Associate Bonus Watch: Sidley Austin

Sidley bonuses are individualized; what is the overall sentiment about them this year?

SIDLEY AUSTIN — MEMORANDUM — U.S. ASSOCIATE BONUSES AND SALARY INCREASES

TO: All U.S. Associates
FROM: The Management Committee
RE: U.S. Associate Bonuses and Salary Increases
DATE: December 13, 2013

We are grateful for the dedication and performance of the associates of the Firm. Our partners are proud and appreciative of your efforts, which again have enabled us to provide our clients with the highest quality of professional service, and have contributed to the Firm’s vitality and achievements this year. We are pleased to be able to acknowledge your exceptional contributions with performance-based bonuses and salary increases.

As is our custom, we have determined bonuses on an individual basis. Year-end bonuses continue to be discretionary and, where awarded, are tailored to each associate’s circumstances. General eligibility criteria remain the same as in past years. In establishing bonus amounts, we have given substantial weight to the quality of an associate’s work, which remains the most important factor in evaluating an associate’s performance and prospects for long-term success at the Firm. We also have considered the hours that each associate has spent on chargeable, pro bono, and certain non-chargeable matters, such as legal services and other special contributions to the Firm.

We also are pleased to announce our associate salary schedule for 2014.

Class Year — 2014 Salary
2013 — $160,000
2012 — $170,000
2011 — $185,000
2010 — $210,000
2009 — $230,000
2008 — $250,000
2007 — $265,000
2006 — $280,000

Associate salary increases will be made in accordance with this schedule by class year. Variations from the schedule will be made for some associates based upon performance or productivity. The general expectation is that those associates without performance issues and with more than 1,800 client-chargeable and LSTF hours (normalized for those on leave or on a reduced schedule during the review cycle) will receive the full class year increase. Follow-up communications will occur with those associates who will not receive a full class year increase.

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On behalf of all of our partners, we thank you for your professionalism and dedication to making this Firm an exceptional place to practice law. Best wishes for the holidays and for the New Year.

cc: All Firm Partners
All Firm Senior Counsel

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