How much do NYC Biglaw partners make?
Asked by: Mrs. Rebeka Aufderhar PhD | Last update: June 9, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (3 votes)
NYC Biglaw partner pay varies dramatically, with average total compensation nearing $1.4M (equity & non-equity combined) in recent surveys, but top equity partners at elite firms often earn multi-millions ($3M-$10M+), while non-equity (salaried) partners might earn hundreds of thousands, sometimes under $1M, and first-year partners (especially with buy-ins) might take home less initially than senior associates.
How much do big law partners make in NYC?
How much does a Biglaw Partner make in New York? As of Dec 19, 2025, the average annual pay for a Biglaw Partner in New York is $123,740 a year.
How much money do partners at big law firms make?
It's no secret that it pays to be a Biglaw equity partner. A 2022 survey of partners in “NLJ 350- and Global 100-size firms” found average compensation of $1.12 million, a 15% increase over the average in the prior survey conducted in 2020.
Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?
Some earn less than $50,000. Others exceed $500,000 by leveraging ownership, building client pipelines, and managing firm expenses. In firms with 26 to 50 attorneys, nearly one in three partners report earnings over $500,000.
How much do the top 1% lawyers make?
According to the data I found, 1% of attorneys make $500k+. there are 1.3 million attorneys, so 13,000 make $500k+.
Big Law's Big Paychecks: Partner Compensation, Explained
Can a lawyer make $1 million a year?
Can Lawyers Make $1M or More Per Year? Yes, as shown by the top-earning professionals in the legal field, it's possible to make over $1 million annually.
How much do Kirkland Ellis partners make?
Average Kirkland & Ellis Partner yearly pay in the United States is approximately $363,250, which is 278% above the national average.
What is the highest paying partner law firm?
Top 10 Global Law Firms by Profit Per Equity Partner (PEP)
- Kirkland & Ellis — $9.25M+
- Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz — $9.04M.
- Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan — $8.64M.
- Davis Polk & Wardwell — $7.80M.
- Simpson Thacher & Bartlett — $7.66M.
- Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison — $7.54M.
- Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher — $7.18M.
Do any lawyers make 7 figures?
Yes, corporate lawyers can indeed make seven figures, especially those who are partners in large law firms. In California, the stakes are high, particularly in cities like San Francisco, where the cost of living and the concentration of corporate clients drive salaries upwards.
How much do senior partners make in NYC?
As of Dec 21, 2025, the average annual pay for a Senior Partner in New York is $111,572 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $53.64 an hour.
How much does a skadden partner make?
Big Law Firms (e.g., Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP): Partners can earn $1 million to $5 million annually. Mid-Sized Firms (e.g., regional firms): Partner salaries typically range from $300,000 to $800,000.
Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?
Experience Level: Junior associates might bill clients $100–$200 per hour, mid-level associates $200–$400, and partners or senior attorneys $400–$1,000+. Rates also depend on the client's capacity to pay.
How to make $500,000 a year as a lawyer?
To scale a law practice to $500,000 a year and beyond, attorneys must focus on high-value cases that offer large settlements, high retainers, or steady client demand. By targeting qualified legal leads in lucrative legal fields, lawyers can increase their earnings and maximize their attorney leads conversion rates.
What percentage of lawyers make $500,000?
Around 24% of solo law firms earn between $250k to $500k per year. On the other hand, only around 16% of attorneys at large firms with more than 25 attorneys earned this much.
Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?
Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant? It is possible, but labor market data suggests it is rare for accountants to earn such a lofty annual salary.
Why do lawyers take 33%?
By charging a contingency fee, personal injury attorneys help injury victims get access to legal services without worrying about hourly billing or flat fees. The 33% fee ensures the lawyer is motivated to win the injury claim and recover the highest possible settlement or court award.
How to make 7 figures as a lawyer?
How Lawyers Scale Their Income to 7 Figures
- Choosing High-Value Legal Practice Areas. Certain legal specialties naturally generate higher revenue per case due to complexity, demand, and fee structures. ...
- Raising Legal Fees & Structuring Services for Higher Earnings. ...
- Building a Strong Referral Network for Ongoing Client Flow.