Some Biglaw firms are really hitting it out of the park this week, and one of them is Sheppard Mullin. Hot on the heels of the firm’s announcement of its new “Unplug & Recharge” policy — a program that will make up to 40 hours of time spent relaxing both billable and bonus eligible — the firm has now announced its annual bonuses.
Associates are happy as can be with the Cravath/Davis Polk match. Here’s what the firm’s bonus package looks like:
Associate Year-End Bonus Scale
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| Level | 1,900 | 1,950 | 2,000 | 2,200 | 2,400 |
| A1 | 10,000 | 15,000 | 20,000 | 22,000 | 24,000 |
| A2 | 15,000 | 22,500 | 30,000 | 33,000 | 36,000 |
| A3 | 28,750 | 43,125 | 57,500 | 63,250 | 69,000 |
| M1 | 37,500 | 56,250 | 75,000 | 82,500 | 90,000 |
| M2 | 45,000 | 67,500 | 90,000 | 99,000 | 108,000 |
| M3 | 52,500 | 78,750 | 105,000 | 115,500 | 126,000 |
| C1 | 57,500 | 86,250 | 115,000 | 126,500 | 138,000 |
| C2 | 57,500 | 86,250 | 115,000 | 126,500 | 138,000 |
Associate Special Bonus Scale
| Level | 1,900 | 1,950 | 2,000 |
| A1 | 2,000 | 3,000 | 4,000 |
| A2 | 3,000 | 4,500 | 6,000 |
| A3 | 5,750 | 8,625 | 11,500 |
| M1 | 7,500 | 11,250 | 15,000 |
| M2 | 9,000 | 13,500 | 18,000 |
| M3 | 10,500 | 15,750 | 21,000 |
| C1 | 11,500 | 17,250 | 23,000 |
| C2 | 11,500 | 17,250 | 23,000 |
As you can see, Shepard Mullin awards base year-end bonuses at the 2000-hour mark, and those who go over on their billing will be rewarded even more handsomely. Specifically, associates who record 2200 and 2400 hours (and meet an 1850 billable hour requirement) will receive 110% and 120% of the market based bonus. In addition, once an associate’s billable hours goal is met, unlimited pro bono hours and 75 hours of firm creditable time (including Diversity and Inclusion hours, Business Development and Training/Mentoring, etc.) will count towards the firm’s hours-based bonus program.
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“Between this and the unplugged policy,” said an excited associate, “it’s been a great week right before the holidays.” Associates will receive their bonus payouts in January.
Congratulations to Sheppard Mullin and its associates on a wonderful year!
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Staci 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.