Lawyer Salary

Which are the top international firms to join now as trainee/ junior for disputes? Baker, HSFK, CC? Insights much appreciated.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

In a dilemma here.. I have an offer from Drew but also have some MC offers in London. Which is better in terms of prospects? Intending to work in Singapore long term. LLB holder from QMUL (1:1), LLM(Cantab)

There are many ways to work in SG long term. If you want to come back and eventually make partner in a top local litigation practice e.g. Drew however, my suggestion is to start there or lateral in no later than 3-4PQE.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

There are many ways to work in SG long term. If you want to come back and eventually make partner in a top local litigation practice e.g. Drew however, my suggestion is to start there or lateral in no later than 3-4PQE.

Drew is a waste of time these days unless you are in SC team. Fallen off very far from it's heyday.

What is clifford chance singapore’s litigation practice like for a junior? Worth the jump?(in terms of training, culture and pay)

Originally Posted by Unregistered

In a dilemma here.. I have an offer from Drew but also have some MC offers in London. Which is better in terms of prospects? Intending to work in Singapore long term. LLB holder from QMUL (1:1), LLM(Cantab)

This without a doubt. London is a key centre for common law international commercial disputes.

If you're in international disputes, Drew shouldn't even rank as one of the top tier choices imho. There are many solid international liti and arbi teams, in both biglaw and boutique firms, to consider as lateral options. Furthermore, those with several years' of solid MC firm experience are pretty sought after and can easily lateral into Big4 at of counsel level

Just interviewed and got an offer with a firm for TC. They are offering 2.6k per month for 12 months. Should I take?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Just interviewed and got an offer with a firm for TC. They are offering 2.6k per month for 12 months. Should I take?

No context bro. Are you local grad or overseas grad? What grades did you get for your degree? What type of firm is it? Corp or liti?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

No context bro. Are you local grad or overseas grad? What grades did you get for your degree? What type of firm is it? Corp or liti?

SMU Magna. Litigation. One of the smaller mid-sized firms.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

SMU Magna. Litigation. One of the smaller mid-sized firms.

I think practitioners don't have a great overview of trainee salaries, as compared to salaries of fully fledged lawyers. Probably better to ask around your batch.

But from what limited knowledge I have of revised trainee salaries, 2.6k is probably on the lower end for local firms.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Just interviewed and got an offer with a firm for TC. They are offering 2.6k per month for 12 months. Should I take?

That is quite low and reflects badly on the firm's culture/management. Means the firm's management is stingy, no matter which way you look at it. I'm sure the firm's senior partners can spare your extra 10k/15k a year if they wanted to.

We lawyers have been waiting for a raise in PTC salary for so long and they still want to squeeze you dry. I would say definitely try to get a better offer elsewhere. However, if you are unable to get a better offer, just take the training and try jump to the big 4 after PTC.

Most importantly, at the end of PTC don't get comfortable and stay. Remember that they haggled over the extra 10k/15k a year when you really needed it. You get to make your mistakes and learn in a less cutthroat environment which is a huge plus!

Onwards comrade!