#associate-compensation

#associate-compensation

That firm is Axinn. Known more for its strong niche practices than for making headlines in the compensation wars, Axinn stunned the market today by matching Milbank's summer bonuses and raising associate salaries. It's a bold move from a firm that hasn't historically been part of the Biglaw pay conversation, and it immediately raises the question: if Axinn can step up, why can't everyone else? Here's what the firm's new salary scale looks like:

Today is August 22. It's been two full business weeks since Milbank announced that it would be handing out special bonuses to associates ($6,000 to $25,000, based on class year). Other midsize and boutique firms have already stepped in to award summer bonuses to their associates - firms like Vartabedian Hester & Haynes ($5,000); Otterbourg ($15,000); Bell Nunnally (up to $15,000); and Hueston Hennigan ($10,000 to $30,000, based on hours) - but we've heard nothing but crickets from Milbank's Biglaw brethren.