Lock-step changes across the Toronto associate compensation grid
On September 8, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP announced increases to its Toronto associate compensation grid. The first year associate salary at Cassels is now up from $110,000 to $130,000, with corresponding increases for more senior associates. The changes came into effect on October 1. In a comment to Ultra Vires, the firm explained that the salary increases “reflect our appreciation of associates’ work and contribution to the firm’s ongoing success.”
Torys LLP and Dentons Canada LLP also adjusted their compensation for associates at all levels, with raises for first year associates to $130,000. Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP also confirmed to UV that the firm increased salaries for associates “[i]n recognition of the heightened demands on associates during a sustained period of business and legal activity.”
Most Bay Street firms paid its first year associates $110,000. Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP and Bennett Jones LLP led the pack at $135,000 and $130,000, respectively. With the recent salary increase, several firms now match Bennett Jones’ rate. When asked to comment, Bennett Jones indicated that it “[has] not yet made any salary changes and are currently surveying the market before making any further decisions.”
No decisions have been made yet at McMillan LLP or Aird & Berlis LLP. McMillan is currently reviewing its associate salaries nationally and remains committed to remaining competitive in the market. Aird & Berlis is similarly in the midst of its annual review of associate salaries, commenting, “[We] are committed to being market competitive and will announce any changes to our associate salary grid in the coming weeks.”
Stikeman Elliot LLP declined to comment at this time. Several firms did not respond to our request for comment at the time of publication. The profiles on the NALP Canadian Directory of Legal Employers have yet to be updated with these changes.
Editor’s Note: This story is developing and the article will be updated here if and when firms respond to our requests for comment. Update (October 20, 2022): The first year associate salary at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP is now $160,000. As of November 2021, the first year associate salary at Aird & Berlis LLP was $130,000.
