner anyway. It can devolve into a dick-measuring contest, and I think many lawyers from this generation don’t seem to give 2 ****s about that. There are so many more opportunities these days anyway and once a person makes a conscious decision to leave the legal profession all these “title” concerns become unimportant quickly.

Then for females what dicks they measure with

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Really interested to hear what are some of the reasons a SA at an international firm choose to stay where they are, when their peers at a big 4 firm may have already become JPs. Am speculating here (and would love to hear others’ views) but is it because the title of “partner” becomes less important when the international firm pays more and is it also perhaps due to a declined interest in making equity partner?

It's the same as any job, making equity partner (much like becoming a C-level executive at a company) involves schmoozing with clients. It becomes less about your legal skills and more about your ability to attract clientele and manage clients.

For why SAs at int firms refuse to jump to Big4 to become partners, it's simple. SAs at Int firms (even some Assocs at int firms) earn more than Big4 salaried partners. Would you take a paycut just so people can call you "partner"? Furthermore, Big4 partners have to start doing Business Development or they can't progress (or have less bonus) and they start losing employee benefits since they become "partner" level. Unless you're damn sure you can make equity partner at the local big4, why not just continue earning your money as an SA (more than Big4 partner), and anyway if you're good you can always promote to int firm partner after 10+ years.

How is the salary and progression at RHT?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

How is the salary and progression at RHT?

Interested to know too. Whats the culture in RHT like for associates. Are the partners nice.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Interested to know too. Whats the culture in RHT like for associates. Are the partners nice.

Think they just hired a Indian partner Senthil - tubby funnyman who used to feature in the M1 advert "Mumbai da, Mumbai".

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Think they just hired a Indian partner Senthil - tubby funnyman who used to feature in the M1 advert "Mumbai da, Mumbai".

RHT kinda gives me the impression they're trying too hard.

So many random spinoff sidelines but are their core legal practices solid? Anyone knows?

Don't seem very competitive relative to other mid tier firms based on the latest Chambers and Legal 500 rankings. Mainly band/tier 3 and 4 for some depts, tier 2 for private wealth.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

RHT kinda gives me the impression they're trying too hard.

So many random spinoff sidelines but are their core legal practices solid? Anyone knows?

Don't seem very competitive relative to other mid tier firms based on the latest Chambers and Legal 500 rankings. Mainly band/tier 3 and 4 for some depts, tier 2 for private wealth.

Have their salaries and bonuses remain competitive in the pandemic?

missed part a application, any advice? will the firms usually allow you to take the next session or will firms revoke their offer?