Associate Bonus Watch: Better Late Than Never

Despite the wait, associates are pleased with their bonuses.

onFebruary 23, 2017 at 11:25 AMFebruary 23, 2017 at 10:05 AM

Money Stack Paul Hastings traditionally puts out its bonus announcement in late February, and this year is no exception. It must really irk the hard-working associates who have to sit on pins and needles while the rest of the industry brags (or complains) about their bonuses while Paul Hastings brass remains tight-lipped about it. It’s one thing to drag out the process if the firm plans on earnestly assessing its receipts and striking out on its own with a better (or worse) bonus schedule, but when the firm is just going to mimic the rest of the market? Just make your announcement in December!

Anyway, Paul Hastings has made its February announcement, joining a gaggle of West Coast-based firms that hold out until now to talk bonus, and associates seem pleased with the match:

PH matched market in all US offices with 2000 minimum hours. Extra discretionary bonuses for certain high-performing associates (e.g., 30% increase for a mid-level associate with good reviews and 2400+ hours). Everyone I’ve talked to is very happy but not surprised since while we have to wait a couple months we always match.

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That’s Stockholm syndrome talking. Don’t ever get complacent about having to wait to learn about your bonus. On the other hand, earning that money in 2017 should put them under Trump’s new “nobody pays any taxes” regime so maybe it’s not so bad.

In any event, congratulations to Paul Hastings associates on their windfall.

Earlier: Firm Disappoints Associates With Bonus Announcement… Again
Associate Bonus Watch: Mo’ Money At MoFo
Associate Bonus Watch: No Memo, No Problem