In an unprecedented move in the legal industry, Liu Shur Kravis LLP, a nascent Washington, D.C.-based litigation boutique, has announced that it will immediately adopt the Milbank salary scale, offering its associates salaries ranging from $235,000 to $455,000 based on their seniority. This bold step comes just five months after the firm's establishment by former federal prosecutors Jessie Liu, Justin Shur, and Jonathan Kravis.

The trio, who launched Liu Shur Kravis in April 2026 after departing from high-profile roles at Skadden, MoloLamken, and Munger, Tolles & Olson, have crafted a firm that emphasizes a lean, partner-driven approach. Specializing in white-collar criminal defense, government investigations, complex civil litigation, and crisis management, the firm has swiftly built a docket brimming with high-stakes cases across major U.S. jurisdictions.

While many top-tier law firms from the Am Law 100 list have hesitated to update their pay scales, waiting on cues from industry giant Cravath, Liu Shur Kravis's decision to match the Milbank scale underscores its commitment to competitive compensation and recognition of its team's dedication. The founding partners conveyed their gratitude in a heartfelt memo, acknowledging the leap of faith their early employees took by joining a startup and attributing the firm's early successes to their trust and hard work.

This move not only sets Liu Shur Kravis apart in the competitive landscape of boutique law firms but also signals a potentially transformative shift in how legal startups attract top talent and compete with established giants.

Congratulations are in order for everyone at Liu Shur Kravis. Their strategic decision-making and rapid accomplishments reflect a promising trajectory for this ambitious legal boutique.

Stay updated with the latest in legal industry salary news by subscribing to ATL's Bonus Alerts and keeping an eye out for compensation updates from your firm. If you have updates to share, reach out via text or email to keep the legal community informed.