Biglaw

Am Law 50 Firm Offers Retroactive Pay For All, Plus Amazing Benefits For Lawyers Who Became Caretakers During Pandemic

This is a unique program that's sure to be appreciated by all.

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Today is a great day in the world of Biglaw. Not only are year-end bonuses out, but other top firms that instituted salary cuts during the height of the coronavirus crisis are now promising to make their employees whole by offering retroactive back pay, just in time for the holiday season.

If you recall, Orrick — a firm that brought in $1,158,537,000 in 2019 gross revenue, placing in at No. 31 in the most recent Am Law 100 rankings — rolled back all of its austerity measures as of October 1, restoring pay and full-time schedules for all of its employees prospectively. Now, the firm will be making everyone whole for the period of April through September 30. (If you recall, these “make whole” rewards were originally hours-based, for top contributors only.) This money will be reflected in everyone’s November 30 paychecks.

On top of these retroactive salary reimbursements, Orrick is offering a special program for lawyers who have also worked as family caretakers (for children, elderly parents, or both) during the pandemic. Through the end of the first quarter of 2021, the firm will allow associates and of counsel to work an 80 percent schedule at full compensation for up to three months. “We understand that this does not solve the problem,” said Mitch Zuklie, Orrick’s chairman and chief executive officer, “but we hope it provides some meaningful help, particularly as the coronavirus battle heads into a new phase across our country.” For working parents who are dealing with hybrid learning schedules at schools that have been opening and closing with the news of COVID positive cases on top of their billable hours, this is an incredibly welcome benefit. 

Last, but certainly not least, Orrick has committed to matching last year’s bonus scale — which is now this year’s bonus scale — and will “take into consideration this year’s circumstances and market developments” (i.e., the appreciation bonuses that were offered by many firms earlier this fall).

We’re sure that everyone at Orrick is thankful that the firm is taking their mental health seriously during these unprecedented times. For many, the stress of a smaller paycheck coupled with unexpected caretaking responsibilities has been quite overwhelming, but at least they’re taking steps to do something positive about it.

(Flip to the next page to see the full memo from Orrick.)

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Staci ZaretskyStaci 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 Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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