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I've yet to find any reliable data on the bonuses associates receive at mid-law firms. Yet, I presume more than just biglaw associates read this site. The general consensus seems to be that compensation varies widely by firm. If any associates out there can speak to the bonus structures at their respective firms, I'm sure it would be greatly appreciated. It would probably help if you shared some information about your firm: # of lawyers, entry-level associate salary, type of market, type of work etc.

I suspect you'll see a huge amount of variance firm-to-firm and especially market-to-market. I'll be at a midlaw IP boutique in a major market (NYC-DC-SF-Chi) that historically beats the Cravath bonus scale. Smaller firms have more flexibility to figure out the compensation system that makes the most sense for the market and their position in that market. If they specialize in a high margin, fast-growing practice, they might give good bonuses to attract better talent. If they can get sufficient talent without paying top dollar, then they won't pay top dollar.

I haven't started at my mid law firm yet (60 attorneys) but I was told that it is typically 5%, more if you exceed billable hour expectations (1800). Base salary is 95. The firm has a small office in a market paying city but is based outside the city.

Regional firm >150 attorneys, below "market" for the city my office is in for starting pay, no bonus whatsoever.

35 attorneys, base salary is 135K for a second-year (which is market pay even for big law in region I'm in). No bonus.

45 attorney firm. Bonuses vary by whim, generally anywhere from $3,000-10,000.

Small firm (less than 10 attorneys). Base is $110,000. Bonus is based on what is collected on what you bill. First year there, pro-rated hours, $15,000 bonus.

SF/LA midlaw, more than 50 attys, pays market salary. Bonus formula based on hours over target.

Major market, boutique firm (>25, <100 attorneys), Cravath scale pay.

Firm had an OK year but not a blockbuster, still matched DPW bonuses.

Two plus years at 100 attorney firm, base is $85,000-$89,000 (below market), 1900 benchmark for $5,000 bonus.

FL firm. Bonuses are discretionary. Billed 2000 hours. Got zero. Pissed.

Only worked 4 months, 25-30 attorneys, small market. Starting salary of 70k. $500 dollar bonus.