Canadian Lawyer

40 J U L Y 2 0 1 5 w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m The caution was reflected in the survey results, with just 24 per cent of respondents reporting plans to hire more lawyers next year. On the bright side, only 1.6 per cent planned to down- size, with almost three-quarters of law firms expecting to stick with the status quo. After a spike last year, first-year associate sala- ries dropped back to 2013 levels, with the median amount across the country standing at $65,000, down from $80,000 in 2014. Lawyers two, three, four, and five years out attracted broadly simi- lar salaries to last year, according to the survey results. The outlook is good though, with 57 per cent of respondents currently budgeting for an associate wage rise next year, mostly between five and 10 per cent. At the other end of the legal food chain, part- ners increased their earnings at 56 per cent of respondent law firms, but it wasn't all good news, with five per cent de-equitizing partners in the last year. "Eat what you kill" remained the most popular method of dividing the pot, in place at a full 40 per cent of respondents, up from 24 per cent in 2014. About 40 per cent of firms offer benefits to partners and associates, accounting for around five per cent of compensation on average. Perks such as professional development and health club membership were offered at 46 per cent of respondent firms. In-house counsel Corporate legal departments foresee a similar Gov't Financial Industrial/ Resource- Service Technology Non-profit manufact uring based $150,000 $190,500 $200,000 $160,000 $142,000 $143,500 $169,000 204,000 196,750 400,000 365,000 200,000 145,000 192,500 Average GC at director level Average GC at executive level In-house counsel compensation by industry Senior in-house counsel compensation Median Lowest Highest General counsel at director level $160,000 $100,000 $290,000 General counsel at executive level 200,000 90,000 590,000 Sample Size: 34 departments Sample Size: 34 departments Year of call Median Lowest Highest 2014 $64,000 $40,000 $87,000 2013 65,000 45,000 125,000 2012 91,500 50,000 125,000 2011 95,000 55,000 160,000 2010 107,000 60,000 175,000 2009 109,000 65,000 177,500 2008 117,000 70,000 185,000 2007 127,000 80,000 200,000 2006 158,000 90,000 210,000 2005 and earlier 167,500 90,000 520,000 In-house counsel compensation In-house legal spend budget 41.2 % Under $500,000 $500,000-$1 million $1 million-$2 million $5 million- $10 million More than $10 million $2 million-$5 million 23.5 % 17.7 % 8.9 % 2.9 % 5.9 % Sample Size: 34 departments Sample Size: 34 departments

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