How do associate attorneys get paid?

Career: Associate Attorney

The way that associate attorneys get paid varies from law firm to law firm. Some law firms pay associate attorneys a fixed salary that increases over time, while others pay a base salary plus bonuses. Other law firms forego salaries altogether and pay associate attorneys commission for their work. The commission is paid when the lawyer closes a case. This commission is a percentage of the fee clients pay, either a flat fee or based on billable hours.