any lawyers out there working in-house in commerce/industry in Zurich or Basle? e.g. at any of the international HQs of multi-national companies?

can you let me know what sort of salaries are normal for lawyers at such companies?

e.g. in the UK we have a website called rollonfriday.com that pretty much tells you what salary you can expect at each law firm depending on your experience by number of years post-qualification... and this tends to drive the salaries for in-house roles at the same level.

Thanks. Just want to make sure that the salary is going to be at least equal UK salary so that the benefit comes in lower taxes.. would not want to find that salary is lower and would counter the benefit of any reduced taxes.

It all depends on your experience as in the UK. Also dependent on the industry you are in. Expect to receive from 100K for newly qualified upwards.

thanks Richard

anyone else? especially interested in the 5-8 years PQE level...

e.g. is this level in Zurich usually paid 20% more than comparable in London or for example, 20% lower...

To be totally honest 5-8 years is the toughest one to actually put a figure to as you are likely, but no guarantee, to be joining as a senior lawyer. In this case the branch is most important and you can expect total compensation of anywhere between 160K and 400K - the latter being a director in a biggish bank and includes a large percentage (75-100%) as bonus.

thanks Richard

it would be a senior lawyer position, probably a number 2 role, reporting to Legal Director or General Counsel.... not in banking or insurance as I have no experience in these areas...

in UK I earn the equivalent of 180k francs plus car plus bonus of between 30 and 60%, so in my head I would want at least that to make it viable, but probably 240k basic to make it a really beneficial move...

from what you are saying, this is possible, so I will make some enquiries - I see that Google has a Zurich office and my skills are likely to be suitable to them - if anyone knows any others that are not banks, pharma or insurance, please let me know

kind regards and thanks again to Richard

Hi,

As richard points out, at 8 yr. PQE your salary and package will be defined mainly by sector. I do know that in the pharmaceutical sector (ergo most of Basel!) as a business unit head of legal you should expect around CHF 200K, plus a package in line with most multinationals. The latter could easily be worth double the salary. The big bonuses are usually found in investement banking, however. Do not expect a car allowance, this appears to be a rarity in Switzerland.

Hope this helps,

J.