Associate Compensation Scorecard: Biglaw's 2024 Bonus Boom
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Since we broke the news of the market bonus scale for associates at large law firms in the United States — a trend that was started by Milbank on Monday, November 11, 2024, and finally followed by Cravath on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, including Milbank’s special summer bonuses — firms are falling in line to match the scale. When will your firm announce its bonuses?
Today, for your viewing pleasure, we unveil a table of all of the firms that have already matched the bonus scale, the date those matches were made, the minimum hours required to receive bonuses (if available), and the date bonuses will be paid. We will be updating this table on a daily basis, sometimes multiple times, as news on bonuses unfolds. If you see any information here that is incorrect or needs clarification, let us know.
We are covering this trend extensively, so please drop us a line — text (646-820-8477) or email (subject line: “[Firm Name] Matches”) — when you know of a firm making a compensation move. Please include the memo if available. You can take a photo of the memo and send it via text or email if you don’t want to forward the original PDF or Word file. Sources are kept confidential.
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| Firm | Date Matched | Minimum Hours | Payout Date |
| Milbank Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2016: $115K / $25K |
FIRST MOVER November 11, 2024 |
None | On or before December 31, 2024 |
| Vartabedian Hester & Haynes Class of 2024: $15K / $6K Class of 2016: $115K / $25K |
November 13, 2024 | 1800 hours | On or before December 31, 2024 |
| Cravath Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017: $115K / $25K |
November 19, 2024 | None | December 13, 2024 |
| Paul Hastings Class of 2023: $20K / $6K Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 20, 2024 | 2000 hours | February 14, 2025 |
| Ropes & Gray Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2016+: $130K / $25K |
November 20, 2024 | 1900 creditable hours (increased bonuses for associates who annualized above hourly target) | December 24, 2024 |
| Fried Frank Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 20, 2024 | 1850 hours for special bonus (including billable, pro bono, qualified nonbillable, and firm matter hours); associates eligible for “premium” bonus ranging from $3K to $34.5K | On or before December 31, 2024 |
| McDermott Will & Emery Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 20, 2024 | 2000 hours (merit bonuses available for eligible associates; “two-thirds” of associates will see bonuses above market) | December 27, 2024 |
| Cleary Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 21, 2024 | None | December 20, 2024 |
| Paul Weiss Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 21, 2024 | None | December 20, 2024 |
| Dechert Class of 2023: $20K / $6K Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 21, 2024 | 1950 hours (client billable, pro bono, firm as client, maximum of 50 community hours); associates who exceeded hours expectations eligible to receive an “extraordinary” bonus (i.e., 2200 hours = addt’l 30%; 2400+ hours = addt’l 40%) | By or before end of January 2025 |
| O’Melveny Class of 2024: $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 21, 2024 | None | Undisclosed |
| Holwell Shuster Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 21, 2024 | None | On or before December 31, 2024 |
| Davis Polk Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 22, 2024 | None | December 27, 2024 |
| Weil Gotshal Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 22, 2024 | None | January 31, 2025 |
| White & Case Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017: $115K / $25K |
November 22, 2024 | Eligibility criteria detailed in separate memo | February 14, 2025 |
| Skadden Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K or $125K / $25K |
November 22, 2024 | 1800 “productive hours” (including unlimited pro bono time and up to 150 hours of productive non-billable work) | December 13, 2024 |
| Cadwalader Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2016: $115K / $25K |
November 22, 2024 | Additional bonuses “equal to 120% of [market bonuses]” for high billers with 2200 hours or more | By or before end of February 2025 |
| Proskauer Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2016: $115K / $25K |
November 22, 2024 | None | On or before December 24, 2024 |
| Schulte Roth & Zabel Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 22, 2024 | 2000 hours; step-up bonuses from $3K to $51.75K for associates who have made “extraordinary contributions” to the firm) | January 27, 2025 |
| Covington Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 22, 2024 | 2000 hours; (associates will see a 10% bonus increase at 2200 hours, and another 10% bonus increase 2400 hours) | January 2025 |
| Willkie Farr Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 22, 2024 | None | December 31, 2024 |
| Akin Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 22, 2024 | 1950 hours (including pro bono hours, general counsel hours, business development hours, and up to 100 hours of time spent on recruiting, diversity & inclusion, and/or innovation activities); associates with “exceptional” performance will receive larger bonuses | February 2025 |
| Sidley Class of 2023: $20K / $6K Class of 2016: $115K / $25K |
November 25, 2024 | 2000 hours required for base bonuses; associates with “higher productivity and/or exceptional performance” will receive additional bonuses, up to “more than 50% above base bonus” | Prior to December 31, 2024 |
| Baker Botts Class of 2023: $20K / $6K Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 25, 2024 | 2000 hours (1800 client billable hours and 200 non-client billable hours, including pro bono, business development, etc.); “enhanced” bonuses available for “exceptional” performance; special bonuses reportedly require 2000 client billable hours for eligibility | Undisclosed |
| A&O Shearman Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 25, 2024 | 2000 hours (including a minimum of 25 pro bono hours and up to 100 investment hours (e.g., DEI/mental health; personal development/training; community involvement; management & talent development; knowledge development; origination, client relationships, business development; and market innovation group)) | January 31, 2025 |
| Katten Muchin Class of 2023: $20K / $6K Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 25, 2024 | 2000 hours (2100 hours for $22K-$126.5K; 2200 hours for $24K-$138K; 2300 hours for $26.5K-$149.5K; 2400 hours for $31K-$172.5K); additional “superstar” bonuses available | February 3, 2025 |
| Vinson & Elkins Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 25, 2024 | Based on hours and good standing; “supplemental bonuses” available for associates who had an “exemplary year” | On or about January 31, 2025 |
| Debevoise Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 26, 2024 | None | Undisclosed |
| Clifford Chance Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 26, 2024 | None (based on overall performance, quality of work, contributions to firm, teamwork, and pro bono) | January 15, 2025 |
| Mayer Brown Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 26, 2024 | 2000 hours; associates eligible for addt’l bonuses based on performance | February 28, 2025 |
| Gibson Dunn Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017: $115K / $25K |
November 27, 2024 | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Seward & Kissel Class of 2023: $20K / $6K Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 27, 2024 | 2000 hours (1850 billable hours and 150 qualified non-billable hours); 2200 hours for special bonus (1850 billable hours and 150 qualified non-billable hours; associates who “substantially” exceed the eligibility requirements for special bonuses may receive an “increased” special bonus) | First quarter of 2025 |
| Fish & Richardson Entry-Level: $15K / $6K (prorated) A7: $115K / $25K |
November 27, 2024 | 2100 hours (including up to 200 pro bono/DEI/pitch hours) or strongest reviews based on quality of work | December 26, 2024 |
| Morgan Lewis Class of 2023: $20K / $6K Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
November 27, 2024 | 1900+ hours (20 of which must be pro bono hours) | January 31, 2025 |
| Wilkinson Stekloff Class of 2024: $22.5K / $6K Class of 2017: $172.5K / $25K |
December 3, 2024 | None | By December 13, 2024 |
| Norton Rose Fulbright Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 3, 2024 | 1900 hours (including 50 FIT hours) for special bonus eligibility | January 31, 2025 |
| Kramer Levin Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 4, 2024 | Eligible associates in good standing will receive bonuses | February 14, 2025 |
| Cahill Class of 2024: $15K / $7.5K (prorated) Class of 2016: $115K / $40K |
December 5, 2024 | Select associates in Classes of 2017-2020 who have demonstrated “extraordinary” performance eligible for a “super bonus” up to $200K (based on performance and seniority) in lieu of special bonus | Second half of January 2025 |
| Ross Aronstam Class of 2022: $30K / $10K Class of 2016: $115K / $25K |
December 5, 2024 | None | December 15, 2024 |
| AZA Class of 2024: $15K / $6K Class of 2021: $57.5K / $15K |
December 6, 2024 | None (based on overall performance; bonuses for elder class years are individualized) | December 13, 2024 |
| Perkins Coie Class of 2024: $15K (prorated) / $6K Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 6, 2024 December 27, 2024 (special bonuses) |
Undisclosed; associates report no special bonuses are being awarded; firm reversed course on special bonuses after weeks had passed | Undisclosed |
| Boies Schiller Flexner Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 10, 2024 | 2000 hours for associates on the “market” system; 95% of associates received bonuses as high as, and in most cases higher than market system bonuses; several associates received bonuses of $300K+, while others received bonuses of $1M+ | Week of December 9, 2024 |
| Winston & Strawn Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 10, 2024 | 2000 hours (additional bonus money for associates who “substantially exceed” productivity goals); for special bonus, associates who meet or exceed their hours will receive 100%; associates who meet 75% or more of their hours will receive 75%; associates between 50-74% of their hours will receive 50%; associates who are under 50% of their hours will receive 0% | End of January 2025 |
| Sullvan & Cromwell Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 11, 2024 | Undisclosed | December 23, 2024 |
| Freshfields Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 11, 2024 | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Linklaters Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 12, 2024 | 1900 hours (including unlimited pro bono, up to 400 hours of marketing, and other work); special bonuses awarded to associates with “higher productivity”; the firm is reportedly requiring 1650 client billable hours for special bonus eligibility | December 31, 2024 |
| Pillsbury Fall Hires: $15K / $6K (prorated) SA 2/Counsel: $115K / $25K |
December 12, 2024 | 1700 client/2000 creditable hours for base bonus; 1900 client/2200 creditable hours for Super Bonus 1 ($20K-$25K, by class year); 2100 client/2400 creditable hours for Super Bonus 2 ($30K all class years); market special bonuses not included | Undisclosed |
| Selendy Gay Class of 2024: $17.25K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $132.25K / $25K |
December 12, 2024 | None (some associates will receive even more bonus money based on performance, hours, and firm citizenship; some associates received bonuses more than 50% above market) | December 13, 2024 |
| Axinn Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 12, 2024 | 2000 hours; “extraordinary” bonuses available to associates who surpassed their billable hours threshold | By December 20, 2024 |
| Gjerset & Lorenz Class of 2024: $15K Class of 2017: $115K |
December 12, 2024 | 1900 hours for base bonus; 2000 hours for $20K-$130K bonus; 2100 hours for $28K-$150K bonus; 2200 hours for $35K-$165K bonus; maximum potential bonuses of $55K-$330K; additional bonuses to be paid out over the next four quarters, with the first installment on March 31, 2025 | Undisclosed |
| Elsberg Baker & Maruri Class of 2024: $26.25K / $6K Class of 2017+: $201.25K / $25K |
December 12, 2024 | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Rolnick Kramer Sadighi Class of 2024: $15K / $6K Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 12, 2024 | Undisclosed; the firm reportedly awarded bonuses ranging up to 150% over the prevailing market rate to associates | Undisclosed |
| Bursor & Fisher Class of 2023: $50K+ Class of 2020+: $400K+ |
December 12, 2024 | Undisclosed; bonuses are based on business origination and revenue; highest bonus awarded was $725K | Undisclosed |
| Cohen Ziffer Class of 2023: $20K Class of 2017+: $115K |
December 13, 2024 | Undisclosed; “in exceptional circumstances,” associates may receive higher bonuses “based on individual performance” | December 13, 2024 |
| Quinn Emanuel Class of 2024: $15K / $6K Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 13, 2024 | 2000-2099 hours for $10K-$76.6K; 2100-2399 hours for base bonus; 2400-2699 hours for $18K-$138K; 2700+ hours for $20.25K-$155.25K | Week of December 16, 2024 |
| McKool Smith Class of 2024: $15K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K |
December 13, 2024 | Undisclosed; high billers will receive additional bonus money, with some exceeding the Milbank scale by more than 35%; firm previously awarded summer bonuses based on hours (1900 hours for $2.5K; 1900-2199 hours for $7.5K; 2200-2299 hours for $10K; 2300-2399 hours for $15K; 2400-2599 hours for $20K; 2600+ hours for $30K) | Undisclosed |
| Susman Godfrey Class of 2022: $110K (median) Class of 2015: $260K (median) |
December 17, 2024 | None | Undisclosed |
| Yetter Coleman Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 17, 2024 | Undisclosed; “outstanding” performances will be rewarded with “even higher” bonus amounts | December 20, 2024 |
| Hogan Lovells Class of 2023: $20K / $6K Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 17, 2024 December 29, 2024 (special bonuses) |
2000 hours (including up to 150 pro bono hours until associates meet 1850 hours, then unlimited pro bono hours, and including up to 50 D&I hours, if they have billed at least 1800 hours); additional bonuses available for those who exceed hours minimums; associates report no special bonuses are being awarded; firm reversed course on special bonuses after weeks had passed | End of December 2024 for year-end bonuses; end of February 2025 for special bonuses |
| Orrick Associate Year 1: $20K / $6K Senior Associate Year 2+: $115K / $25K |
December 18, 2024 | Undisclosed | December 31, 2024 (special bonuses); Mid-February 2025 (merit bonuses) |
| Hueston Hennigan Class of 2023: $20K / $6K Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 18, 2024 | Based on class year, hours, and good standing; all bonus-eligible associates reportedly received above-market bonuses (with some receiving two or more times the market bonus for their class) | Undisclosed |
| Sheppard Mullin Level A1: $20K / $6K Level C2: $115K / $25K |
December 19, 2024 | 2000 hours for base bonus and special bonus (1950 hours for $10K-$57.5K; 2200 hours for $22K-$126.5K; 2400 hours for $$24K-$138K) | January 17, 2025 |
| Irell New Associate: $45K (prorated) 7th Year (Class of 2017+): $175K |
December 19, 2024 | Undisclosed; further supplemental bonuses to be awarded in April or May 2025 | Undisclosed |
| Choate Hall & Stewart PA & SS: $6K Class of 2024: $6K (prorated) Class of 2016+: $25K |
December 19, 2024 | Undisclosed; “customary annual market bonuses” to be announced in March 2025 | March 2025 |
| Morrison & Foerster Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 20, 2024 | Undisclosed; high hours bonus of 10/20/40% of base by class year ($16.5K (prorated) to $161K) and merit incentive bonus of 10/20% of base + high hours by class year ($16.5K (prorated) to $192.2K) also available; potential bonus total by class year of $21K to $218.2K | Undisclosed |
| Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 20, 2024 | 2000 hours for base bonus (1800 of which must be client billable); 2200 hours for special bonus (2000 of which must be client billable); enhanced bonuses available based on hours (2400-2499 hours (2200 must be billable) for 10% of year-end bonus; 2500-2599 hours (2300 must be billable) for 15% of year-end bonus; 2600+ hours (2400 must be billable) for 20% of year-end bonus) | January 31, 2025 |
| Alston & Bird Class of 2024: $15K / $6K (prorated) Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 23, 2024 | 2000 hours for base bonus and special bonus | Undisclosed |
| DLA Piper Class of 2023: $20K / $6K Class of 2017+: $115K / $25K |
December 23, 2024 | Bonus eligibility based on seniority, performance rating, productivity (the firm has a 2000-hour billable goal), compliance with firm policies, and good standing status; 2000 hours for special bonus; enhanced bonuses available for those with performance ratings of four or five, as well as associates who billed more than 2000 hours (additional bonus increases for each 100 billable hour threshold they meet, up to 2700 hours) | December 27, 2024 and February 7, 2025 |
| Perry Law Class of 2023: $25K Class of 2017+: $120K |
December 23, 2024 | The firm is awarding bonuses that “significantly exceed the Cravath/Milbank rate (including special bonuses)”; in 2023, the firm paid $5K more than market for each class year | By or before the end of December 2024 |
| Massumi + Consoli Class of 2024: $2.5K / $1.5K Class of 2016: $115K / $25K |
December 24, 2024 | 1900 hours (bonuses may be further adjusted based on billable hours, performance reviews, and extraordinary contributions to the firm) | Last payroll of December 2024 |
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 Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads or connect with her on LinkedIn.
