Associates Taking Home Big Bonuses At Top 50 Biglaw Firm
If you bill enough, these bonuses can be yours!
M E M O R A N D U M
How Generative AI Will Improve Legal Service Delivery
To: Associates and Other Non-member Attorneys
From: Doug Clark
CC: Members
Date: December 14, 2021
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Re: Associate Year-End and Special Merit Bonuses
Throughout what has been another remarkable yet challenging year, we have been grateful for the extraordinary work that you have performed on behalf of the firm’s clients. Now that we’re nearing the end of 2021, I am pleased to announce year-end bonuses and special bonuses for eligible associates and other non-member attorneys for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2022, as a show of appreciation for your outstanding efforts.
Year-end bonuses and special bonuses will be paid to attorneys who have delivered high-quality work and have met or exceeded the firm’s threshold requirement of 1,950 bonus-eligible hours.
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Associate Level | Comp Year | Year-End Bonus | Special Bonus |
1st Year | 2020 | $20,000 | $4,000 |
2nd Year | 2019 | $30,000 | $6,000 |
3rd Year | 2018 | $57,500 | $11,500 |
4th Year | 2017 | $75,000 | $15,000 |
5th Year | 2016 | $90,000 | $18,000 |
6th Year | 2015 | $105,000 | $21,000 |
7th Year+ | 2014- | $115,000 | $23,000 |
As usual, bonus-eligible hours include client-chargeable, pro bono, firm-as-client, shadowing, and citizenship hours defined in the Associate Bonus Policy. Prorations will be made with respect to partial-year employment, time on leave, and part-time status, and will apply to both the year-end and special bonus amounts. Proration is waived for attorneys who have met the hours requirement on an absolute basis.
Our 2021 fall associate class will receive a prorated bonus of $15,000, without regard to hours.
Bonuses will be paid on Monday, January 31 in the U.S., and on the regular January pay date in each of our international office locations.
Associate step increases will take effect on February 1, at the beginning of the next fiscal year.
Looking ahead to 2022 and what is likely to be a continued period of exciting client activity, it’s more important than ever that we take care of ourselves and each other. We encourage you to take advantage of the various firm resources available to maintain your health and well-being, as well as that of your family.
As always, thank you for your continued hard work and dedication to the success of our clients and the firm.
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