Associate Bonus Watch: Wilson Sonsini Announces Bonuses and Base Salary Scale
Yesterday, everyone was talking tech, thanks to Facebook's upcoming IPO. In light of how Silicon Valley is dominating the news cycle, it seems fitting to discuss the recent bonus and salary news from Wilson Sonsini -- one of SV's top firms, and counsel over the years to many startup companies turned tech giants. So what kind of bonuses did WSGR just announce? Let's find out....
WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI — MEMORANDUM — FY 2012 AND FY 2013 SALARY SCHEDULE
To: Palo Alto Associates, Of Counsel, Special Counsel, and Staff Attorneys
Cc: Members
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From: Doug Clark and Jack Sheridan
Date: January 26, 2012
Re: FY12 Bonuses and FY13 Salary Schedule
In recognition of the firm’s outstanding year and your hard work and dedication, we are pleased to announce year-end merit bonuses, as well as the associate salary schedule for the new fiscal year beginning on February 1, 2012.
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Merit Bonus
Consistent with previously established criteria, the merit bonus program provides for hours-based awards to eligible attorneys who achieved 1,900, 2,100, or 2,400 hours over the course of the 2011 calendar year. In addition to the hours-based component, attorneys also may receive a discretionary amount based on work quality and overall contribution to the firm.
For the purpose of determining hours-based awards, bonus-eligible hours include all chargeable hours recorded, pro bono hours, and hours charged to accounts for the firm’s legal services, as well as a cumulative total of up to 40 hours charged to Knowledge Management activities, attorney recruiting interviews, or preparing and presenting internal training courses that qualify for CLE credit. The measurement period for bonus-eligible hours is January through December 2011.
In accordance with the firm’s usual practices, hours requirements and awards will be adjusted on a pro rata basis for attorneys who started mid-year, worked part time, or who were on a leave of absence for any part of the year.
This year’s total bonuses range from a maximum of $15,000 for eligible associates from the class of 2010 to a maximum of $62,500 for eligible associates from the 2004 and earlier classes.
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Associate Salary Schedule
The associate salary schedule for FY13 is below. Step increases will be effective on February 1.
Comp Year — Base Salary
2011 — 1st $160,000
2010 — 2nd $170,000
2009 — 3rd $185,000
2008 — 4th $210,000
2007 — 5th $230,000
2006 — 6th $250,000
2005 — 7th $265,000
Attorneys will receive an individual email from Human Resources on January 27 confirming their FY13 salary, and for those receiving a bonus, the bonus amount. Bonuses will be paid on January 31.
Thank you for your continued contributions to the firm.
WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI — MEMORANDUM — FY 2012 AND FY 2013 SALARY SCHEDULE
To: New York Associates, Of Counsel, Special Counsel, and Staff Attorneys
Cc: Members
From: Doug Clark and Jack Sheridan
Date: January 26, 2012
Re: FY12 Bonuses and FY13 Salary Schedule
In recognition of the firm’s outstanding year and your hard work and dedication, we are pleased to announce year-end merit bonuses, as well as the associate salary schedule for the new fiscal year beginning on
February 1, 2012.
Merit Bonus
Consistent with previously established criteria, the merit bonus program provides for hours-based awards to eligible attorneys who achieved 1,900, 2,100, or 2,400 hours over the course of the 2011 calendar year. In addition to the hours-based component, attorneys also may receive a discretionary amount based on work quality and overall contribution to the firm.
For the purpose of determining hours-based awards, bonus-eligible hours include all chargeable hours recorded, pro bono hours, and hours charged to accounts for the firm’s legal services, as well as a cumulative total of up to 40 hours charged to Knowledge Management activities, attorney recruiting interviews, or preparing and presenting internal training courses that qualify for CLE credit. The measurement period for bonus-eligible hours is January through December 2011.
In accordance with the firm’s usual practices, hours requirements and awards will be adjusted on a pro rata basis for attorneys who started mid-year, worked part time, or who were on a leave of absence for any part of the year.
This year’s total bonuses range from a maximum of $15,000 for eligible associates from the class of 2010 to a maximum of $62,500 for eligible associates from the 2004 and earlier classes.
Associate Salary Schedule
The associate salary schedule for FY13 is below. Step increases will be effective on February 1.
Comp Year — Base Salary
2011 — 1st $160,000
2010 — 2nd $170,000
2009 — 3rd $185,000
2008 — 4th $210,000
2007 — 5th $230,000
2006 — 6th $250,000
2005 — 7th $265,000
Attorneys will receive an individual email from Human Resources on January 27 confirming their FY13 salary, and for those receiving a bonus, the bonus amount. Bonuses will be paid on January 31.
Thank you for your continued contributions to the firm.
Wilson Sonsini Names Douglas Clark, John Sheridan as Co-Managing Partners [Bloomberg]
Earlier: Prior ATL coverage of Wilson Sonsini
