How Bonuses Gave Top US Law Firms an Edge in 2025

To remain competitive in attracting and retaining talented attorneys, leading US law firms provided substantial bonuses to their associates by the end of 2025. These significant financial incentives have become a vital strategy for law firms vying for the industry’s most promising legal minds.

Traditionally, the bonus amounts for associates are determined based on their years of experience, with many firms adhering to the 'Cravath Scale.' This scale takes its name from Cravath, Swaine & Moore, a prestigious law firm noted for setting benchmark salary and bonus levels.

However, in response to increasingly fierce competition for junior lawyers, some firms are modifying these benchmarks to differentiate themselves and attract top-tier talent.

Paul Weiss

Paul Weiss, a prominent law firm with its headquarters in New York, awarded its associates annual bonuses that could reach as high as $140,000 in 2025. In a memo sent out on November 20, 2025, Brad Karp, the firm's chairman, thanked the associates for their exemplary contributions and outlined that alongside the regular annual bonus, another special bonus for 2025 would be awarded.

The bonuses at Paul Weiss were structured by the class year of the associates, starting with a prorated $15,000 bonus plus a $6,000 special bonus for the newest class, and increasing incrementally for more senior associate classes.

Moreover, Karp mentioned that remarkable contributions might result in additional discretionary bonuses in the early months of 2026.

Pallas Partners

At Pallas Partners, a boutique firm known globally for litigation, bonuses reached up to $232,000, surpassing the traditional Cravath benchmarks. The firm emphasized their associates' and counsels' exceptional dedication and extensive trial experience, which justifies their high level of compensation.

Davis Polk & Wardwell

Davis Polk & Wardwell, another significant name in Big Law with its base in New York, dispensed bonuses reaching $140,000 for junior attorneys. The firm maintains its alignment with the industry standards set by the Cravath Scale, reflecting its place among the top legal firms in the US.

Elsberg, Baker & Mauri

The firm Elsberg, Baker & Maruri, dedicated to commercial litigation and arbitration, rewarded its associates with bonuses that could go as high as $226,250 in the year 2025. This amount significantly exceeded the market standard, totaling 175% more than the Big Law average, as Rollo Baker, one of the founding partners, noted. Their high-caliber associates were pivotal in delivering impressive outcomes for their clients.

Katten Muchin Rosenman

With its foundation in Chicago, Katten Muchin Rosenman, a comprehensive service law firm, provided year-end bonuses up to $172,500 to its top-performing associates. The eligibility and size of these bonuses relied heavily on the number of bonus hours worked by the associates. Furthermore, the firm offers additional 'superstar bonuses' to select individuals who demonstrate exceptional performance.