If you’re an associate hoping for a little extra spending money this summer, there’s reason for cautious optimism. Another prominent law firm has announced bonuses, becoming the second major firm we’ve seen offer out-of-cycle cash this season. At a minimum, it’s giving associates everywhere a fresh excuse to speculate about whether their own firm is getting ready to open its wallet.
On Friday afternoon, California and New York boutique firm Hueston Hennigan announced that it will award associates with summer bonuses ranging from $10,000 to $35,000, regardless of class year. Attorneys must be on track to bill at least 2,000 hours to be eligible to receive a bonus, and, as is customary, higher billable hours translate into larger payouts. A source tells us that the associate reaction to the announcement has been “exuberant.”
Hueston Hennigan is now the second major firm we know of to have announced a spring or summer bonus this year. What does that mean for the rest of Biglaw, midsize firms, and boutiques that are often quick to follow compensation trends set by market leaders? Is another round of bonus announcements on the horizon? It’s too early to say, but associates everywhere are undoubtedly hoping that more firms decide to spread a little extra wealth this summer.
Congratulations to everyone at Hueston Hennigan!
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Staci Zaretsky is the managing editor of 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.