I should clarify, there is a pretty large split between big law and an typical career in law. Those that go into top (200) firms are starting as associates at ~190k [1] with partners making ~1mm [2] with a long tail end. However most others will follow a career trajectory starting around 60k [3], maybe less if they are public attorneys, moving towards ~150k [4] if they make partner in a smaller firm. Prospective lawyers are sold the big law dream but outside of that the career trajectory is a lot less enticing considering the upfront costs.

[1] https://www.nalp.org/0521research [2] https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/how-much-do-partners... [3] https://www.nalp.org/salarydistrib [4] https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/partner-attorney-salary-S...