Another Biglaw Bonus Match — And Extra Cash For The Associates Keeping The Lights On

From: Dave Forti and Mark Thierfelder, Co-Chairs
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 1:27 PM
Subject: 2025 US Associate and Counsel Bonuses

As 2025 draws to a close, we want to express our immense pride and gratitude for your remarkable dedication, hard work, and commitment to our clients, the firm and the wider community. Your exceptional efforts and innovative thinking have been instrumental in maintaining the high standards of excellence that define our firm.

We are pleased to announce that the firm will award a bonus to all United States associates and counsel in good standing who meet the firm’s minimum expectations of 1,950 Bonus Hours, comprised of the client billable threshold, pro bono, and community hours (as defined in the 2025 Bonus Policy) during the 2025 Bonus Year, which runs from December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2025, on the following scale:  

2025 U.S. Bonus Scale
Class Year	2025 Year End Bonus	Special Bonus
2024	$20,000	$6,000
2023	$30,000	$10,000
2022	$57,500	$15,000
2021	$75,000	$20,000
2020	$90,000	$25,000
2019	$105,000	$25,000
2018+	$115,000	$25,000

As previously communicated, lawyers who recorded 2,200 extraordinary bonus hours are eligible to receive an additional 30% above the year-end bonus amount, and those who recorded 2,400 extraordinary bonus hours are eligible to receive an additional 40%. This extraordinary bonus is in addition to the amounts set forth above and aims to recognize and reward exceptional contributions.

You will be notified no later than early January about your bonus status and the amount, if applicable.  Bonuses will be paid before the end of January 2026. Bonuses will be prorated for lawyers who worked part-time and for lawyers who joined the firm between December 1, 2024and July 1, 2025. Those who joined the firm after July 1, 2025, will not be eligible for a 2025 bonus, except in previously approved situations. 

In line with usual practice, bonus information for Europe, the Middle East and Asia lawyers will be communicated individually by local leaders in the coming weeks. 

Thank you again for your outstanding contributions this year. we wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season.

• Dave and Mark

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