McKool Smith has confirmed it will match the current Milbank associate salary scale, with the new pay rates taking effect on 1 January 2027.
The Texas-based complex trial firm, known for competitive associate compensation which have reported previously, that has included Thanksgiving bonuses, strong year-end payouts, and market-matching raises, is lifting base salaries by $10,000 to $20,000 depending on class year.
The updated scale runs from $235,000 for first-year associates (Class of 2025/2026) to $455,000 for the Class of 2018 and more senior associates.
The move was announced internally by Managing Principal and Chairman David Sochia. The firm has not issued a public press release, but the details align with the scale Milbank introduced in early June 2026 (effective 1 July 2026).
There is one notable difference from most matches so far: McKool Smith’s increases do not begin until 1 January 2027. That puts the firm several months behind the July 2026 effective date adopted by the majority of firms that have already matched with associates continuing on the prior scale for the remainder of 2026.
The McKool Moves
McKool Smith has a track record of responding when the market moves. The firm was among the early matchers in previous compensation cycles and has maintained a reputation for treating associates well relative to many larger Am Law firms.
In a compensation season still dominated by litigation boutiques rather than traditional Biglaw, the match, even on a delayed timeline, stands out.
Milbank’s June announcement reset the market from the previous $225,000–$435,000 range. A number of boutiques and a smaller group of larger firms have matched or exceeded the new scale. Many traditional Biglaw names have yet to move.
For associates at McKool Smith, the raises will arrive in the new year. For the rest of the market, the waiting game continues.
