Susman Godfrey announces hefty bonuses; other boutique firms also exceed Cravath standard
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Susman Godfrey has announced it will pay median bonuses of up to $170,000 for its longest-term associates, though two associates received bonuses of more than $220,000 in recognition for their success in business development.
The litigation boutique’s bonuses surpass the standard set by Cravath, Swaine & Moore, which range from $15,000 to $100,000, according to a press release. Above the Law and Texas Lawyer also covered the bonuses.
The median bonuses, “with some adjustments based on quantity and quality of work,” are:
• Class of 2015: $45,000
• Class of 2014: $85,000
• Class of 2013: $100,000
• Class of 2012: $120,000
• Class of 2011: $150,000
• Class of 2010 (or earlier): $170,000
Susman Godfrey announced earlier this year that it is paying a $25,000 signing bonus to new lawyers at the firm, in addition to clerkship bonuses that begin at $80,000 for a clerkship with one federal judge. The firm’s starting salary for associates is $190,000, according to Law.com (sub. req.).
Susman Godfrey isn’t the only boutique firm paying bonuses that meet or surpass the Cravath bonus scale, according to Law.com. They include:
• Hueston Hennigan, paying bonuses that amount to 30 to 50 percent of associate salaries.
• Wilkinson Walsh + Eskovitz, paying $22,500 to $150,000.
• Kaplan & Company, matching Cravath bonuses.
• Holwell Shuster & Goldberg, matching Cravath bonuses.
