"Every year, elite US law firms hand out bonuses to associates, their hardworking rank-and-file attorneys. Bonuses are typically ranked based on the number of years of experience associates hold. Many top US law firms match the "Cravath Scale" for associate bonuses, which is based on the salaries and bonuses awarded by the legacy law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore. However, as competition for junior talent has intensified, some firms are deviating from the industry standard as they battle to attract and retain top talent."
"Associates at Paul Weiss, a leading Big Law firm headquartered in New York, received annual bonuses of up to $140,000 for 2025. In addition to the regular year-end bonus, associates would receive "a special 2025 bonus," said Brad Karp, the chairman of Paul Weiss, in a memo sent to associates on November 20, 2025, seen by Business Insider."
Elite US law firms award year-end bonuses to associates, typically scaled by years of experience and often matching the Cravath Scale benchmark based on Cravath, Swaine & Moore’s pay practices. Growing competition for junior talent has prompted some firms to deviate from the industry standard and offer enhanced payouts. Paul Weiss granted associates up to $140,000 in 2025, including a designated "special 2025 bonus" and possible discretionary bonuses payable in early 2026. Paul Weiss provided tiered, class-year payments ranging from prorated $15,000 plus a $6,000 special bonus for the class of 2025 to $115,000 plus a $25,000 special bonus for 2018 and senior classes.
Read at Business Insider
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