i used to be employed at a white shoe law firm where they paid first year associates a comparable salary plus a year-end bonus. So they're looking at well over 200K for their first year. Great pay.
However, not only do you need excellent undrgrad grades, but only the top 5 and 10% of Ivy League law school graduates are hired. If you're not top of your class, see-ya. You're also expected to have a diverse background in academic and social accolades. Many have the pedigree and were silver spoon types. These type of large corporate firms expect a very long work week. 6-7 12+ hour days every week. Theres a lot of pressure to meet deadlines and bill heavily. Every associcate is EXPECTED to bill a a minimum amount per year.
Most of these associates are living in the firm with little social life. For those who dont have trust funds and wealthy parents, a lot this 6 figure salary goes towards paying back HUGE undergrad and law school loans.
Yeah, these places are fantastic to work at. You're catered to highly and the benefits are great. Bright smart people, very long food chain, classy and professional. Lots of marble walls, floors and niceties. But no matter how fancy and prestigious it may appear, most move one laterally within 3-4 years. As most dont make partnership (not expected), they move on to other attorney postions or leave the field altogether once they've paid off their loans.
The point is, as an attorney making on "paper" close to 200K doesn't mean this individual is happy or satisfied. Theyre away from loved ones often and have a ton of work to deal with after hours.
Trust me. Flying a CRJ, Boeing or Airbus is much more fun and rewarding than beingstuck in front of a stuffy conservative office.
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