First-year associates in Morrison & Foerster’s Asia and New York offices are safe from the firm’s decision to cut starting salaries to US$145,000 elsewhere; first-year associates in Asia and New York can expect to receive the full US$160,000 in their first year.

Morrison & Foerster did not provide any comments other than its official statement. “Starting salaries at Morrison & Foerster in New York and Asia will be US$160,000, the same as last year, and starting salaries in other US offices will be US$145,000. Note, however, that the market for first year salaries among [US] firms is undetermined at this time. Given that, we will continue to assess starting salaries, in light of market trends, and may elect to adjust as required based on larger market developments,” said the firm.

It comes as no surprise that the firm expects to be able to maintain higher starting salaries in Asia, where law firms are reporting a tightening in the labour market.

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