By: Caryn Tamber

Above the Law has a leaked memo from DLA Piper saying that the firm is cutting first-year associate salaries. DLA Piper confirms. Last year, the firm’s number was $160,000 in larger markets, including Baltimore. Now, the newest incoming associates will make $145,000 instead — when they actually start. Remember that DLA Piper, like many other firms, has delayed first-years’ start dates. Instead of starting work in September 2009, DLA Piper’s new lawyers will not report to work until January 2010, though they will get a stipend in the meantime.

The memo also says the firm will adjust salaries for other associates based on year and performance. The firm says partners, of counsel and senior counsel lawyers have also taken pay cuts.