Litigation boutiques smash associate bonus scale set by bigger firms

• Class of 2019 – US$15,000
• Class of 2018 – US$15,000
• Class of 2017 – US$25,000
• Class of 2016 – US$50,000
• Class of 2015 – US$65,000
• Class of 2014 – US$80,000
• Class of 2013 – US$90,000
• Class of 2012 – US$100,000
• Class of 2011 – US$100,000

While not as large as Susman Godfrey’s bonuses, the Wilkinson Walsh + Eskovitz scale is nothing to scoff at. The Washington, DC-based firm’s bonuses are still 50% more than the going market rate at:

• Class of 2019: US$22,500 (pro-rated)
• Class of 2018: US$22,500
• Class of 2017: US$37,500
• Class of 2016: US$75,000
• Class of 2015: US$97,500
• Class of 2014: US$120,000
• Class of 2013: US$135,000
• Class of 2012 and senior: US$150,000

The Susman Godfrey associate bonuses blow even those larger bonuses out of the water. This year, the Houston-based boutique is giving out:

• Class of 2017: US$115,000
• Class of 2016: US$120,000
• Class of 2015: US$130,000
• Class of 2014: US$160,000
• Class of 2013: US$180,000
• Class of 2012: US$200,000
• Class of 2011 or earlier: US$235,000

It said that more than 20% of its associates will have total compensation of at least US$500,000 for 2019.

Susman Godfrey does not have associates who graduated 2018 and 2019 as the firm requires each new associate to successfully complete a clerkship in the federal courts level. Many of the associates complete two clerkships, including some with the US Supreme Court.