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Nationwide Pay Raise Watch: Paul Hastings to $160K in Atlanta

100 dollar bill Above the Law Above the Law law firm salary legal blog legal tabloid Above the Law.JPGThe powers that be in the Atlanta office of Paul Hastings just announced associate pay raises for fiscal year 2008, which will take effect on February 1. Apparently ATL -- the website, not the city -- got a shout-out at the meeting, when the announcing partner asked, "Who is going to be the first one to email Above the Law?"

Here's the memo and salary table:

We are pleased to announce the Firm will be increasing base-level salaries for U.S. associates in the Atlanta office effective as of the new fiscal year which commences February 1, 2008.
FY 2009 Compensation by Class Year is as follows:

Paul Hastings Atlanta associate salary table pay raise Above the Law blog.jpg

These increases reflect the Firm's commitment to paying at the top tier of the market in Atlanta.

We thank you for and commend your performance, commitment and hard work throughout the year and your contributions to our success.

Comments
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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5:56 PM

Compress much?

fizzurp!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5:56 PM

NYC to 190 (Atlanta pushed it up!)_

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5:56 PM

Wow. This is huge news for Atlanta. Makes K&S and A&B look cheap. Which they are of course. Oh, and first.

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Posted by NYC Lawyer | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5:56 PM

In Atlanta? That's depressing.

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Posted by delDiva | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5:56 PM

first and breaking the story!!!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5:57 PM

NYC to 190 (Atlanta pushed it up!)_

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Posted by delDiva | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5:59 PM

Crazy amount of money for ATL. According to the salary calculator on the NYT, 160k in the A is equivalent to 331k in NYC. Time for a NY bump!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:02 PM

160 in crap-lanta?? ridiculous.

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Posted by NYC Assoc | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:03 PM

That is just f'ing ridiculous. I'm packing up and moving.

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Posted by heath ledger | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:03 PM

Atlanta killed me...that and the belt around my neck!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:04 PM

NYC to 175?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:05 PM

NYC to 331!

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Posted by heath ledger | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:06 PM

Atlanta killed me...that and the belt around my neck!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:07 PM

NYC to 331!

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Posted by heath ledger | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:08 PM

Atlanta killed me...that and the belt around my neck!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:08 PM

CRAP-LANTA!!!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:08 PM

Why am I in NYC again?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:08 PM

CRAP-LANTA!!!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:10 PM

Lat to NEW SERVERS!!!

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Posted by heath ledger | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:10 PM

Atlanta killed me...that and the belt around my neck!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:17 PM

live in the boondocks much?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:19 PM

heath.. just hit post ONCE... you sick freak

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Posted by P T' Mon | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:22 PM

I spend a 5th year's salary on one month's recording time.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:23 PM

I think it is interesting that the comments don't work for the featured lawyer of the year. Could it be that Lat, Hillary supporter extraordinaire, does not want the Barack Obama supporters to use that area to campaign?

BARACK THE VOTE!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:23 PM

Wow that is huge...what are bonuses usually like there?

although everyone knows that some firms in markets like Charlotte and Texas have been at the NYC scale for a while.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:23 PM

Gary, Indiana to 190!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:25 PM

Oh, come on!

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Posted by Anon. | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:25 PM

In everyones honest opinion, what is the likelihood that NYC raises starting salaries to top Atlanta?

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Posted by Anon. | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:27 PM

In everyones honest opinion, what is the likelihood that NYC raises starting salaries to top Atlanta?

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Posted by Greedy 3L | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:28 PM

This is getting friggin' ridiculous already. How can self respecting V10 NYC firms allow this to go on? Show me the money.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:30 PM

Lat,

There's so much trash put in here about associate compensation and why it is what it is and people complaining about the complainers, etc, etc, etc. It's all bullshit.

Do a post re: associate compensation doing a summary of this (and of course, appropriately linking to it):

http://www.bmacewen.com/cgi-bin/mt-tb.cgi/797

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:34 PM

WHAT ABOUT POWELL GOLDSTEIN?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:35 PM

Lat to naked posts...

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:35 PM

who cares about po go..there a nobody

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:36 PM

who cares about po go..there a nobody

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Posted by BBC | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:36 PM

Lat,

Do a story about the percentage of associate salary that goes to recreational drug use and prostitutes!!

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Posted by Anon | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:37 PM

Great to 1st years, but what an insult to mid-levels. For 4th and 5th years, accumulated experience worth only 15k and 25k more, respectively??? Do Atlanta associates have lower learning curve than their counterparts in NYC? Or do their workload decrease somewhat as they move up in class?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:37 PM

The fact that I earn the same $ as an attorney in Atlanta but pay Manhattan rent is depressing.

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Posted by 6:30 | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:37 PM

Lat,

Sorry, try this link:

http://www.bmacewen.com/blog/archives/2007/12/a_compensation_meditation.html

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Posted by come on dechert | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:38 PM

OK dechert better move to 160 in philly

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Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:42 PM

Great for the 1st years, but what an insult to mid-levels. For 4th and 5th years, accumulated experience worth only 15k and 25k more, respectively??? Do Atlanta associates have lower learning curve than their counterparts in NYC? Interesting mixed message from the firm...

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Posted by wgwag | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:44 PM

White Girls With Asian Guys

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Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:50 PM

6:44 - What the ....??? Setting aside issue of relevance, what about White Guys With Asian Girls?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:50 PM

S&C is going to $175 retro to 1/1.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:50 PM

"who cares about po go..there a nobody

Posted by: Anonymous | January 23, 2008 06:35 PM"

-----------------------------------------------

This sentence is the perfect example of why grammar is important. I had to read it three times to understand what it is trying to convey. I do, however, agree that po go is a nobody.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:56 PM

So PH raised in Atl, but what about bonuses, i.e. will they match in NY?

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Posted by wgwag | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:59 PM

6:50--

White Girls With Asian Guys is azn penis in lovely white women.

CAN YOU DIG IT?!?!?!

YEAH!!!

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Posted by atlanta bound | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:04 PM

so... who will match? K&S? A&B? all of the firms that matched the 145K (I think there around 10 of them)?

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Posted by anon | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:07 PM

great, now my amlaw 100 firm is 30k behind market. gotta love how much cash those greedy ba$tard$ are shoving in their pockets.

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Posted by anonymous | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:09 PM

Paul Hastings bonus for 1st year associates starts at 30K and like 94% of 1st year associates got it last year. You can't get more than that until your 3rd year, at which point you can get multiples of that number. For example, I know a few 3rd and 4th year associates that got 60k and 90k bonuses.

They have easily the best bonus structure in Atlanta. All making me more pissed off that I didn't get a job there.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:09 PM

charlotte will raise, if they already haven't

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Posted by Fish Associate | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:10 PM

Fish has been on a higher scale in Atlanta since the first round of raises in 2007.

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Posted by anonymous | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:11 PM

Paul Hastings bonus for 1st year associates starts at 30K and like 94% of 1st year associates got it last year. You can't get more than that until your 3rd year, at which point you can get multiples of that number. For example, I know a few 3rd and 4th year associates that got 60k and 90k bonuses.

They have easily the best bonus structure in Atlanta. All making me more pissed off that I didn't get a job there.

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Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:11 PM

Paul Hastings bonus for 1st year associates starts at 30K and like 94% of 1st year associates got it last year. You can't get more than that until your 3rd year, at which point you can get multiples of that number. For example, I know a few 3rd and 4th year associates that got 60k and 90k bonuses.

They have easily the best bonus structure in Atlanta. All making me more pissed off that I didn't get a job there.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:14 PM

Damn, why struggle so hard and have zero quality of life (no car, no space, harsh weather, rude people, high rent) in NYC!!?? Hotlanta, here I come!

How's Atlanta diversity?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:16 PM

6:50(2): News to us. Someone must have forgotten to tell Rodge, Vince, and Co.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:18 PM

Damn, why struggle so hard and have zero quality of life (no car, no space, harsh weather, rude people, high rent) in NYC!!?? Hotlanta, here I come!

How's Atlanta diversity?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:22 PM

Can someone please tell me whether Paul Hastings has the best bonus structure in Atlanta? Anyone pissed off that they didn't get jobs there?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:24 PM

I think that Sullivan and Cromwell will raise in NYC.

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Posted by billable time | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:37 PM

Check this out!!!

* *
*
|___|

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:38 PM

I heard that S&C was going to 331, to match PH in Atlanta.

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Posted by billable time | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:40 PM

WAKA WAKA!!!

----*----
--*--*--
-*----*-
--*--*--
----*----

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Posted by Atlanta Diversity? | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:45 PM

Hi. Someone asked about Atlanta Diversity. That's me, though most simply call me lip service. There is diversity at K&S, A&B, Kilpatrick, & Podon'tGo. Many other firms prefer "token" diversity (see the NALP forms).

I ate dinner with a partner here at a T10 atlanta firm who enjoyed using the n-word and the gay f-word with aplomb.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:47 PM

I think midlevels do pretty damn good under this scale.... While there is some compression during years 1-4, after year 5, you get "real" raises in base (for the Atlanta market).

I work at PH in Atlanta and I honestly believe that firm management listened to the associates in contemplating this scale.

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Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:52 PM

I agree, 7:47. I'm a midlevel at a firm in Atlanta that allegedly pays top of the market and I'm not making anywhere near that. Maybe I should talk to PH....

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Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:01 PM

Do you all think DLA Piper will try to keep above the Atlanta market or just match? Hadn't they been above the Atlanta market since coming to Atlanta?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:02 PM

PH is clearly the Atlanta market leader. They lead in compensation and have a great national bonus structure.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:02 PM

where are these sullivan rumors coming from?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:10 PM

According to AlreadyBored.com, which tracks law firm comp. in different cities in searchable format, K&S's total comp. is actually pretty strong. Not PH strong, but much better than A&B and some of the other regional firms in Atlanta:

Salary Details
Year Base Median Bonus Comments
Summer $2,788/wk n/a $10K acceptance bonus
Year 1 $145 $8
Year 2 $150 $10
Year 3 $155 $15
Year 4 $162 $25 22.5 - 35 bonus range
Year 5 $172 $30 22.5 - 40 bonus range
Year 6 $185 $35 27.5 - 47.5 bonus range
Year 7 $195 $40 30 - 55 bonus range

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:12 PM

Here, by comparison, is A&B's crappy scale from AlreadyBored.com:

Salary Details
Year Base Median Bonus Comments
Summer $2,788/wk n/a
Year 1 $145 $5
Year 2 $150 $5
Year 3 $155 $7
Year 4 $162 $7
Year 5 $172 $10
Year 6 $185 $10
Year 7 $195 $12

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:16 PM

Interesting move in light of recent economic excitement. Must be doing well.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:21 PM

So a 6th year at PH makes $200K, plus a big bonus;

a 6th year at K&S with bonus makes around $220 (with possible upside to about $232.5);

and a 6th year at A&B makes $195 with bonus. I hope those A&B'ers think the $25K+ gap is worth the "best places to work" listing.

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Posted by A&B . . . Not So Good | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:24 PM

8:21 -- It's not worth it. I'm told the equity partners really pushed hard this year to crack the $1MM PPP barrier because they have been killed by K&S in this town. To get there, they sh*t-canned some EPs (meaning, they became income partners) and cranked up the hours. Life as a staffer here is great; life as a lawyer, not so different than anywhere else, except we get paid less.

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Posted by PoGo? Really??? | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:28 PM

What about Powell Goldstein? Really? Have you seen their PPP? They are at or below many of the mid-size shops in Atlanta. That place is a dump waiting to get gobbled up.

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Posted by Anon | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:31 PM

Paul Hastings to V10!

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Posted by Anon | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:32 PM

To the person that asked about Pogo- yeah right. The couldn't even make the move to 145 without laying off a bunch of attorneys. While Pogo used to hang with the "big boys", they been going down hill fast in the past few years.

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Posted by leftatlanta | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:34 PM

Atlanta blows. There's a reason the cost of living is so cheap. I'd rather make the same salary and pay ridiculous rent in NY or SF than live in some depressing McMansion-style Post Apartment and sit in traffic for 2 hours a day. Plus, Atlanta associates have to deal with the good ole boy mentality that is the norm down there. Unless you are a southern-style frat boy, you won't fit in.

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Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:35 PM

A&B is second rate on its best days. It talks a good game, but relies far to heavily on gimmicks like their 100 Best ranking to compensate for lack of substance and depth.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:39 PM

Alreadybored.com is reporting that Charlotte CWT, Dewey and MB matched. Can anyone confirm?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:39 PM

Womble got a look at Pogo's financials and ran. Now the merger that Pogo thought would save them is oh-vah before it even got started. Pogo will = Brobeck in 9 months.

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Posted by FRAT STUD | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:46 PM

YEE-HAW! Where can I get me one o' them thar pardnershit tracks?

Guys at my high school used to make partner in Atlanta law firms. It was no big deal.

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Posted by NYC to 190K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:50 PM

What the sh*t is this about S&C raising?!?

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Posted by I heard Simpson is raising! | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:57 PM

NY needs to go up to 190!

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Posted by 2L | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:58 PM

come on NY firms - this is getting ridiculous now.

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Posted by I heard Simpson is raising! | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:58 PM

NY needs to go up to 190!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:00 PM

So if PH is such a leader, why haven't they matched the special bonus in NY?

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Posted by Moving to the South | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:02 PM

Why live in NYC making 160 and living in a small apartment when you can live like a King in Atlanta making the same 160!

NY must raise the salary!!!!!!!!!!!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:06 PM

8:39....CWT confirmed with NY bonus

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:21 PM

K&S will not match this, and A&B sure as hell won't.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:23 PM

I heard Paul Hastings is about to annouce a special bonus match in New York and possibly an over-$160 announcement tomorrow as well.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:25 PM

You know what's sickening about this? PH Atlanta is a glorified labor and employment shop. It is not nearly as profitable as other PH offices. And they still kick the crap out of K&S when it comes to comp.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:41 PM

Prediction - exactly 0 NYC lawyers will move to Atlanta as a result of this.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:47 PM

And they PH Atlanta office kicks the crap out of K&S in PPP too. Don't kid yourself 9:25.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:21 PM

9:47 -- you are clueless. 9:25 is right -- the only first class thing about PH in Atlanta is the employment work, and that is hardly high profit work. The PH Atlanta shop does far worse than the average PH office in PPP. It is a drag on the firm's overall profitability. But, to its credit, PH treats Atlanta like the other offices re: comp. If PH shut down its Atlanta office tomorrow, PH's overall PPP would go up.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:21 PM

Milwaukee to $190!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:22 PM

Why would this make K&S or other large Atlanta firms move? I mean, how many lawyers does PH hire in Atlanta each year -- 5?

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Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:34 PM

9:41: Think again. And even if they don't (which they will, Atlanta, sorry to tell my fellow New Yorkers, is NOT a horrid place), they will most definitely think twice before coming to NYC in the first place.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:34 PM

10:22 = K&S partner worried about his $1.3 million PPP -- it may dip to $1.295 million

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:39 PM

Atlanta Diversity? (7:45)

Aren't you being a bit intolerant there? Shouldn't true diversity be inclusive of racists and gay bashers?

Perhaps your elitist, limousine liberal, northeastern law firms should start having real diversity--and put their money where their mouth is.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:39 PM

10:34 -- 10:22 here. I wish I had that change. I'm just being realistic here. We've all read about clients hating the increases. Given that atmosphere, if there is no real threat in the main stream of recruting, why would K&S or other big firms in Atlanta give a crap about PH's salary? Sure, those firms might lose a couple of top recruits, and maybe even a lateral or two. But the truth is that PH Atlanta simply does not have enough work to hire us all. Unless and until one of the big firms in the city moves again, the bulk of salaries will stay put. And I don't think there will be a rush to start another wave of salary increases.

Of course, if my theory is correct, you would expect A&B and other local firms to lose out over the next year to K&S in recruiting given the wide gap between K&S and the rest of the Atlanta-based firms. We'll see.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:54 PM

You are stupid if you think NYC firms are going to raise, ESPECIALLY IN THIS ECONOMY!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:57 PM

Fish & Richardson to Paul Hastings: "Been there done that, but without the compression."

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Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 11:33 PM

10:39
Diversity means hiring a work force of a certain caliber with varied backgrounds. This allows bright, well-adjusted people to play to each others strengths. It does not mean hiring individuals with character flaws because they "think differently". Thieves clearly have different ideas about how things work and what they are entitled to than I do- that doesn't make their way of thinking "diverse" , so much as perverse (and criminal). Diversity does not need to include racists and gay bashers or, indeed, firms will be putting their money where the racists and gay bashers mouthes are when they are sued.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 11:36 PM

Hahahahaha. Move from NYC to Atlanta? Hahahahahahahaha. That's like moving from Tokyo to ... um ... Atlanta! What a sweet move up that would be. NOT.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, January 23, 2008 11:49 PM

Moving from Manhattan to Atlanta requires very little adjustment. Let me explain:

So what that within 1 block of my Manhattan apartment there are around 100 restaurants serving every cuisine on the planet (and they're open until 3am). And so what that there are 100 Broadway shows for me to choose from every week. And so what that there are constantly dozens of new restaurants and bars of every variety opening up within a 5 minute walk. And so what that I can go see the most interesting art at the Met or MoMA or the Guggenheim any weekend. And so what that I can take a 15 minutes subway ride to Central Park. And so what that every top retail clothing store has a shop within walking distance. And so what that there is a farmer's market every day of the week just blocks away from me at Union Square. And so what bars are open until 4am. And so what that the City is constantly alive with energy and movement and hustle and diversity 24 hours a day.

In Atlanta, you can get a bigger apartment, and that is what really matters! :)

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Posted by And So What! | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:00 AM

And so what that I have no car. And so what that I have no space. And so what that Atlanta has trees and beautiful foliage everywhere. And so what that I have to deal with crappy weather. And so what that the people hear are rude. And so what that I live in a box of an apartment. And so what if I work 400 more hours a year than an associate in Atlanta.

At least in Atlanta you have great weather, some of the finest blonde hunnies you've ever seen, nice people, and your money goes twice as far.

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Posted by And So What! | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:03 AM

. . . people *here* are rude.

(maybe I should actually read what I type before posting!)

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:37 AM

HOT-LANTA TO 160??!! This has to be a f-ing joke. 160 in NYC is retarded. As a midlevel here, I still cant afford to buy a decent co-op (100 down?) or condo (700 asking). And if I do, it will be combination Closet/Bathroom. New York City sucks. $1000/sf my ass.

If Atlanta Pays 160, New York should reasonably start at 180.

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Posted by Donovan McNabb | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:48 AM

Legitimate Philly firms have no excuse now, Philadelphia needs to make the 160 jump. (New York's looking more stupid by the minute).

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:54 AM

Diversity means hiring more black people.

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Posted by Anon | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 2:35 AM

As someone who went to Emory and is now in biglaw NY I have to say I miss Atlanta a lot. I see a lot of haters here but I doubt they have any real experience with Atlanta. Fun town, hot girls (Anybody who ever stepped foot on UGA's campus knows what I am talking about) and great weather.

A buck sixty in Atlanta will let you live like a king.

I for one would be quite happy to go back.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 5:27 AM

9:25 - really? I've heard from insiders that PH ATL's labor & employment dept. has been tanking for a long time (+ lit for that matter) and that corporate brings in the $.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 6:36 AM

NYC has all the great things that 11:49 describes, but 11:49 obviously doesn't have kids (at least, not more than one). As a practical matter, all of those wonderful things that 11:49 describes largely fall by the wayside. NYC is a wonderful place to live when you are young, but it becomes really hard when you are trying to raise a family. Then, you have to move outside the city (NJ anyone), and at that point, you might as well be someplace warm where you work less.

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Posted by Anon | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 7:31 AM

Paul Hastings and Jones Day bill out their 1st years at over $300/hr. (and maybe over $400 for national clients). That's why these firms and perhaps DLA and K&S can raise in the ATL market but not regional shops like A&B and Sutherland. Still a huge gap b/w ATL and NY though. I don't get why NY hasn't raised yet.

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Posted by heath ledger | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 7:40 AM

Oops... I really FUCKED UP!

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Posted by heath ledger | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 7:41 AM

two girls one cup killed me!

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Posted by PH Assoc. | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 7:57 AM

5:27 - The rumors you've heard about PH are not true. The lit dept. is doing great (as that is my dept.). I can't speak as much to employment, but everything I see in the firmwide emails indicates that employment is doing just fine too.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 8:15 AM

9:41: you're wrong.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 8:46 AM

Atlanta has great weather (except for that whole drought thing). But at least there's a bright side to that, since the entire sewer system only backs up into the storm drains when it rains a quarter inch or more, so there's less of that happening.

As someone who has lived in both places, if you're in NYC and are addicted to everything listed in the 11:49 post (except the Union Square Greenmarket is only four days a week), Atlanta is not going to be a fun place to live. There's something about walking/training/cabbing it places that makes living in NYC different than anywhere else. Its called infrastructure and connectedness with your fellow man. And NYers aren't as rude as people think. Generally when I experience rudeness here, it stems from some tourist thinking that's how they're supposed to act. A NYer may walk right past you without saying hello, but that's not rude, people just have things to do. And Southern hospitality isn't always genuine.

Atlanta has generally nice weather and cheap housing. But really, how much housing do you need if you don't have kids? And if you do have kids, that was your call. In either city, they're going to private school.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 8:53 AM

If you have kids in Atlanta they are likely in-bred.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 8:59 AM

I don't think 11:49 has kids. The things you are talking about that are great about NYC (and they are great) are things that fall largely by the wayside with kids (especially if you have more than one). NYC is great when you're young, but if/when you want a family, living in the city takes quite a bit of sacrifice. My take is that you are likely to move out of the city (Jersey anyone?), and at that point you might as well (a) live somewhere warm (b) live where you can have a good living space that has a reasonable amount of cultural stuff to do nearby, and (c) live where you don't have to put in as many hours.

Not that I've given this any thought or anything.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:11 AM

Paul Hastings has always paid above market in Atlanta, both in salary and boni. That it is again above market will not put pressure on the other ATL law firms. Nor will it pressure NYC or other cities to increase their comp to "keep up with Atlanta."

To the haters: In-town living in Atlanta is awesome. Totally different from NYC, of course, but no city in the US is fairly compared to NYC for those who want what NYC offers and can tolerate NYC's many flaws. Apples to oranges. ATL burbs are horrendous, true, but only in the same way that any other suburb is miserable (traffic, cheap McMansions and chain restaurants), and of course, suburban living too is a personal choice.

To the person claiming that an ATL partner used the "n" word and the "f" word in a recruiting dinner, I call bullsh*t.

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Posted by Anonymous | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:12 AM

8:53 - WTF? Ass...

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:20 AM

I hate Philly. How can it let Atlanta show it up??? :-(

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:21 AM

Since 11:49 probably goes to the Met once every two years, his case for NYC pretty much amounts to "we have lots of restaurants and bars and they stay open late." Well, congratulations -- one really soaks up a city's cultural offerings when getting plastered at 4 am.

Of course, it's not like there are any art museums, bars, restaraunts, farmers markets, etc, in Atlanta. Nope, we all sit home and watch TV while eating frozen dinners.

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Posted by Crime Rate | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:35 AM

Let's not forget the higher crime rate in Atlanta and a lack of a winning professional sports team.

I concede the Braves, but does anyone ever go watch them?

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Posted by twodoorsdown | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:42 AM

Delaware Chancery to 160!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:45 AM

The only thing that will force a move by K&S is another bad recruiting year. The firm got absolutely hammered in OCI this fall, and the morale problems caused by not raising in 07 were a big reason for it, not to mention the fact that rational students were not going to come to Atlanta for way less money.

The PH move, and K&S' silence, may further confirm to law students that K&S is just not serious about paying a true market salary. Atlanta is already being substantially outpaid by Charlotte and Texas, and now it's pretty clear that K&S is perfectly willing to be outpaid even in Atlanta.

The firm's position will be that it's already gone above and beyond by topping A&B's raise. Well, they did top it, but A&B's raise was an insult to its associates -- a desperate ploy to increase PPP at the expense of paying competitive salaries. What PH did was -- with the exception of the ridiculous starting salary of 160k -- implement the pay scale we should have had from the beginning.

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Posted by Ford Bronco | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:49 AM

The traffic in Atlanta is absolutely horrendous and they have no water. You have to avoid watering your lawns on certain days of the week because the water supply (a nearby lake) is drying up. Huge problems. Unless you live downtown (where there's no grocery stores), you're screwed.

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Posted by Philadelphia Lawyer | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:52 AM

I work in Philadelphia! I suck!! I make less than associates in Atlanta!!!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:59 AM

Chances of any NYC biglaw raising today are . . .?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:14 AM

HOLY COMPRESSION BATMAN!

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:16 AM

NYC has to move. The special bonuses were a stall tactic, but these moves in ATL will push them to do something more permanent. I am not sure we will see $190k, but $175k is almost a certainty at this point. The bigger question is, how will a raise affect other markets. If NY goes to $175k, will DC, LA and Chicago follow? If NY goes to $190k, will those markets and other smaller markets, namely TX, split the difference and move to $170-175k? Rest assured, however, a move in NY is inevitable.

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Posted by Whoof Arted | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:20 AM

Safe to say I will be leaving NYC if they don't raise salaries by April. It's just economically inefficient to live/work here, while you can get a better value for your dollar, have a car, house, etc. in cities like Atlanta. I've been to Atlanta, and it's actually a great place. Those who will respond with someone like, "Yeah, but it's Atlanta" clearly haven't left NYC their entire lives, except to go to Europe or maybe LA.

NYC isn't the only great city in the US, people.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:20 AM

KS might raise, they have the PPP and economice to do so. A&B associates, stop holding your breath, this place is a TTT that will sooner rather than later assume it's proper place as a toddler trying to play in the big boy sand box. A&B's Charlotte office already makes more than Atlanta, and that office is dead right now. Unlike KS, FR and PH, A&B does not have the right combo of PPP and business to make the jump to $160.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:21 AM

KS might raise, they have the PPP and economice to do so. A&B associates, stop holding your breath, this place is a TTT that will sooner rather than later assume it's proper place as a toddler trying to play in the big boy sand box. A&B's Charlotte office already makes more than Atlanta, and that office is dead right now. Unlike KS, FR and PH, A&B does not have the right combo of PPP and business to make the jump to $160.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:23 AM

Atlanta sucks... There's traffic, annoying southern frat boys who wear pink pants, white polos and loafers with no socks, you can't buy booze on Sundays and every street has the word "Peach" in it. I really doubt NYers are moving to Atlanta in droves so save $$$ in rent.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:25 AM

This is a GIMMICK - the compression is insane.

Basically, the way to game this system is to work in Atlanta for 2 years (and save up to $2000 a month on housing compared to NYC) and then transfer to another office when the compression really kicks in around yr 3.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:32 AM

Speaking of Pogo, I heard there is a going out of business sale at One Atlantic Center today. Lots of cheap office furniture for sale, and 75% off hourly rates of all attorneys who have not left for other firms.

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Posted by anon | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:41 AM

This isn't a real raise to 160 with the extreme compression. As a 4th year in NY I make $210,000 plus bonus. Atlanta isn' t making that until year 7.

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Posted by ATL ITPer | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:44 AM

"and every street has the word "Peach" in it."

Wow. Meaningful criticism like that really stings.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:46 AM

Why do people assume A & B is struggling? PPP were over $1 million last year, they had their best financial year ever, and most lawyers in the firm are very busy. They made some bad PR decisions last year, i.e. the barbri refund debacle and the pathetic pay scale. But the firm is doing very well financially.

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Posted by ATL ITPer | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:48 AM

"and every street has the word 'Peach' in it."

Wow. Meaningful criticism like that really stings.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:51 AM

NYC and Atlanta have never paid the same amount.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:02 AM

I would never live in a city where every street has the word "Peach" in it, even if starting salaries were raised to 200K a year! Plus, you can't but a sixer of Schlitz on Sundays. What good is your raise Atlanta associates?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:06 AM

I would never live in a city where every street has the word "Peach" in it, even if starting salaries were raised to 200K a year! Plus, you can't but a sixer of Schlitz on Sundays. What good is your raise Atlanta associates?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:09 AM

I would never live in a city where every street has the word "Peach" in it, even if starting salaries were raised to 200K a year! Plus, you can't but a sixer of Schlitz on Sundays. What good is your raise Atlanta associates?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:11 AM

PoGo's PPP increased from $460k to $550k in 2007. It's definitely not on the level of A&B and K&S, but rumors of its demise are greatly exaggerated.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:14 AM

PoGo's PPP increased from $460k to $550k in 2007. It's definitely not on the level of A&B and K&S, but rumors of its demise are greatly exaggerated.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:17 AM

Back in high school, people planned their careers around cities with good street names, it was no big deal.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:20 AM

PoGo's PPP increased from $460k to $550k in 2007. It's definitely not on the level of A&B and K&S, but rumors of its demise are greatly exaggerated.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:20 AM

atlanta has great weather? Have you ever been there in the summer?

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Posted by formerPH-er | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:20 AM

Great for those associates in Atlanta regarding salary increase, but can tell you long term PH is no great place to stay. Particularly, WOMEN. Very few women partners, most no kids; no lives. Many of the top women who gave all to the firm have moved on because very little opportunity for advancement and other firms saw the talent and woo-ed them away.

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:24 AM

I would never live in a city where every street has the word "Peach" in it, even if starting salaries were raised to 200K a year! Plus, you can't but a sixer of Schlitz on Sundays. What good is your raise Atlanta associates?

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:26 AM

The rumors about S&C or ST raising in NY . . . where are they coming from? I would like nothing more than for NY to raise, but I have zero confidence that will happen. There seems to be a fair amount of optomism out there, however . . . why?

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Posted by A&B Blows | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:30 AM

10:46 re: A&B said "But the firm is doing very well financially." OK...if that's the case, and if the firm had a record year with PPP over $1 million, then the very least they could do is reward their associates accordingly with a raise. Dont' you think?

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Posted by anonymous | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:31 AM

I might consider a move. Is PH good for women? Working moms?

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Posted by Anonymous, but better than being in NYC | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:36 AM

Temper, temper Big Apple Babies...
No need to hate on Atlanta..True, we do work less, enjoy life more, and have better weather...but you make more $$ in NYC. Wait,...oops.

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Posted by Shit box | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:38 AM

Wow. My AM100 firm still paying $130k in Atlanta needs to step the fuck up. We are now officially 3rd tier.

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Posted by Anonymous, but better than being in NYC | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:39 AM

Ignorant whelps - only about half the streets have 'peach' in thier names... So temper, temper Big Apple Babies.
No need to hate on Atlanta - True, we do work less, enjoy life more, and have better weather...but you make more $$ and are happier in NYC. Wait,...oops.
And who needs Schlitz on Sundays when you've got fresh mountain moonshine 24/7 ??

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Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:39 AM

I feel like I am living in the past. My "big" Philadelphia firm starts at 135K whereas the entire legal world including Dallas, Houston and Atlanta are at 160K. Philly sucks.

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Posted by Anonymous Atlanta Associate | Permalink Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:39 AM

Atlanta is not NYC, but that doesn't mean it isn't a great place to live.

Yes, we don't have a lot of water currently, but we are in the middle of a historic drought, so this is more the exception than the norm.

Can't buy beer on Sunday. I don't like it but you adjust - just buy more on Saturday, hit up the liquor cabinet, or go to a bar on Sunday. If you can't live with that then you probably have a drinking problem.

Bad traffic isn't much of an issue when you live in town. My commute is 6 minutes. For real. The people who have heavy commutes do so to live in larger houses in the suburbs. Have you seen the houses you can buy down here? If you did you might understand why people are willing to drive so far - they are ridiculous. And I mean RIDICULOUS.

No grocery stores downtown? Couldn't be further from the truth. I live very close to downtown and I am within 2 miles of 2 full size Krogers, 3 Publixes, and a Whole Foods. You could fit an entire NYC block in the grocery store space in downtown/midtown Atlanta.

I love my life here. As a young associate I have a brand new 3 bedroom 3 bath house, a brand new car, and I still have money leftover to spend or invest. Even with work I have the time to exercise 4-7 times a week. I love sunshine and warm weather, BBQ, room to move, trees, Southern belles, Southern cooking, and Southern hospitality.

Frat boys wearing pink pants? Yeah, we've got them, but are they any worse than hairy chested, jewelry wearing trash? Didn't think so.

The entertainment here is respectable with the High museum (currently featuring the first of 3 phases of items brought over directly from the Louvre) and the Fox theater for plays and concerts, amongst others. Atlanta has teams for all major professional sports and two major colleges in the general vicinity for major college sports (GT - ACC, UGA-SEC). Atlanta also hosts the Final Four and the SEC championship, amongst other events.

Also, the restaurant scene is respectable, with many 4-5 star restaurants and new places opening every week.

Overall, it might not be a good fit for many New Yorkers (or other city dwellers), but it pr