In the Philadelphia office of DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary first-year associates will make $125,000 per year. Second-year associates will earn $130,000, third-year associates will make $135,000, and fourth-years will reach $140,000. The increase places DLA Piper first-year salaries among the highest in the city. Source: www.law.com

On January 1, 2006 the Cleveland-based law firm McDonald Hopkins Co., LPA acquired Lindahl Gross Lievois. The merger, McDonald’s third expansion in two years, gives McDonald an office in Detroit along with more attorneys to serve Detroit-area clients. McDonald Hopkins Co. has offices in Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, and West Palm Beach. -www.mcdonaldhopkins.com

Sughrue Mion has opened an office in San Diego – its third in the US. The firm specializes in managing intellectual property. The expansion was part of a strategic plan to serve industries with intellectual property to protect – industries such as biotechnology and medical devices, which have a large presence in the San Diego area. Two litigators were added in the expansion move. Source:www.managingip.com