^

Keep in mind that the ~6k pm you get at big 4 as a NQ is frontloaded.

The 4k+ salary you hear about at AGC is before bonus, which can go up to 3-4 months a year i.e. you can take that monthly salary and increase it by ~30%.

You do the math.

How does AGC compare to magic circle firms’ 14k pm for NQs?

Cannot compare.

I'll give you the answer you really need:

No, you'll never be drawing that salary. No, it's not because they discriminate against local grades or they only hire via connections. Yes, it's because you spend your time making troll comments like that on internet forums instead on working on bettering your career.

Game over for the internationals, US is not recovering anytime soon given they are hit terribly. If you are still keen though, google the firm's name to check for furloughs or pay cuts. That way you can gauge your prospects.

You can join but don't expect bonus or job security

Should compare annual package after taking into account aggregate bonus.

I find it funny how some people from JVs call themselves the international firm when they are working on Singapore law issues. Good job prospects I guess

Which JVs are you referring to? FLAs? There are too many nowadays!

What’s the pay like for these pseudo internationals, Stamford and KW? Some of these seem to be set up by partners from the internationals - presumably the pay should be the same?

I heard from my friends who used to be there, that the pay for the assocs on the SG side of those two firms remained the same. Dunno if still true now.

Welcome to the gravy train (or not, seeing as internationals are doing badly)