Salary guides are a useful reference tool. However they are often based on questionable sample sizes and they are generally so broad in terms of their range as to be difficult to apply without closer examination and consideration of other variables. In our experience it is not uncommon for lawyers to be slightly misled by salary guides and to feel disgruntled if their salary doesn't match the charts, even though there may be specific reasons for this which they may not have factored into the equation.

Most salary guides are based on years of post admission experience, type of organisation (top tier, mid tier, boutique, corporation or government), and location. Other relevant variables that are important to any assessment of salary include market conditions, supply and demand,  academic pedigree (often associated with innate ability and talent or general

"intellectual horsepower", quality of training and experience, calibre of firm background,relevance of previous experience to current or proposed new role, practice area, individual, team and firm performance, individual performance in terms of billable units, non-billable contributions, and any portable practice, following or other business case factors that may be relevant.

For a tailored, personalised, confidential assessment and discussion in relation to your salary or for some guidance to help you prepare for your salary review, please don't hesitate to contact Carolyn Morton on 0412 535 446 or via email to carolyn@mortonpark.com.au.