Morrison & Foerster LLP, the San Francisco-based law firm, will cut starting salaries to $145,000 for associates based in U.S. cities except New York, where they will remain $160,000, the firm said.

“The market for first-year salaries among national firms is undetermined at this time,” the firm said today in an e-mailed statement. “Given that, we will continue to assess starting salaries, in light of market trends, and may elect to adjust as required based on larger market developments.”

Large U.S. law firms including Nixon Peabody LLP, Baker & McKenzie LLP and Chadbourne & Parke LLP have cut attorney salaries this year. Also this year law firms including Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP have delayed start dates for incoming associates and asked lawyers to take time off in exchange for a reduced salary.

Law firms in New York City and across the U.S. raised associate salaries from $145,000 to $160,000 in early 2008.