Elite Boutique Proves Biglaw Compensation — And Then Some — Isn’t Just For Biglaw Firms
Very exciting news!
Bonus season dutifully marches on, and there’s no one more deserving of the extra cash than the election protection warriors working at this law firm.
The latest firm to announce its year-end bonuses is the Elias Law Group, a boutique firm that was formed less than two years ago by Marc Elias, formerly a partner at Perkins Coie. Our 2020 Lawyer of the Year basically took the top 50 Am Law firm’s entire political law practice group with him to bring democracy to the people, and his new boutique started the year by rewarding those attorneys with Biglaw salaries. Now, to close the year out, the firm is matching Biglaw’s bonus schedule as well.
Here’s what the bonus scale looks like at Elias Law:
- Class of 2022: $15,000 (pro-rated)
- Class of 2021: $20,000
- Class of 2020: $30,000
- Class of 2019: $57,500
- Class of 2018: $75,000
- Class of 2017: $90,000
- Class of 2016: $105,000
- Class of 2015+: $115,000
As noted in the firm’s bonus memo, these are “baseline” bonuses for those who are meeting all of their performance goals. “Attorneys who are exceeding expectations may be paid an amount above that baseline,” writes Hannah Eaves, ELG’s managing partner. “[A]ttorneys whose work is falling below expectations may be paid an amount below that baseline.” Eek. Despite that little market-minus hiccup, a source tells us that “people seem pleased.”
Eaves concluded her message by showing her appreciation for the firm’s attorneys:
“As you may have heard me say, I consider competitive compensation critical in attracting and retaining top talent. You are top talent, and you work hard. I recognize that, and I appreciate you. Thank you again for all you do.”
Congratulations on your bonuses, Elias Law Group associates!
(Flip to the next page to see the full memo from Elias Law Group.)
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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.
