If you were to compare the pay in an MNC or a big company (which is easier to get into than a Tier 1 law firm) with that of a Tier-2 law firm, what would be higher? I'm not even taking into account the better work conditions in in-house roles but just the monetary rewards. Not to mention the sweat equity that you get. I'm comparing MNCs and the bigger companies with a Tier 2 law firm because Tier 1s seem virtually impossible to get without the right connections, which might be less the case with companies because of a more professional and structured HR.

For the same PQE, the best in-house salaries will be at most 75-80% of top law firm compensations. That said, some Sr. VP (legal) and General Counsels do mint more than some partners. But the time take to make partner (10y PQE) is considerably less than making SVP or GC (15y+ PQE). In house ESOPs can make up for the difference. Some tier 2 firms are better paymasters than tier 1, so can not really have an objective comparison.