why is being an investment banker the benchmark of "better versions of ourselves"? why can't the benchmark be community lawyers? Your salary doesn't determine how mediocre you are. i'd rather be a community lawyer with a comfortable salary than an investment banker who knows nothing in his life except to make money

It is an epiphany that takes years of introspection. It requires one to throw away everything society has taught us.

The white noise isn't easily subdued.

Dont mind can share you how many PQE can earn this amount? After all this is a salary forum, TIA

am a dude in my mid 30s. sorry, don't wish to reveal my year of call

true. let's all not pretend it's not actually about the money lah. whether or not you're some enlightened low bono white knight or some golddigger in an mc firm, we're all about the money, or we wouldnt be here in the first place.

came for the money, realised it wasn't about the money, but stayed anyway because of the money. thanks for coming to the ted talk, now let's get back to talking about how much the money actually is.

maybe say something about small firms nq pay, someone earlier said 2.8k at the low end? even at the peak a decade ago when times were good and the big 4 actually approached you instead of the other way round, nq were offering to work at small (like 2 lawyer max) firms for 3.5k. 2.8k might as well sign on with saf instead

retention is better than nothing i guess

Quitting law is better than being exploited. But knowing law students humji take risks one la, so long can brag to bo tak chek aunties during CNY reunion dinner, $2.8k salary also will grovel on the floor and beg chinatown firms to take you in :)

Brother, spot on. Anyway what to do other than law? No companies seem to want to take in a lawyer for other functions

Civil service, compliance or contract manager lor. I have tried testing water before and applied to various non-law roles with my LLB from local uni. Your CV will just be binned by the HR.

To fellow practice trainees out there, may this be a good season for retention in spite of COVID-19 disruptions:)