The salary hikes seen on the East and West Coasts earlier this year are starting to find their way to the central U.S., albeit in proportion to local markets. Denver-based Holme Roberts has given a 17% raise to its first-years, taking annual wages from $90,000 up to $110,000. The firm cites both local and national competition as reasons for the increase. Phoenix-based Snell & Wilmer, with 196 attorneys in the city, has also increased first-year salaries to $110,000. Thomas Stewart, managing partner of Kansas City firm Lathrop & Gage, has seen an increase in first-year salaries to $95,000 at his firm. In his opinion, though, the high cost of these first-year associates has made the market for second to fourth year laterals an appealing and truly competitive place. Source:www.law.com