| U.S. Associates 2025 Compensation and 2024 Bonuses
On behalf of the firm and its partners, we would like to thank each of you for your continued hard work and commitment on behalf of our clients and our firm.
2025 U.S. Associate Base Compensation Levels
Class year increases will be effective January 1, 2025 and are as follows:
| Salary Class |
Base Salary |
| 2024 |
$225,000 |
| 2023 |
$235,000 |
| 2022 |
$260,000 |
| 2021 |
$310,000 |
| 2020 |
$365,000 |
| 2019 |
$390,000 |
| 2018 |
$420,000 |
| 2017+ |
$435,000 |
Ratings
ARC reviews based on performance in Fiscal Year 2024 will be conducted this year by January 22, 2025. Associates in their fourth year and more senior will receive an ARC rating. ARC did not give ratings to associates in the classes of 2021, 2022 and 2023 except for associates who performed below the Attorney Development Frameworks for their level. We have determined that focusing on feedback and development is more appropriate for associates beginning their legal careers.
2024 Bonuses
Associates who met the 1,950 ARC hours threshold during our fiscal year ending September 30, 2024 and who met the Attorney Development Frameworks for their level are eligible to receive bonuses. Because bonuses are based on performance during our fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, associates hired after August 31, 2024 are not eligible to receive a bonus.
The 2024 U.S. associate bonuses for the classes of 2023 and more senior are determined by reference to the bonus scale set forth below. Associates who recorded ARC hours materially higher than 1,950 hours and/or associates in their fourth year or above who received a Distinctive rating will receive bonuses above these class amounts. Associates in the, 2021, 2022 and 2023 class years who met the 1,950 ARC hours threshold will receive the class bonus amount unless they are performing below frameworks.
In addition, we are pleased to announce that we will pay an additional special bonus to associates in the U.S. who met the 1,950 ARC total hours requirement for FY24 as indicated in the chart below.
Class Year Bonus and Special Bonus
| Salary Class |
Bonus |
Special Bonus |
| 2023 |
$20,000 |
$6,000 |
| 2022 |
$30,000 |
$10,000 |
| 2021 |
$57,500 |
$15,000 |
| 2020 |
$75,000 |
$20,000 |
| 2019 |
$90,000 |
$25,000 |
| 2018 |
$105,000 |
$25,000 |
| 2017+ |
$115,000 |
$25,000 |
Associate class year bonuses and special bonuses will be subject to proration based on our standard practice for flex time schedules, hire date, and approved leaves of absence. Attorneys must be actively employed and in good standing on the payment date to receive these bonuses. Attorneys receiving a Below Frameworks rating are not eligible for these bonuses.
Communication
Salary increases and bonuses will be included in the January 24th monthly pay. Notices regarding your salary and 2024 bonus will be available in Workday on January 23rd.
Pro Bono and Investment Time
The firm remains committed to the Pro Bono Institute Pledge of dedicating 3% to 5% of its annual billable hours to legal matters on behalf of people in poverty or to advance civil rights. Accordingly, we ask all of the firm’s lawyers to commit at least 50 hours annually to pro bono. For bonus purposes, pro bono hours are treated the same as billable hours. At the end of this fiscal year, you will be asked to discuss your pro bono commitment in your Professional Development Report.
The firm also expects attorneys to collaborate through investment (or “91”) time matters, including marketing activities, knowledge management, Business Unit and Legal Practice Area initiatives, diversity initiatives, training and participation on firm committees, eligible hours of which may accrue towards Culture & Innovation time. Collaboration and active participation in our community are core values of our firm and are included in the Attorney Development Frameworks setting forth our expectations for junior, mid-level and senior associates. Associates should seek opportunities to participate in 91- matters, particularly during times when they are less busy with billable or pro bono work. Up to 100 hours (after the first 25) of Culture & Innovation time will count for bonus eligibility. Please consult the iNet for the correct Culture & Innovation billing numbers.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to either of us, Heidi Goldstein Shepherd, Laura Baron or Caroline Brownworth with any questions or comments.
Again, thank you for your continued efforts and contributions to the firm. |