‘Over The Top’: The Race To Outdo Milbank’s New Salary Scale Has Officially Started

Ed. note: Welcome to our daily feature, Quote of the Day.

I wouldn’t be surprised if someone goes over the top [of Milbank’s increase] in the next few weeks. Attracting talent at the top end is so vital, and being seen as the firm who’s capable of boosting associate compensation across the board—the firm that’s moving the market—is just such a big notch on the belt when it comes to the talent fight.

—  Thomas Hanlon, executive director of recruiting firm Buchanan Law, in comments given to the American Lawyer, concerning the associate salary increase started by Milbank earlier this week, that was quickly matched by McDermott, Hueston Hennigan, VKHH, and Quinn Emanuel. Stephanie Biderman, an associate recruiter for Major Lindsey & Africa, agreed, saying, “My understanding is now OCI is starting really, really early. The fact that we’re seeing this come out now does have a helpful marketing and recruiting angle.”

Staci Zaretsky is the managing editor of Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.

The post ‘Over The Top’: The Race To Outdo Milbank’s New Salary Scale Has Officially Started appeared first on Above the Law.

Ed. note: Welcome to our daily feature, Quote of the Day.

I wouldn’t be surprised if someone goes over the top [of Milbank’s increase] in the next few weeks. Attracting talent at the top end is so vital, and being seen as the firm who’s capable of boosting associate compensation across the board—the firm that’s moving the market—is just such a big notch on the belt when it comes to the talent fight.

—  Thomas Hanlon, executive director of recruiting firm Buchanan Law, in comments given to the American Lawyer, concerning the associate salary increase started by Milbank earlier this week, that was quickly matched by McDermott, Hueston Hennigan, VKHH, and Quinn Emanuel. Stephanie Biderman, an associate recruiter for Major Lindsey & Africa, agreed, saying, “My understanding is now OCI is starting really, really early. The fact that we’re seeing this come out now does have a helpful marketing and recruiting angle.”

Staci Zaretsky is the managing editor of Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.