White & Case, a prominent player ranked 9th on the Am Law 100, has declared it will align its year-end and special bonuses with the prevailing market rates for its U.S. associates and counsel. This move places the firm firmly within the standard set by Cravath for year-end bonuses and Milbank for mid-year incentives, reflecting a broader trend among top-tier law firms.

Despite the innovative bonus structures offered by smaller boutique firms, major players like White & Case seem to prefer a more conservative approach, sticking to established benchmarks. The question remains whether any large firm will dare to deviate from this emerging norm, but for now, uniformity rules the realm of legal bonuses.

Here’s a quick look at what this means in terms of numbers: senior associates at White & Case can expect a combined total of $140,000 in bonuses. These bonuses are scheduled for distribution on February 13, 2026, just in time for those looking to make significant Valentine's Day purchases — although they might just be too busy with legal briefs to celebrate.

The announcement comes as good news for associates who can now financially plan for the upcoming months, though the payout date might still feel like a distant future amidst the rapid cycles of Biglaw billable hours.

White & Case's commitment to matching the market standard is a clear indicator of the competitive nature of compensation among top law firms, aimed at retaining and rewarding top legal talent. As the bonus season progresses, all eyes will be on other firms to see if they follow suit or chart a more generous, independent course.

For those monitoring these developments, remember that updates hinge on insights from insiders. If your firm is making similar moves, you're encouraged to share the information through tips or directly emailing with relevant memos or documents. This helps paint a fuller picture of the evolving landscape of legal compensation across different firms.

Stay tuned for more updates as they come, and make sure you’re signed up for ATL’s Bonus Alerts to get the latest news right in your inbox.