Why Being Expensive Is Not the Same as Being Valuable in BigLaw

BigLaw associates may be earning more, but being expensive is not the same as being valuable. Here is what higher salaries mean for attorneys, law students, and law firms.

BigLaw has always been expensive.

That is part of the brand.

Clients expect high rates. Associates expect high salaries. Partners expect elite performance. Law students look at BigLaw compensation and see opportunity, security, and prestige.

But there is a truth many lawyers do not fully understand:

Being expensive is not the same as being valuable.

A lawyer…