2014 TX Biglaw Bonuses Forum

[Anonymous User]

I thought it would be a good idea to have a thread where people can post information about TX bonuses. Please post information that you have. It will be very helpful for people trying to compare total compensation between TX and other markets. I will update OP with info so people won't have to scroll through for individual firms if the the thread gets longer.

TX Big 3

Baker Botts:
(all figures are maximums)

1: $15k
2: $20k
3-4: $50k
5-6: $100k
7-8: $100k

Vinson & Elkins:
http://abovethelaw.com/2015/01/associat ... -in-texas/
http://abovethelaw.com/2014/01/associat ... on-elkins/

Caveat: I'm combining a several sources to arrive at these numbers-

Below 2000 hours:
No bonus

2000-2150:
Bonus of less than 1/2 of DPW

2150-2300:
Bonus of 1/2 of DPW

2300-2600:
DPW

2600+:
DPW + 20-30%

V&E Memo Numbers-

Median Bonus-
Stub: 3,750
1:10k
2:25k
3:50k
4:65k
5:80k
6:90k
7:120k
8: 110k

High Bonus-
1:20k
2:32.5k
3:60k
4:80k
5:100k
6:110k
7:120k
8:120k


TX National

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher:

GDC Dallas generally followed DPW, but was a little late to the DPW train for non-NYC offices. Interestingly, the delay resulted in some third-year + associates essentially getting the extra $10k twice: once in the initial announcement as a merit bonus for high-performers (which was not always based on hours alone) and then again when GDC announced the across-the-board DPW match a few weeks later. There was also the potential for at least two $2,500 discretionary bumps for each 200-250 or so hours billed over the 1950 target.

Other TX

Haynes and Boone:
http://abovethelaw.com/2015/01/associat ... d-boone/2/

I'm too lazy to summarize this system because it's complicated and the ATL tipster does it well in the link. Associate bonuses are, it appears, always less than DPW scale, regardless of hours. That may be a testament to low billable hours though.



DPW Scale (for reference):
http://abovethelaw.com/2014/11/associat ... s-simpson/

1-2: 15k
3: 25k
4: 50k
5: 65k
6: 80k
7: 90k
8: 100k

[Anonymous User]

BB (all figures are maximums):

1: $15k
2: $20k
3-4: $50k
5-6: $100k
7-8: $100k

[Anonymous User]

BB (all figures are maximums):

1: $15k
2: $20k
3-4: $50k
5-6: $100k
7-8: $100k

OP - Thank you!

[Anonymous User]

Bump

[Anonymous User]

GDC Dallas generally followed DPW, but was a little late to the DPW train for non-NYC offices. Interestingly, the delay resulted in some third-year + associates essentially getting the extra $10k twice: once in the initial announcement as a merit bonus for high-performers (which was not always based on hours alone) and then again when GDC announced the across-the-board DPW match a few weeks later. There was also the potential for at least two $2,500 discretionary bumps for each 200-250 or so hours billed over the 1950 target.

[Anonymous User]

GDC Dallas generally followed DPW, but was a little late to the DPW train for non-NYC offices. Interestingly, the delay resulted in some third-year + associates essentially getting the extra $10k twice: once in the initial announcement as a merit bonus for high-performers (which was not always based on hours alone) and then again when GDC announced the across-the-board DPW match a few weeks later. There was also the potential for at least two $2,500 discretionary bumps for each 200-250 or so hours billed over the 1950 target.

OP - Thank you! This is much more helpful than the standard "GDC paid market bonus across offices." It's also a great way to plug for your firm if, as here, associates had the opportunity to earn above market comp.