Lawyer Salary

You’re forgetting about your good looks.

AnG @ 2019 ex add bonus
NQ 67
4Q 108
8Q 168

Originally Posted by Unregistered

are there many big4 partners who graduated with a 2nd lower?

Honestly, I don't know but I think this forum tends to place too much emphasis on grades. I graduated from a local uni and I know peers who graduated with a 2nd lower/ without cum laude who are at big4 or international (albeit city) firms. In other words there are people who were mediocre at school who are earning 5 figure salaries (without front load) as junior associates.

Grades do matter but at the end of the day being street smart is just as important.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

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

if "came for the money" refers to this forum, not true leh. I'm here the hot goss because I don't any other forum around for sg law goss XD

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Honestly, I don't know but I think this forum tends to place too much emphasis on grades. I graduated from a local uni and I know peers who graduated with a 2nd lower/ without cum laude who are at big4 or international (albeit city) firms. In other words there are people who were mediocre at school who are earning 5 figure salaries (without front load) as junior associates.

Grades do matter but at the end of the day being street smart is just as important.

Howw? I have a 2nd lower and I struggled very hard to get a TC! Now that I know I am not getting retained I will likely have even more difficulty in securing an associate position

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Howw? I have a 2nd lower and I struggled very hard to get a TC! Now that I know I am not getting retained I will likely have even more difficulty in securing an associate position

take the anecdotes with a pinch of salt. It's easier to get into a big-4 with a 2nd lower once you've had at least 1-2 PQE of relevant experience. Securing TC with 2:2 is a bit harder (but not that uncommon).

Originally Posted by Unregistered

take the anecdotes with a pinch of salt. It's easier to get into a big-4 with a 2nd lower once you've had at least 1-2 PQE of relevant experience. Securing TC with 2:2 is a bit harder (but not that uncommon).

Most of the rags to riches stories are from the old batches who enjoyed the golden age of the legal industry when even second lower can get into mid-sized or big-4. Things have changed now. TC vacancies will first go to those who have connections in the firm, then to the FCH and strong mooters. There are many law students who have family members or relatives who are partners in some law firms, and they will never admit they got in through the backdoor. The rest of you average students have to fight tooth and nail for the remaining handful of TC vacancies.

As an average local grad, I myself underwent 6 internships from small to big firms but still had to send out close to 100 applications, interviewed for about 5 and finally got a TC with one of the small firm I interned with. P.S my CV and cover letter was tailored to each firm I applied to. By stepping into law school without connections and if you are not from elite JCs, you have already lost half the battle. Getting FCH and strong second uppers can only help you with the other half. The rest just be mentally prepared to be exploited like free TC/intern or work as legal exec first.

It's also easier if you're a pretty girl..

Originally Posted by Unregistered

AnG @ 2019 ex add bonus
NQ 67
4Q 108
8Q 168

Thanks! Whats the bonus range like for 4Q and 8Q?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Howw? I have a 2nd lower and I struggled very hard to get a TC! Now that I know I am not getting retained I will likely have even more difficulty in securing an associate position

If you’re a pretty girl or handsome guy, you may still have a good chance