In a groundbreaking move, Morrison & Foerster, ranked No. 40 on the Am Law 100 with a gross revenue of over $1.4 billion in 2024, has set a new precedent in the legal industry by offering a triple-layered bonus structure to its associates. This generous compensation package was quietly announced on December 4 and has just recently come to light.

Traditionally, Biglaw firms adhere closely to the established market rates, commonly following the Cravath/Milbank scales for year-end and special bonuses. However, Morrison & Foerster has decided to go above and beyond by not only matching these standard payouts but adding two additional tiers of bonuses on top of the expected special bonuses.

Here's how the innovative bonus grid works at Morrison & Foerster: associates receive the standard market rate bonuses, but they are also eligible for two more layers of financial rewards, significantly increasing their total potential year-end take-home pay. For the firm's most senior associates, this could mean walking away with up to $218,200 in bonuses alone.

This progressive bonus structure is designed to "generously reward our highest-performing associates," according to the firm's memo. It's an approach that not only enhances motivation among staff but also solidifies Morrison & Foerster's reputation as a leader in employee compensation within the competitive landscape of Biglaw firms.

Associates at Morrison & Foerster can expect to see their comprehensive bonuses reflected in their paychecks by February 13, 2026. This announcement has certainly set a new standard in legal compensation and could potentially influence how other firms structure their bonus schemes in the future.

For those in the legal industry, this development is particularly noteworthy. Morrison & Foerster’s bold approach to associate bonuses underscores the firm's commitment to recognizing and rewarding the hard work and high performance of its lawyers.

As always, we rely on your insights to keep us informed about the latest in compensation trends across the legal sector. If your firm has recently announced or matched bonuses, please reach out with details. Your contributions help us keep the legal community updated on significant developments like these.

For more news on legal compensation and to sign up for ATL’s Bonus Alerts, visit Above the Law’s website. Stay informed with real-time updates on salary and bonus announcements directly to your inbox.