December 17, 2025

In a move that underscores its commitment to rewarding hard work, the prestigious law firm Foley & Lardner has announced a new bonus structure that significantly exceeds market rates for its most industrious associates. This initiative comes as the firm reports a whopping $1,275,570,000 in gross revenue for 2024, according to Am Law 100, highlighting its financial health and dedication to sharing success with its employees.
The firm’s innovative pay scale is designed to incentivize higher performance among its associates. Those who log 2200 billable hours in the year can expect to receive bonuses that are $25,000 above the market standard. This tiered bonus system also offers market-rate bonuses for those hitting the 2100-hour mark, while associates with 2000 hours or fewer are encouraged to increase their efforts in the following year.
The announcement has stirred up excitement within the legal community, particularly among young lawyers who see the opportunity to significantly boost their earnings by dedicating extra hours to their cases. Scheduled to be paid out by the end of January 2026, these bonuses not only reflect the firm's profitability but also its strategy to maintain a highly motivated and hard-working team.
For those at Foley & Lardner feeling the festive spirit, the firm suggests setting aside some of the bonus for holiday delights, such as purchasing scents that evoke the holiday season, adding a personal touch to the bonus enjoyment.
Always in tune with its community, Foley & Lardner invites associates to share their joy and feedback on the bonus structure. The firm remains open to receiving insights via emails and texts, ensuring they keep their policies aligned with the associates' aspirations and market trends.
Moreover, Foley & Lardner isn’t just about work; they understand the value of staying informed. To help legal professionals keep up with the latest salary and bonus updates, the firm encourages signing up for ATL’s Salary & Bonus Alerts, guaranteeing that no important update misses their inbox.
As the legal industry continues to evolve with firms like Foley & Lardner leading the charge in associate compensation, it’s clear that the landscape of legal work and reward systems is set for exciting changes. This approach not only motivates lawyers to strive for excellence but also promotes a culture of recognition and reward, setting a benchmark for others in the industry.