Today marks another silent day in the legal industry as associates at major law firms continue waiting for confirmation of summer bonuses. On August 8, Milbank set the stage by announcing lucrative special bonuses for its associates, ranging from $6,000 to $25,000 based on seniority. This announcement was expected to prompt similar actions across other firms, particularly in the Biglaw sector, but the anticipated ripple effect has not materialized.

While smaller and boutique firms like Vartabedian Hester & Haynes, Otterbourg, Bell Nunnally, and Hueston Hennigan have already introduced their own summer bonuses, the larger Biglaw firms have yet to respond. This silence mirrors last summer's scenario when Milbank’s bonus declaration saw a delayed market response, only gaining traction when Cravath disclosed its bonus plans alongside year-end bonuses in November.

The pattern suggests a tactical pause among top-tier firms, possibly to align bonus announcements with strategic timing or to gauge competitor responses. However, this strategy places associates in a frustrating predicament of uncertainty, as they watch counterparts at smaller firms enjoy immediate rewards.

With only one week left before Labor Day, the pressure is mounting for other Biglaw firms to step forward and disclose their bonus plans. This delay not only affects associate morale but also places firms at risk of seeming less competitive in terms of compensation.

We encourage associates who receive any updates regarding summer bonuses to share the information with Above the Law through text (646-820-8477) or email (with subject line: “[Firm Name] Summer Bonuses”). Sharing these updates helps provide timely insights into the evolving compensation trends within the legal sector.

Furthermore, associates interested in staying informed about compensation changes can subscribe to ATL’s Bonus Alerts. This service ensures that subscribers receive immediate notifications about any published bonus announcements.

As the legal industry continues to evolve, the transparency and timeliness of compensation practices will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping firm reputations and the overall market dynamics.