Yesterday afternoon, D.C.-based litigation boutique Wilkinson Stekloff announced year-end bonuses that are 150% of market bonuses. Biglaw bonus season is in full swing, with firms stepping in left and right to match Cravath's year-end bonuses and Milbank's special bonuses, but things are about to get even hotter, because one of the boutiques is here to play. This firm went over the top in a major way - including on their bigger and better special bonuses.
If you're a Biglaw associate in the fall of 2025, two things are probably true: (i) you're billing your life away while considering if a lateral move is right for you while the market is still hot, and (ii) you're eagerly waiting to receive news about your annual bonus (that may or may not include a special bonus on top), which may be right around the corner.
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.