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Law360 Pulse's first survey of in-house compensation reveals a broad range of incentives, with bonuses and long-term incentives racking up dollar amounts on base pay. Typical pay packages rose by about $100,000 between positions at each of the three stages — early, middle and peak — of lawyers' careers, according to data gathered from more than 700 participants.
Higher company revenue usually translated into higher pay, though the gap between huge and smaller businesses was not nearly as pronounced as that of BigLaw and smaller firms.
The survey also asked lawyers about what motivated them to work in-house, as opposed to in a traditional law firm or in government. Many were drawn to the promise of work-life balance — an advantage that turned out to be more the norm for newer in-house counsel than for those at the highest level.
The survey found, too, that most in-house counsel start at private law firms, jumping to corporate work as associates after getting some experience under their belts.
Check out our analysis of these and other findings in the coverage below.
A Deep Dive Into In-House Counsel Pay
Total compensation packages for in-house counsel at different levels of the corporate ladder can vary widely, with especially large variations seen in bonus amounts and long-term incentives, according to a new Law360 Pulse report.Here's How To Negotiate The Best Pay Packages For GCs
Not all general counsel can pull in a pay package that places them near the top 10 highest-paid in-house lawyers. But every top legal officer can use some pro tips on how to negotiate the best deal possible.To Go, Or Not To Go, To A Firm Directly From Law School
Most legal professionals historically have emphasized the need for young attorneys to gain firm experience immediately after law school. However, that thought is shifting, as more junior lawyers graduate and go directly to a corporate legal team — movement that could eventually take hold as the in-house legal department continues to rise in prominence within businesses.Expert Analysis
The Case For Keeping The Gas On Deputy GC Compensation
In recent years, the deputy general counsel role has expanded and become increasingly vital in organizations across the globe, and companies should consider a few ways to retain this top talent, including by offering competitive compensation that reflects projected increases, says Heather Fine at Major Lindsey.For a reprint of this article, please contact reprints@law360.com.
