Associate Bonus Watch 2009, Killing Lockstep, Summer Associates

DLA Piper Previews the 2009 Bonus Season

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It’s the first Monday in October. There is a chill in the air, the Yankees and Red Sox are gearing up for the post-season (while the Mets mercifully go away), and the hearts and minds of Biglaw associates turn to their year-end bonuses.
Some have predicted a “no bonus” season, courtesy of the Great Recession. But DLA Piper has given Above the Law the first concrete bonus information of the season, and bonuses will be paid.
Associates at DLA Piper were informed on Friday that while this year’s bonus won’t meet last year’s half-Skadden levels, the firm will be paying bonuses this year. Sources report that DLA’s bonus will come in between $5,000 and $50,000. A tipster reported the news this way:

I’m just finishing up my first full calendar year at DLA. I’ve got a job, I’ve got a bonus. I’ve got all my life to live, I’ve got all my love to give. I WILL SURVIVE.

Congratulations.
DLA won’t make a final decision until January. But as of now, we have a market floor for bonuses, and it is greater than zero! That is pretty awesome.
Other good news from DLA Piper after the jump.


There is actually a lot of positive news emanating from DLA Piper. The firm recently finished its offer process, and it made offers to 55 of 64 summer associates. That’s an 86% offer rate, and a lot better than what we’ve seen at some other firms this fall.
Meanwhile, DLA’s intention to share some wealth with employees come bonus time is not limited to DLA associates. On Friday, DLA Piper staffers also found out that they would be getting a bonus this year too. In addition, the firm plans to resume merit-based salary increases for the staff next summer.
This news closes the loop on a challenging 2009, but DLA Piper is already looking ahead to 2010. Like a few other firms, DLA is looking at moving towards a “competancy-based” compensation model in 2010. The firm is still working out the details and going through the process of taking comments from its partners and associates.
But that will be next year’s bonus issue. For this year, $5,000 to $50,000 has to look like Rudolph’s big red nose cutting through the fog of recession. Bonuses will be paid this year.
In the comments, share your thoughts on where you think the bonus market is going to end up.
Earlier: Prior ATL coverage of Associate Bonus Watch – 2009

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