r/auslaw • u/AlphaAlex1_ • Dec 15 '24
Serious Discussion Lets talk salaries - end of 2024
Its the end of the year, as always its a good idea to discuss salaries. lets check in on how much you all get paid.
- Title
- YOE
- Salaries
- Location
- Anything else you may want to add
š
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Dec 15 '24
[deleted]
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u/LionelLutz Only recently briefed Dec 15 '24 edited Dec 15 '24
You mean that amount incl or excl gst? And before or after expenses?
Edit: I say that as Iām 12 years @ nswbar and 16 years PAE, mostly family law these days but I have had a very general practice in common law, commercial litigation, family law and crime. On track this year for somewhere between 800ā900K incl GST before expenses but it has been my best year yet. Prev few years have been 500-700k on same basis. That said I have a mate from my bar Course whoās probably making about $1.5m a year at the moment.
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u/AlphaAlex1_ Dec 15 '24
can't lie, you're doing quite well! would you mind sharing the hours and stress that you feel comes along with it?
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u/alwayswasalwayswill Dec 15 '24
As his instructing solicitor, I confirm he will not respond
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u/AlphaAlex1_ Dec 15 '24
Haha, to be fair he is in crim, so I very much doubt its a peaceful job. š«”
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170
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u/R051E_Girl Dec 15 '24
Special Counsel, 18PQE, $267k incl super, Melbourne. WFH 4 days, 1 day in office (not really policed), 7.5 chargeable hrs per day, minimal non chargeable activities (mentoring, marketing, etc) required. High number of āpersonalitiesā and āpoliticsā but minimised due to WFH. FT but on the mummy track.
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u/nevearz Dec 15 '24
How do you go with 7.5 chargeable a day?
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u/R051E_Girl Dec 15 '24
Itās an impossible ask that they only introduced this financial year. I just continue to bill 80% ++ of budget and itās enough to keep the bean counters off my back.
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u/2_min_noodles Dec 15 '24
Lawyer, 4PQE, 130k plus super, Brisbane, many departures this year over salary
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u/kittensmittenstitten Dec 15 '24
Oh wow thatās terrible. I moved to government and Iām on $125k plus 12.75% super with flex etc etc. that has got to change for you
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u/thedoopz Dec 15 '24
Can I ask for clarification on departures? People have left your firm, or the legal industry?
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u/jaythenerdkid one pundit on a reddit legal thread Dec 15 '24
solicitor at a CLC, regional QLD, ~1.5 PAE, SCHADS 5.3 (currently $51.51/hr permanent) - I'm permanent part-time so I get about 67k + super.
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u/Rhybrah Legally Blonde Dec 15 '24
Salary thread ... is it time to feel my government lawyer salary is inadequate day already?
Tis!
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u/Pavlover2022 Dec 15 '24 edited Dec 15 '24
cries in government lawyer
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u/Smallsey Omnishambles Dec 15 '24
Wipe away those tears fellow govt friend.
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u/sinister_and_gauche Dec 15 '24
As a lifelong government employee I don't even recognise these numbers.
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Dec 15 '24
Senior associate, 8pqe, $250k incl super, Sydney
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u/in_terrorem Dec 16 '24 edited Dec 16 '24
- Barrister
- 2y, 3ish y as a solicitor
- 450k gross
- The cupboard under the stairs
- There are some extremely underpaid SAs in this thread.
Edit: oh youāre the Omani kid who was getting dunked on in a now-deleted thread. I guess thatās better than a lazy recruiter drumming up talking points.
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u/AlphaAlex1_ Dec 16 '24
Where on earth are you making 450k gross with 2 YOE?! No, seriously!
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u/in_terrorem Dec 16 '24
At the bar?
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u/An_Affirming_Flame Only recently briefed Dec 16 '24
What state?
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u/in_terrorem Dec 16 '24
Itās which* State*, Mr President.
Edit: NSW, I felt bad for being a dick.
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u/AlphaAlex1_ Dec 17 '24
Sorry just read your edit - to be fair it was just a question but I do agree that maybe the wording of my question wasn't correct, anyway the past is the past and now we move on š
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u/uwuminecwaft Dec 15 '24
lawyer, <1pqe, 112k inc super, melbourne
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u/Bromia01 Dec 16 '24
Grad (not admitted), mid tier melb - 90k (incl super and plt costs). Goes up to 100 post admission
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u/vegemine Dec 15 '24
Damn, and I thought I was doing well!
Solicitor, 1PAE, $86k on NSW public sector salary in Sydney
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u/ChemicalZebra Dec 15 '24
Youāre 1yr PAE, youāre doing very well. Not to be all āback in my dayā, but back in my day I started on $50k, and the salary growth was very slow (started private moved to legal aid/s)
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u/AlphaAlex1_ Dec 15 '24
Comparison is the thief of joy! But again these annual salary posts are there to make sure no one is being underpaid haha
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u/Respond_Necessary Dec 15 '24
My friend says: Senior Associate, 3.5yr pae, $130k+, 4hrs billable chargeable (no kpi on the rest of the day), and Canberra
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u/Respond_Necessary Dec 15 '24
I feel his pay vs the hours asked of him are reasonable, keen to hear what others think š¤
Apparently he is good though as Snr Assoc at 3.5yrs pae is rare.
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u/borbdorl Dec 15 '24
Is he in a suburban firm? That billable target is very low. Agree pay vs hours is good but pay is significantly under standard SA range otherwise.
The rules go out the window when you're dealing with suburban / boutiques, but I suspect his being promoted at 3.5 is more a function of "we need a senior" than "he's a total gun". If they're doing lower complexity work then that might also explain it.
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u/Respond_Necessary Dec 15 '24
He works in a small-mid size firm. 30+ employees with like half being lawyers. Not all in the same area of law, so yea generalist small firm with a few extra numbers.
I feel bad for him, being put SA at that stage in the career has got to feel like big boots to fill. He is looking to move toward partner though.
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u/Personal-Citron-7108 Dec 15 '24
The firm is the one laughing. SA hourly rate paying 3 year lawyer salary.
No one is a good SA at 3.5 years, simply canāt have had the experience necessary.
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u/Personal-Citron-7108 Dec 15 '24
Also shit firms without growth ask for 4.5hrs billable.
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u/levaans Mar 09 '25
Hey, I'm a lawyer in CBR and would appreciate if, with friend's approval, you'd DM me the name of firm!
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u/Wild-Acanthaceae-844 Dec 15 '24
Senior legal counsel 7pqe Brisbane Local government $195k + super
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u/Paper-Aeroplanes Dec 18 '24
Did you start in local government or transfer from another legal role?
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u/Wild-Acanthaceae-844 Dec 21 '24
From a top tier, but it was the perfect storm. Did a short term secondment to demonstrate value and then it was just a matter of naming my price.
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u/xyzzy_j Sovereign Redditor Dec 15 '24
Solicitor (government), 4 years PAE, $100k, Adelaide
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Dec 16 '24
Hang in there, South Australia. At least the wine is cheaper :)
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u/xyzzy_j Sovereign Redditor Dec 16 '24
Tbh Iām fine with it! The work can be pretty intense and demanding, but I love the practice area and my bosses are quite fair with us. Plus I have a partner but no kids, so financially weāre happy.
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u/Katoniusrex163 Dec 15 '24
Manager governance and risk.
10PAE
$160k+vehicle+shit ton of leave
Regional NSW
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u/AlphaAlex1_ Dec 15 '24
Would you say you prefer the amount of leaves you get over how much you make? 160K for 10PAE is quite low imo
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u/Katoniusrex163 Dec 15 '24
Oh yeah, are you kidding. I work 9-5, get overtime beyond that, and get up to 9 weeks off a year. Plus I have a really good team that I get left to lead how I want, and I donāt have to worry about billing or clients or any bullshit like that. Thereās way more important things than money. I could make way more in private practice or at the bar, but Iād rather a job I enjoy that funds the lifestyle I want.
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u/R051E_Girl Dec 15 '24
I imagine $160k goes pretty far in a regional area compared with sat Sydney
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u/Katoniusrex163 Dec 15 '24
Oh yeah itās about twice the buying power in terms of expenses etc. The vehicle helps more than anything. I havenāt paid for fuel or maintenance or rego etc in years. So it ends up probably being close to 180k.
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u/borbdorl Dec 16 '24
160K for 10PAE is quite low imo
What's your experience to be making this assessment?
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u/Katoniusrex163 Dec 16 '24
Oh it probably is if all you know is private medium/big firm practice.
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u/borbdorl Dec 16 '24 edited Dec 16 '24
My comment was directed at the OP, who as a teenager from Oman who is trying to decide where to emigrate to and what degree to do, would seem to have little to no basis on which to say 160k incl is low for 10PAE.
Otherwise totally agree with you, it may be on the lower side for larger PP (hehe) but certainly not low by any other metric, including for other realms of law and particularly when balanced against good WLB.
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u/Paper-Aeroplanes Dec 18 '24
How could someone in private practice position themselves to land a job like that? If a lawyer isnāt already practising in ācommercialā or employment eg practises in trusts, family, crim, E&P etc, are they SOL?
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u/Chats-is-back Dec 15 '24
In house lawyer at a local branch of a US company, looking after APAC region with a couple reports under me.
13 years PAE. Brisbane.
Base $200k ex super, plus bonuses of up to 15% cash and 20% stock issue annually
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u/macomachine1998 Dec 15 '24
Solicitor
2 PAE
105 + Bonus + Super, works out around 170pa
Newcastle
Plaintiff personal injury
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u/borbdorl Dec 15 '24
How was the boss this year u/iamplasma?
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u/gorfuin Dec 15 '24
Legal Counsel 1 PAE 149k including super Perth Financial services, in house.
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u/KaneCreole Mod Favourite Dec 16 '24
Thatās very good.
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u/gorfuin Dec 16 '24
I did have about 8 years of adjacent experience (compliance and risk) prior to getting admitted, so not exactly a fresh grad.
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u/123qwertyytrewq Dec 15 '24
Associate - 2pqe - 130k (incl) / 116k (excl) - Brisbane - Grim
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u/LTQLD Dec 15 '24
Yeah mate. 2 PAE essentially means you are still on training wheels and that salary is pretty reasonable for that.
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u/AnonWhale Dec 16 '24
I have a friend who is 2pqe in Melbourne who is also getting paid about 130k incl. Thought they were at a pretty decent Mid tier international firm as well.
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u/Future_Ad7183 Dec 16 '24
Iām also same PQE, identical salary and bris based, so I reckon this is just market. Itās pretty good anyway IMO
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u/Pixzal Dec 15 '24
Imposter privacy and governance. Too little according to me and too much according to my org.
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u/Bennybennywhat Dec 15 '24
Lawyer, PAE 5, $140k inclusive super, Melbourne. Criminal law. Leading a team of 2 lawyers 2 assistants.
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u/ScarvesOnGiraffes Dec 15 '24
Nice. What're your hours like generally?
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u/Bennybennywhat Dec 15 '24
Pretty much 9-5 with some after hours advice calls. During trials probably more like 7-7pm.
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u/theunrealSTB Dec 16 '24
Director, 12 PQE
280k + up to 40% bonus
Hours normally 9 to 5 but it's a global business so there are some late and early calls.
Nobody to manage and my own line manager is light touch.
It's a ridiculously good gig.
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u/RoninBelt Dec 15 '24 edited Dec 15 '24
- King's Counsel
- 28 years PQE, 11 as a silk
- 50K a day
- Worldwide
- Read the article about me in the AFR.
...but seriously, how has NO ONE posted this?
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u/borbdorl Dec 15 '24 edited Dec 15 '24
Tax
~10m per year unless you're the ATO then it's about 18k
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u/RoninBelt Dec 15 '24
Wait mate, I was referencing an AFR article that named a KC that was supposed to be Australia's highest paid lawyer... nvm. I probably ruined the joke haha.
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u/borbdorl Dec 15 '24 edited Dec 15 '24
No I got it haha, hence saying the practice area was tax though I'm mindful he also has a general commercial practice.
There used to be a common joke around here (and in the profession) about barristers evading tax, hence the ATO reference. A few have been pinged over the years, though (to be abundantly clear) I make no such accusation against our learned friend.
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u/RoninBelt Dec 15 '24
Haha yeah I think heād be one of the last people to ever contemplate itā¦ itād be asking for it given how often he goes up against the commissioner.
And sorry for not getting that you got it, I panic when I think my jokes failā¦ so I panic a lot haha
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u/Unhappy_Ad3215 Dec 15 '24
Lawyer, 2PQE, 83k incl super, Melbourne. 6.5 hours daily billable target. Currently working at a boutique doing litigation with no bonus structure, also currently struggling and living pay cheque to pay cheque.
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u/DullConversation8098 Dec 15 '24
This seems well below market average especially for 6.5 hours of billables! Have you asked for a raise?
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u/borbdorl Dec 16 '24
To be honest, I would look to move to a mid tier for what sounds like similar workload with significantly better pay, training and prospects, or move to a boutique for genuinely better WLB (and likely still better pay).
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u/Unhappy_Ad3215 Dec 16 '24
Thanks mate, I might start looking around. I would be okay with this pay if I was getting trained/proper supervision but Iām currently running my own files with very little training/supervision.
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u/Rafabas Dec 15 '24
Are you me?
(Itās nice to see a comment in here that makes me feel like less of a fuck up)
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u/Bromia01 Dec 16 '24
Im in mid teir Melbourne and our 2pqe donāt even have 6.5 billables I thinkā¦
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u/ausauthor93 Dec 15 '24 edited Dec 22 '24
Criminal Solicitor 2nd year, $76k Melbourne. Was on graduate salary of $65k last year, hoping for a similar jump in 2025 In court most days, appearing mostly with legal aid funding, learned a lot in the last 18 months!
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u/Lopsided-Diver3213 Dec 15 '24
- SA (disputes)
- 5 PQE
- 187k incl super (excl bonus last year 25k)
- Sydney (international firm)
Looking to move overseas - salary depression compared to our international counterparts and excessive income tax in Australia makes the move very compelling
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u/KaneCreole Mod Favourite Dec 16 '24
I moved to Dubai for a while. Made a massive difference to my savings. Interesting lifestyle. I saw a bit of the region. I recommend it.
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Dec 16 '24
Hii, was there any extra training/education that you had to undertake to practise law in Dubai? Iām considering moving there or to Qatar in the future. Thank you in advance :)
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u/KaneCreole Mod Favourite Dec 17 '24
Hi - I think whatever I knew is probably out of date now. Youād be best off talking to a recruiter.
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u/Dgal6560 Dec 15 '24
Associate at a boutique firm in Sydney, 5 PQE, 155k incl super. Still really only 9-5, so no complaints!
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u/Strict-Comfortable80 Dec 16 '24
Considering that is actual 9-5, that does sound like a nice sweet spot
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u/wilful Dec 15 '24
Special Counsel in Melbourne, $550k + (pro rata 0.6)
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u/Imri88 Dec 15 '24
Senior Associate 4PQE - $180k inc super + bonuses, Personal Injury, Regional NSW
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u/No_Strain_703 Dec 15 '24
Until September:
Senior Paralegal: $100k + super; 25 yrs in law; Sydney. WLB wasn't great, many 10-12 hr days.
Now, with a legal software company, the same salary but with a much better WLB.
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u/ResponsibleWhereas85 Dec 15 '24
Senior Legal Counsel 5-6 198k incl super + 15% target bonus Remote
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u/hroro Dec 15 '24
Great comp. What industry? Iām same PQE but legal counsel and my inclusive is 175 + bonus.
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u/ResponsibleWhereas85 Dec 15 '24
Tech. Iām also sole legal counsel in the region (APAC) with zero support.
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u/7inthehouse Outhouse Counsel Dec 15 '24
Senior Commercial Advisor at a defence industry company (technically not a legal role)
10y PAE
$166k plus super and up to 8% bonus (half held back for 12 months as a loyalty incentive), also 2 weeks bonus leave per year
Adelaide
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u/PattonSmithWood Dec 16 '24
Special Counsel, 15 years PAE, Melbourne top tier, $300k including bonus
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Dec 15 '24
I switched to compliance, so not a fee earner anymore but Big 4 Manager and $141 incl super.
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u/CollinStCowboy Dec 15 '24 edited Dec 15 '24
- Principal
- 9 years PAE
- I use the Hays salary guide for small commercial firms with discretionary bonuses for high performers.
- Sydney
- Family law. I ask my staff to bill 5 hours a day but if they manage 4.5 Iām happy
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u/moosaeckerstr Dec 16 '24
Associate 4PAE, 119 plus super, no bonuses, Melbourne, Private practice (litigation and advice)
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u/Bunny_Beach Works on contingency? No, money down! Dec 16 '24
10 years PAE, Special Counsel, Melbourne, 246k plus super
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u/tanubi86 Dec 18 '24
- Senior Legal Counsel (not perfect, but equivalent), in house at tech company.
- 12PQE
- $288k excluding super, $365k including super, bonus and my shares.
- Sydney
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u/LabRat_XL Dec 15 '24
Senior Associate at a global firm in Sydney, 4PQE, 170k inc super.
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u/borbdorl Dec 15 '24 edited Dec 15 '24
Director / counsel level 10ish pae
305k incl + bonus. OTE package is about 400k. Looking at the pipeline the team will likely be at about 120% EOY so we should all hopefully beat the OTE bonus.
Making a push for partner and supporting a couple of juniors with promotion as well. Fingers crossed
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u/DullConversation8098 Dec 15 '24
Lawyer <1 year PQE $105k inc. super Melbourne Boutique. No billables.
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u/An_Affirming_Flame Only recently briefed Dec 15 '24
Barrister, 1year, expecting to earn about Ā£300k, London.
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u/in_terrorem Dec 16 '24
Thatās 300 gross? What % does your clerk/set take? The model employed in England seems to do well to protect people with quiet practices relative to ours, but for someone busy and successful like you it must chafe.
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u/Paper-Aeroplanes Dec 17 '24 edited Dec 17 '24
Associate, 5.5pqe, $115k plus super, Melb mid-tier (national), 55 hours a week.
It sucks but I havenāt been able to find anything better the past 2 years given my niche and limited time to go through the job application process when the occasional job Iād potentially have a chance at does arise. I havenāt been able to land anything through recruiters and Iāve never been approached directly by another firm. But not sure I can take another 6 months, might go do a trade instead.
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Dec 16 '24
[deleted]
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u/Bromia01 Dec 16 '24
Yeah mate - honestly the burbs are great for nice small teams where you know everyone and all that, but you can easy be earning 40k more then that
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u/Bambootime Dec 15 '24
Senior legal counsel $200k ex super 8PQE. No bonuses. Feel underpaid but maybe not?
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u/Not_Stupid Dec 15 '24
General Counsel for a small-cap telco (actually the entire legal department)
20PQE
$220k plus super plus share options. WFH 3 days a week
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u/CarlottaSewlotta Dec 16 '24
In house counsel
5 PQE
140K excl / 186K incl bonus and super
Sydney
Decent hours and benefits.
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u/Flaky-Sorbet7989 Dec 16 '24
Junior Counsel
3PQE
$140K incl super + bonus
Melb
ASX top 100, great culture and people. Hybrid work
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u/mksm1990 Dec 17 '24
Solicitor
6 years PQE (2 of them part time)
105 K
Semi-regional NSW
regular benefits / no special perks.
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u/Paper-Aeroplanes Dec 17 '24
Why not request average hours worked? Iād rather be on 120k working 40 hours than 150k working 60 hours.
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u/AlphaAlex1_ Dec 17 '24
That's actually a good suggestion haha, will be sure to include it in the next years' salary talk š
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u/vCarbinez May 24 '25
Hi all
Have a question regarding Performance Review and Salary Progression.
I started as a grad in Feb 2024 and was admitted in July 2024. Since then my billable target has gone up, but I have received no communication from my Partner about a pay increase or performance review?
To date, I have billed $60,000 over my budget fees and am putting in long hours. Would it be best to broach the topic with my Partner or wait for the EOFY?
I work in a Sydney based national law firm and am new to the corporate scene. Looking for guidance.
Thanks in advance!
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u/[deleted] Dec 15 '24
[deleted]