It’s a nuanced victory for some associates at Troutman Pepper Locke as the firm announces it will adopt the market salary scale set by Milbank earlier this June — but only for attorneys in their first through fourth years. Starting January 1, 2027, early-career associates at Troutman Pepper Locke can expect their paychecks to reflect these changes, beginning at a handsome $235,000.

However, the firm’s more senior associates will face a different reality. Diverging from the full lockstep model, Troutman Pepper Locke will continue its unique compensation strategy which was developed post the Locke Lord merger. This model offers a two-tiered salary system for those beyond their fourth year, where only certain senior associates on a higher tier will enjoy parity with the Milbank scale.

The decision to expand the lockstep from two to four years is a noteworthy improvement, providing two additional cohorts of associates with clear expectations about their earnings. Yet, the delay in implementing these raises until 2027 means that for the remainder of 2026, associates will continue to earn last year's rates. This delayed gratification strategy is not unique to Troutman Pepper Locke, as other firms have also chosen to postpone immediate salary increases despite announcing matches.

In the context of a competitive legal market where timely compensation adjustments are pivotal for associate satisfaction and retention, this move by Troutman Pepper Locke may not resonate well with all. The firm’s selective application of the Milbank scale underscores a broader trend in the legal industry where full-scale salary alignment remains elusive for midlevel and senior associates.

As always, we rely on our readers to keep us updated with the latest developments in law firm compensation. If your firm has made recent changes to its salary structure, please reach out with details. You can text us at 646-820-8477 or email us with a memo or simply the news of your firm’s update.

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