Biglaw

DLA Piper Announces Black-Box Bonuses, And Associates Seem Really Angry

The firm's bonus scale is so opaque that associates think it may be below market.

DLA PIPER — MEMO RE: 2020 BONUSES

Availability of Information Online: Written evaluation summaries and Performance Ratings were previously communicated. 2021 Level and Firm Class Year placements and compensation, as well as 2020 Bonus information, are now available. Please click: viGlobal Report Viewer to access your information. Associates who joined the firm in 2020 can also access this information under 2021 Associate Profile Information.

2021 compensation increases are retroactive to January 1. 2021 increases and 2020 bonuses will be paid via direct deposit on January 29.

Bonuses again were determined based on seniority, Performance Rating (3, 4 or 5) and total bonus hours (including billable, billable equivalent, pro bono, shadowing, and knowledge management hours), with the largest bonuses awarded to the highest rated associates with the highest hours. Bonus amounts vary based on performance rating, and with incremental increases for bonus hours totaling 2150, 2300, and 2450. As we have previously communicated, we have modified our bonus program to enhance awards for our highest performing and most productive Associates in order to reaffirm our commitment to our Associates, and reward those Associates who have gone “above and beyond” our expectations. The total bonus pool for 2020 is materially greater than for 2019.

We continue to schedule feedback meetings with each Associate, and anticipate most meetings will be completed by the end of February. Your participation in this process is essential toward your growth and success at the Firm. We greatly appreciate all of your contributions during the past year.


Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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