The 2026 Cravath scale most large firms match — base, bonuses, and what each class year might take home after tax.
Pick your class year to see an estimated after-tax view of your base and expected bonus.
| Class Year | Base Salary | Summer Bonus | Special Bonus | Year-End Bonus (Expected) | After-Tax View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | $235,000 | $6,000 | $6,000 | $20,000 | Estimate → |
| 2nd Year | $245,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $30,000 | Estimate → |
| 3rd Year | $270,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 | $57,500 | Estimate → |
| 4th Year | $320,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 | $75,000 | Estimate → |
| 5th Year | $385,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $90,000 | Estimate → |
| 6th Year | $410,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $105,000 | Estimate → |
| 7th Year | $440,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $115,000 | Estimate → |
| 8th Year | $455,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $115,000 | Estimate → |
Source: Big Law Investor, page last updated July 27, 2026. Base salaries effective July 1, 2026. Year-end figures are expected amounts based on last year’s bonuses, not announced ones.
Base pay steps up each year based on the year you graduated law school, not on individual performance.
Summer, special, and year-end bonuses sit on top of base, and are often withheld at a flat rate that may not match your actual bracket.
Many firms match the leading scale, but timing, bonus structure, and eligibility vary. Check your own offer letter.
After the lockstep years, compensation is set individually and its tax treatment can change, especially at partnership.
| Year | First-Year Base | Set By |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $180,000 | Cravath, June 2016 |
| 2018 | $190,000 | Milbank, matched by Cravath |
| 2022 | $215,000 | Milbank, matched by Cravath |
| 2024 | $225,000 | Milbank, matched by Cravath; effective Jan. 1, 2024 |
| 2026 | $235,000 | Milbank; effective July 1, 2026 |
Sources: Voll Recruiting and CaseCub. Raises are announced by a leading firm and then matched across the market, so timing varies by firm. Individual firms differ, and this is for general reference only.
Bonuses are a large share of your pay. We plan your savings and taxes around the whole number, not just base.