The post-Thanksgiving blues are being swept away as top law firms announce year-end bonuses, and Sidley Austin is leading the charge. The firm, which ranks No. 6 on the Am Law 100 with a staggering $3,439,646,000 in gross revenue for 2024, has declared it will match the prestigious Cravath scale and include Milbank’s summer bonuses for associates who meet the 2000-hour billable requirement. Those falling short of this mark are still eligible for partial bonuses.

Sidley Austin is taking a step further in rewarding its associates by offering even more substantial bonuses to those who demonstrate "higher productivity and/or exceptional performance." As per the firm's announcement, these top performers can expect to receive bonuses that not only surpass the base amounts but in some cases exceed more than 50% above their designated class year base bonus.

The excitement among Sidley’s staff is palpable as these bonuses are scheduled to be disbursed into bank accounts before the end of the year, ensuring a happier holiday season for many.

Sidley Austin’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the hard work of its associates underscores the firm's leadership in setting compensation standards within the legal industry. This practice not only boosts morale but also motivates lawyers to maintain high performance levels.

As the legal community watches these developments, Sidley's move may influence other firms to implement similar or more competitive bonus structures. This dynamic could lead to a broader reassessment of associate compensation across the industry, reflecting both the demands and the high-value contributions of these legal professionals.

Sidley Austin's announcement has certainly set a lively tone for the season, and the firm extends its congratulations to all its deserving associates. As always, the firm encourages anyone with updates on compensation changes or matches from other firms to reach out with information to help keep the legal community informed and engaged.