Guide
Big Law Salary Scale 2026 (Cravath Scale + Bonuses)
The 2026 Cravath Scale (base salaries):
| Class Year | Base Salary |
|---|---|
| 1st year | $245,000 |
| 2nd year | $260,000 |
| 3rd year | $290,000 |
| 4th year | $330,000 |
| 5th year | $375,000 |
| 6th year | $400,000 |
| 7th year | $420,000 |
| 8th year | $435,000 |
(Numbers approximate as of May 2026; firms occasionally adjust mid-year.)
Bonuses
Year-end bonuses on top of base. Typical range:
| Class Year | Year-End Bonus (typical) |
|---|---|
| 1st year | $20K |
| 2nd year | $30K |
| 3rd year | $57K |
| 4th year | $90K |
| 5th year | $115K |
| 6th year | $130K |
| 7th year | $135K |
| 8th year | $140K |
Bonuses can be higher in strong years (special bonuses announced periodically) or lower in weak ones.
Total comp by class year (estimate)
| Class Year | Base + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 1st year | $265,000 |
| 4th year | $420,000 |
| 8th year | $575,000 |
Senior associates and counsel often clear $500K-$700K total. Partners are a different equity-based comp model.
Which firms pay Cravath
Most Vault 100 firms match the Cravath Scale, including:
- Cravath, Swaine & Moore
- Sullivan & Cromwell (sometimes higher)
- Davis Polk
- Skadden
- Latham & Watkins
- Kirkland & Ellis
- Paul Weiss
- Wachtell (often higher)
Smaller firms and regional offices sometimes pay below.
What "Big Law" actually means
Generally: Vault top-100 firms with corporate, litigation, and other major practices, paying associates the Cravath Scale (or close to it) and demanding 2,000+ billable hours/year.
Trade-offs
Big Law base salaries are top-of-market. The trade:
- 2,000-2,500 billable hours/year (effectively 60-80 hour weeks)
- Limited control over schedule
- Stress and burnout common
- Tenure to partnership: 7-10 years; partnership rate is 5-10%
Many associates leave for in-house, government, or smaller firms after 3-5 years.
How to land a Big Law job
- T14 law school typically required for top firms
- Top quartile of class
- Law review or moot court helps
- 1L summer at Big Law → 2L summer offer is the standard funnel
- For laterals: 2-4 years at a peer firm + clean track record
The bigger pattern
Big Law comp is high; the work is intense. Worth it for some, not for others.
Sorce auto-applies to 5M+ open jobs, including legal roles. Free swipes every day.
Big Law bonus scale note
Big Law salary and bonus scales move when market leaders reset pay. Always confirm the current class-year scale before negotiating, and compare total compensation against hours, location, and exit options.
For more: how to negotiate salary, highest paying jobs, what salary is middle class.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cravath Scale?
The salary scale set by Cravath, Swaine & Moore that most Big Law firms match. It defines base salary by class year (1st year associate, 2nd year, etc.).
Do all Big Law firms pay Cravath?
Most do. Some pay above (Wachtell, Sullivan & Cromwell sometimes). A handful pay slightly below.
What's the bonus structure?
Year-end bonuses + special bonuses in strong years. Bonuses scale with class year; junior associates get $20K-$25K, senior associates $130K+ in strong years.
How does NYC compare to other markets?
Most Big Law firms pay the same scale across major markets (NYC, SF, LA, DC, Chicago, Boston). Houston and some smaller markets sometimes pay slightly less.
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