In the competitive world of BigLaw, the end of the year often brings with it the buzz of bonus announcements, eagerly anticipated by associates. This year, some firms have already set the bar high. Notably, Linklaters and Clifford Chance, two giants in the legal industry, have announced substantial bonuses, rewarding their associates for another year of hard work. For those still waiting to hear about their firm’s bonus structure, a convenient tracker has been set up to keep you updated on who is paying what. You can check the latest updates [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/bonus-tracker-2025/).

Meanwhile, in other news, the legal world has seen its share of drama. Recently, a court confirmed that former President Donald Trump and his attorney, Alina Habba, must pay a notable sum in legal fees for what has been termed a "stupid tax." This decision underscores the consequences of legal missteps, no matter how high-profile the personalities involved. More details on this development can be found [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/trump-and-habba-must-pay-million-dollar-stupid-tax-court-confirms/).

In a more concerning turn of events, the legal community is also rallying around a more personal cause. The search for a missing Dallas attorney, who disappeared while hiking the Appalachian Trail, continues to draw attention. Although official search efforts by the Union County Fire/Rescue have been suspended, private efforts persist in hopes of locating the missing lawyer. The ongoing search efforts are detailed [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/dallas-attorney-missing-on-appalachian-trail-as-formal-search-winds-down/).

As the year draws to a close, these stories highlight the diverse and dynamic challenges facing the legal sector, from the rewarding to the perilous and the downright costly. For more comprehensive coverage and updates on these stories and other legal news, visit [Above the Law](https://abovethelaw.com).