What mid-size and regional firms pay associates in 2026, by practice area and years of experience. Typical base runs $100,000 to $155,000 in years one to two. Ranges cover the middle half of the market, and typical is the median.
Milbank reset the scale on June 2, 2026: first-years make $235,000 and eighth-years make $455,000. The raise went to the top, which we read as a retention signal.
Three firms now pay $180,000 for a single federal clerkship. The table shows what each firm publishes, and the article covers what to weigh before signing.
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