Alston & Bird Raises Associate Salaries, Retention and Bonuses on the Horizon

It’s the time of year when law firms globally are deciding on next year’s compensation packages. High on the agenda, Alston & Bird, a noteworthy player ranked 47th on the Am Law 200 in terms of gross revenue in the previous year, totaling $1,061,457,000. A sizeable portion of this revenue is now headed for the pockets of the firm’s associates (Above the Law).

As of the 1st of January, associates at Alston & Bird will welcome an increase in their salaries. The adjusted salaries are as follows:

  • Class of 2023: $225K
  • Class of 2022: $235K
  • Class of 2021: $260K
  • Class of 2020: $310K
  • Class of 2019: $365K
  • Class of 2018: $390K
  • Class of 2017: $420K

On top of the salary increment, the firm plans to disburse bonuses to associates who meet the 2000-hour billing threshold. There are also additional bonuses for those billing more than 2200 hours – and in specific instances, for those making substantial non-billable contributions to the firm.

  • Class of 2023: $15K (pro-rated)
  • Class of 2022: $20K
  • Class of 2021: $30K
  • Class of 2020: $57.5K
  • Class of 2019: $75K
  • Class of 2018: $90K
  • Class of 2017: $105K
  • Class of 2016+: $115K

While associates are thrilled about the pay rise, there are some grumblings about the firm’s informal policy of requiring 5-day a week in-person attendance because Alston is “not a hybrid firm”. It’s another tangent in the multifaceted struggle for firms to retain top-notch talent.