Foley & Lardner associates can expect higher salaries next year, as the firm moves to bring compensation in line with the Milbank scale across its U.S. offices.

The changes, effective February 1, 2027, are part of broader enhancements to Foley’s advancement and compensation structure. They arrive as Biglaw associates await the start of bonus season and news from major firms about year-end awards.

Foley, which reported $1.45 billion in gross revenue in 2025, is the latest firm to move toward matching the Milbank salary scale. The increase will affect recurring pay rather than a one-time bonus, although lawyers will have to wait until February for the new structure to take effect.

The match has a limit. Foley’s new scale tops out at first-year senior counsel and does not include Milbank’s $455,000 salary for eighth-year associates.

The compensation changes come with updated expectations for associates’ hours. Most will be expected to bill 1,950 hours annually, a figure that includes credited pro bono work, and complete an additional 150 investment hours. First-year associates face a lower billing expectation of 1,900 hours.

The changes put Foley among the firms adjusting pay to remain competitive with the Milbank benchmark, even as associates across the industry continue to watch for bonus announcements. For Foley lawyers, the salary increase is on the calendar; the next question for the wider market is when bonus season will begin.