Bonuses Forum

[lawschoolboundfuture]

/What's the best way to compare firm bonuses

[09042014]

above the law

[Anonymous User]

Can someone provide a link?

[Anonymous User]

are bonuses the same firm-wide, or at least the same between offices that each pay 160k? Considering small SV satellite of a non-CA firm

[bk1]

are bonuses the same firm-wide, or at least the same between offices that each pay 160k? Considering small SV satellite of a non-CA firm

Maybe, maybe not. Bonuses aren't even always the same for everyone in a given class year. Depends on the firm.

But bonuses generally shouldn't be a huge factor in choosing a firm

[Anonymous User]

are bonuses the same firm-wide, or at least the same between offices that each pay 160k? Considering small SV satellite of a non-CA firm

Maybe, maybe not. Bonuses aren't even always the same for everyone in a given class year. Depends on the firm.

But bonuses generally shouldn't be a huge factor in choosing a firm

Why should 10-50k+ not be a huge factor? Especially down the road at 4th-5th year, some firm seem to have bonuses substantially larger than others... maybe this is only true outside of NY though? (didnt really look at firms there)

[desertlaw]

Bonuses should definitely be a factor. If you're a person who believes that everyone should be treated equal, regardless of their work ethic/product, then the Cravath bonus model might be good for you.

If you're someone who feels that you should make more money if you out-bill your colleague by 200 hours, then go to a firm that compensates based on hours/quality of work.

[bk1]

Why should 10-50k+ not be a huge factor? Especially down the road at 4th-5th year, some firm seem to have bonuses substantially larger than others... maybe this is only true outside of NY though? (didnt really look at firms there)

Off the top of my head:

• Bonus amounts are very minimal compared to overall comp and after taxes are generally not that large.
• Most people aren't going to be in biglaw that long so they're not likely to get the larger midlevel bonuses for more than a year or two.
• Bonus amounts fluctuate yearly so you can't just assume because firm X beat the Cravath scale before that it will continue do so.
• The difference in amounts between firms doesn't tend to be huge.
• Other factors such as strength in your preferred practice area or how well you get along with your future coworkers should be more important, imo.

Now if someone wants to go to Susman because of those bonuses, be my guest. That might not be the choice I'd make, but at least it's defensible. If someone picks a firm that has slightly larger bonuses than its peers (e.g. Irell) just for that reason, I don't think that's smart.