This is where your negotiating skills must come into play. The Career Services Office conducts an annual employment and salary survey of new graduates. We have general salary information that may assist you in the negotiation process.
Many candidates make the mistake of discussing salary too early in the interviewing process.
If an employer asks you for salary expectations during the initial interview phase, defer the question to later in the process. Employers are typically trying to hire a new lawyer for the least amount of money, and you are trying to negotiate for the highest salary possible. Before you accept an offer, make sure that you have as clear as possible an understanding of what you will be doing, and what the expectations will be. If possible, set up an appointment to see a young associate in the office after you have been made an offer, and ask questions about the working environment, and the expectations for billing hours. We can generally refer you to someone who has information about the firm.