Amidst a potential salary increment causing delays in bonus declarations by Biglaw, boutique firms are stepping up and announcing spectacular bonuses with the intention of outpacing their competitors. In a high-profile move, D.C.-based litigation boutique Wilkinson Stekloff proclaimed that it would be awarding its associates bonuses that significantly surpass the Biglaw scale announced by Milbank earlier this month.
Wilkinson Stekloff, having exhibited an innate ability to compete with Biglaw compensations in the past, revealed that this year’s bonuses would be 175% above market bonuses for every class year, reflecting outstanding performance in 2023. This is undeniably a remarkable move to convey the firm’s gratitude towards its team’s relentless hard work.
Here’s a glimpse at the firm’s comprehensive 2023 bonus scale:
- Class of 2023: $26,250
- Class of 2022: $$35,000
- Class of 2021: $52,500
- Class of 2020: $100,625
- Class of 2019: $131,250
- Class of 2018: $157,500
- Class of 2017: $183,750
- Class of 2016+: $201,250
These bonuses are set to be disbursed on December 15th, a welcome announcement for all professionals under the firm’s wing. As per the initial report, these bonuses are colossal, leaving the Milbank scale far behind in comparison.