Associate Compensation Scorecard: Biglaw’s 2021 Bonus Blowout
Is your firm listed here? If not, what are the partners waiting for?
Since we broke the news of the market bonus scale for associates at large law firms in the United States — a trend started by Cravath on Monday, November 22, 2021 — several firms quickly fell in line and matched the scale. The rest were waiting for another firm to enter the scene (ahem, Davis Polk) and announce even bigger, better bonuses. That finally happened on December 6, when DPW announced a round of special bonuses.
When will your firm announce its bonuses?
As usual, we are compiling a table of all the firms that have already matched the new bonus scale, whether special bonuses are or were included, the minimum hours required to receive those bonuses (if available), and the date those bonuses will be paid. Today, we unveil that table for your viewing pleasure. We will update this table on a daily basis, sometimes multiple times, as firm’s announce bonus news. If you see any information here that is incorrect or needs clarification, let us know.
Help us help you now (and if/when you decide to make a lateral move in the future). Let us know what your firm’s minimum billable hours targets are for bonus eligibility and when your firm will pay those bonuses. You generally must remain at your firm until the payout date to receive them, as stated in most memos, which could make it all the more difficult for you to leave your place of employment.
As a little reminder, we love covering the Biglaw bonus season, but we need your help. As soon as your firm’s bonus memo comes out, please email it to us (subject line: “[Firm Name] Bonus”). We always keep our sources on bonus stories anonymous. There’s no need to send the memo using your firm email account; your personal email account is fine. Please be sure to include the memo as proof; we like to post complete bonus memos as a service to our readers. You can take a photo of the memo and attach as a picture if you are worried about metadata.
Don’t forget, if you’d like to sign up for ATL’s Bonus Alerts, please enter your email address in the box below. If you previously signed up for the bonus alerts, you don’t need to do anything. You’ll receive an email notification within minutes of each bonus announcement that we publish. Cheers to a happy bonus season, everyone!
| Firm | Date Matched | Minimum Hours | Payout Date |
| Cravath Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
FIRST MOVER November 22, 2021 December 7, 2021 (special bonuses) |
None | December 17, 2021 |
| Crowell & Moring Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014: $100K |
November 2021 | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Cleary Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
November 23, 2021 December 7, 2021 (special bonus) |
None | December 22, 2021 |
| Boies Schiller Market Bonuses Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Traditional Bonuses Rev share + unique monetary formula |
November 23, 2021 | For market bonuses: 2000-2349 hours for regular bonuses; 2350-2599 hours for extraordinary bonuses ($20K-$140K); 2600+ hours for extra-extraordinary bonuses ($30K-$150K) | December 2021 |
| Cadwalder Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K (includes counsel) |
November 23, 2021 December 14, 2021 (special bonuses) |
Additional bonuses “equal to 120% of [market bonuses]” for high billers with 2200 hours or more | February 2022 |
| Fried Frank Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
November 23, 2021 December 7, 2021 (special bonus) |
2000 hours to receive full bonus (comprised of billable hours, firm matter hours, pro bono hours (including 20 mandatory), and qualifying non-billable hours); premium bonuses ranging from |
December 31, 2021 |
| DLA Piper Class of 2020: $20K Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 1, 2021 December 14, 2021 (special bonuses) |
Based on seniority, performance rating (3, 4 or 5), and total bonus hours (including billable, billable equivalent, pro bono, shadowing, and knowledge management hours); incremental increases for higher bonus hours; bonuses for “highest-rated and most productive associates of up to 50 percent or more overmarket” | January 28, 2022; those who meet production hours by December 17 eligible for 50% of base market bonus payout on December 30, 2021 |
| Cohen Ziffer Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K |
December 1, 2021 | None (potential for larger associate bonuses based on “extraordinary performance or commitment”) | December 17, 2021 |
| Glenn Agre Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 2, 2021 December 20, 2021 (special bonuses) |
None (associates eligible for “premium” bonuses based on “extraordinary dedication and/or performance”) | December 17, 2021 |
| Holwell Shuster Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K |
December 2, 2021 | None | On or before December 31, 2021 |
| Mayer Brown Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 2, 2021 December 15, 2021 |
2000 hours (1900 billable, 100 non-billable) | February 2022 |
| Hogan Lovells Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 2, 2021 December 10, 2021 (special bonus) |
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; bonuses “may be adjusted upward” based on “outstanding contributions significantly in excess of expectations”) | December 31, 2021 |
| Baker McKenzie Firm has committed to “match the prevailing scale” in its U.S. offices Class of 2020: $20K Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 3, 2021 December 10, 2021 (formal announcement) |
25% bonus premium at 2300+ hours, ranging from $5K to $28.75K for year-end bonuses and $1K to $5.75K for special bonuses | February 11, 2022 |
| Morrison & Foerster Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K |
December 3, 2021 | Based on billable hours (client service award bonuses for 2500+ hours; awards ranging from 30-55% of class-year bonuses) | Undisclosed |
| Davis Polk Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
FIRST MOVER ON SPECIAL BONUS December 6, 2021 |
None | December 30, 2021 |
| Paul Weiss Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 6, 2021 | None | December 20, 2021 |
| Paul Hastings Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 6, 2021 | 2000 hours | February 4, 2022 |
| Debevoise Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 6, 2021 | None | December 2021 |
| Willkie Farr Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 6, 2021 | None | December 30, 2021 |
| Milbank Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2013: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013: $23K |
December 6, 2021 | None | December 31, 2021 |
| Skadden Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2015: $105K or $115K Class of 2014+: $115K or $125K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 7, 2021 | None | December 17, 2021 |
| Simpson Thacher Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2013: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013: $23K |
December 7, 2021 | None | December 30, 2021 |
| Katten Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 7, 2021 December 14, 2021 (special bonuses) |
2000 hours (bigger bonuses for every 100 hours over base requirement, up to $31K-$172.5K for 2400 hours) | Undisclosed |
| Hueston Hennigan All associates in good standing reportedly received bonuses on an “enhanced DPW scale” |
December 7, 2021 | Based on class year, hours, and good standing (those who took cases to trial in 2021 received additional bumps) | Undisclosed |
| Proskauer Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2013: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013: $23K |
December 7, 2021 | None | December 30, 2021 |
| Shearman & Sterling Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2013: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013: $23K (includes counsel) |
December 7, 2021 | Bonus amounts at the firm are discretionary and based on performance | December 22, 2021 |
| Linklaters Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 7, 2021 | None | December 30, 2021 |
| Norton Rose Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 8, 2021 | Undisclosed (bonus scale only applies for California, New York, Texas, and Washington, D.C. offices; Denver, St. Louis, and Minneapolis will be on a “regional” scale) | January 31, 2022 |
| Gibson Dunn Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 8, 2021 | Special bonus awarded to those who have met the firm’s productivity targets | Undisclosed |
| O’Melveny & Myers Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 8, 2021 | None | February 2022 |
| Duval & Stachenfeld Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 8, 2021 | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Schulte Roth & Zabel Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2012: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2012: $23K |
December 8, 2021 | 2000 hours (below 1600 hours, associates receive $5K bonus; at 1600 hours, associates receive 50% of bonus/special bonus; step up bonuses from $2.5K to $15K for reaching 2300 hours, 2500 hours, and 2700 hours) | January 24, 2022 |
| Clifford Chance Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2012: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2012: $23K |
December 8, 2021 | None (based on overall performance, quality of work, contributions to firm, teamwork, and pro bono) | January 14, 2022 |
| Freshfields Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 8, 2021 | None (based on overall performance, quality of work, contributions to firm, teamwork, and pro bono) | December 15, 2021 |
| Wilkinson Stekloff Class of 2021: $30K Class of 2014+: $230K |
December 8, 2021 | None | December 15, 2021 |
| Dechert Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2012: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2012: $23K |
December 9, 2021 | 1950 hours (those who hit 2200 billable hours will receive an extra 30% above year-end bonuses; associates with 2400 billable hours will get an extra 40% above year-end bonuses) | Undisclosed |
| Weil Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+ and 3-year counsel: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 9, 2021 | None | January 31, 2022 |
| Ropes & Gray Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2013+: $130K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013+: $23K |
December 9, 2021 | Increased bonuses for associates who annualized above hourly target | December 23, 2021 |
| Kaplan Hecker & Fink Class of 2021: $25K Class of 2014+: $150K |
December 9, 2021 | None | December 2021 |
| Sullivan & Cromwell Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 9, 2021 | None | December 20, 2021 |
| Allen & Overy Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2013: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013: $23K |
December 10, 2021 | None | January 15, 2022 |
| Akin Gump Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 10, 2021 | 1950 hours (including with 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) | February 2022 |
| Kramer Levin Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K (includes counsel) |
December 10, 2021 | Eligible associates in good standing will receive bonuses | February 15, 2022 |
| White & Case Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2013: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013: $23K (includes counsel) |
December 10, 2021 | Eligibility criteria detailed in separate memo | February 14, 2022 |
| Goodwin Procter Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 10, 2021 | Those with 1950+ hours and a “distinctive” rating may be rewarded with “a maximum of 175%” of the bonus scale | January 2022 |
| Sidley Class of 2020: $20K Class of 2013+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013+: $23K |
December 13, 2021 | 2000 hours required for base bonuses; associates with “higher productivity and/or exceptional performance” will receive additional bonuses | Prior to December 31, 2021 |
| Selendy & Gay Class of 2021: $15.75K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $121.9K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 14, 2021 | None (some midlevel and senior associates will receive even more bonus money “based on a holistic assessment of performance”) | Undisclosed |
| Wilson Sonsini Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 14, 2021 | 1950 hours | January 31, 2022 |
| WilmerHale Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 14, 2021 | 2000 hours | January 2022 |
| Perkins Coie Class of 2020: $20K Class of 2013+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013+: $23K |
December 14, 2021 | 1950 hours; bonuses are majority lockstep, with some individualized (using this scale as a base); bonuses are different in non-major markets (Denver and Seattle/Bellevue) with high/low ranges for sixth-years and above | Undisclosed |
| Pillsbury Class of 2020: $20K Class of 2014: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014: $23K (includes counsel/special counsel) |
December 14, 2021 | Attorneys who have met “minimum hours thresholds” eligible for bonuses; attorneys can earn up to an additional $50K as part of the firm’s “super bonus” program | Undisclosed |
| Orrick Year 1 – Fall 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Senior Associate Year 2+: $115K Special Bonus Year 1: $4K Senior Associate Year 2+: $23K (includes counsel) |
December 14, 2021 | 1950 hours (including up to 100 hours of a combination of training, DEI, business development, innovation, and other forms of firm and self-investment; pro bono hours; up to 40 hours of time devoted to unplugging) | Undisclosed |
| Susman Godfrey Class of 2019: $105K Class of 2013: $215K (medians) |
December 15, 2021 | None | Undisclosed |
| Ross Aronstam Class of 2019: $30K Class of 2015: $105K Special Bonus Class of 2019: $6K Class of 2015: $21K |
December 15, 2021 | None | December 2021 |
| Covington Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 15, 2021 | Based on hours for both year-end and special bonuses | Undisclosed |
| Cahill Class of 2021: $5K Class of 2013: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2021: $2.5K Class of 2013: $60K |
December 15, 2021 | None | On or before December 31, 2021 |
| Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer Class of 2021: $15K Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 15, 2021 | Supplemental year-end bonuses (20% of regular year-end bonus) available for those who billed 2600 hours (2400 of which must be billable) | January 31, 2022 |
| Sheppard Mullin A1: $20K C2: $115K Special Bonus A1: $4K C2: $23K |
December 16, 2021 | 1850 hours target; 2000 hours for base bonus (associates who record 2200 and 2400 hours will receive 110% and 120% of the market bonus) | January 2022 |
| Winston & Strawn Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014: $115K Class of 2013+: Case by case Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014: $23K Class of 2013+: Case by case |
December 16, 2021 | 2000 hours for market bonus (additional $2K-$25K for every hundred hours over 2000 for Class of 2017-2020; additional $4K-$30K for every hundred hours over 2000 for Class of 2016+); no hours required for special bonus | January 2022 |
| Fenwick Class of 2021: $15K Tier 3: $115K Special Bonus Tier 1/Level 1: $4K Tier 3: $23K |
December 17, 2021 | 1950 hours (“Triple R” rewards for associates who bill 2300+ hours, ranging from $10K to $30K) | December 31, 2021 |
| Kirkland & Ellis Individualized, above-market bonuses (but less so than usual) |
December 17, 2021 | None | Undisclosed |
| Irell & Manella Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014: $23K |
December 17, 2021 | None (bonuses also included a “good year” bonus, ranging from $15K to $30K, depending on class year) | December 23, 2021 |
| McKool Smith Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K |
December 20, 2021 | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Kellogg Hansen Most junior classes: “far above market” Avg bonus for senior classes: ~$300K Top bonus: $400K |
December 20, 2021 | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Locke Lord Class of 2020: $20K Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013: $23K |
December 20-23, 2021 | Undisclosed (Bonuses included regular bonuses, fall bonuses, and COVID bonuses) | Undisclosed |
| Quinn Emanuel Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2013: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013: $23K |
December 21, 2021 | 2000-2099 hours for bonuses ranging from ~$13K-~$76K (QE will round up to market if associates just missed the 2100 cutoff); 2100-2399 hours for market bonuses; 2400-2699 hours for bonuses ranging from $24K-$138K; 2700+ hours for bonuses ranging from $27K-~$155K | Undisclosed |
| Vinson & Elkins Class of 2021: $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013: $23K |
December 21, 2021 | Based on hours and good standing | January 31, 2022 |
| McDermott Will & Emery Individualized, but “above the Cravath scale” Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013: $23K |
December 21, 2021 | 2000 hours (for associates with 2000+ hours, bonuses on average are $40K more than “top” of market firms; associates in upper quartile for billables earning, on average, $85K more than market) | Undisclosed |
| Alston & Bird Class of 2021: $15K Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013: $23K |
December 22, 2021 | 2000 hours (including up to 150 approved legal pro bono hours) | March 2022 |
| Haynes & Boone Class of 2020: $20K Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2013: $23K |
December 22, 2021 | 2000 hours (firm uses a black-box bonus structure, but it seems to be a full match for all class years) | Undisclosed |
| Latham & Watkins Class of 2020: $20K base / $37.5K Class of 2014+: $115K base / $218.25K Special Bonus Class of 2021: $2.5K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 23, 2021 January 21, 2022 (year-end bonus) |
Associates eligible for special bonus if they were at or above their hours as of November 30 (class of 2021 excepted); those who meet or exceed hourly requirements by the end of 2021 will receive special bonus alongside year-end bonus in January 2022; 1900 hours for year-end bonus | December 30, 2021 (special bonuses) January 31, 2022 (year-end bonus) |
| AZA Class of 2021: up to $15K (pro-rated) Class of 2014+: up to $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
December 23, 2021 | Year-end associate bonuses determined on a “bespoke basis” (taking into consideration firm performance, market compensation, and the associate’s hours, collections, and performance); 2400+ hours required to earn special bonuses | December 23, 2021 |
| Morgan Lewis Class of 2020: $20K Class of 2014: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
January 1, 2022 | 1900 hours (“extraordinary bonus” offered for associates who hit a certain amount of hours above 1900) | January 2022 |
| Loeb & Loeb Tier 1: $7.5K – $52.5K (hours-based) Tier 8/Special Counsel: $100K – $305K (hours-based) |
January 21, 2022 | 1900 core hours – 2400 core hours (bonuses increase for every 100 additional hours billed)) | January 2022 |
| Cooley Class of 2020: $20K Class of 2014+: $115K Special Bonus Class of 2020: $4K Class of 2014+: $23K |
February 15, 2022 | 1950 hours, annualized (outstanding contribution bonuses available for associates who went “above and beyond” that expected of their class year) | February 2022 |
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 Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.
