Biglaw associates may be busy wondering what bonus season will bring, but some firms are already giving their lawyers something to celebrate in the new year: bigger salaries. Yet another firm is making its move without waiting for Cravath’s blessing. Nothing says “thank you for your hard work” quite like a little extra cash in every paycheck.
The latest firm spreading the wealth is Fenwick & West, where associates recently received word that salary increases are on the way, effective January 1, 2027. The announcement applies to associates in good standing on the firm’s 1,950-hour track. Looks like these lawyers have another reason to count down to the new year.
Here’s what the new salary scale looks like:
Associates will receive individualized compensation memos before December 31, 2026. While the chart lists Tier 3 salaries at $440,000 and up, the memo notes that compensation decisions for Tier 3 associates and counsel on the 1,950-hour track are determined separately and will be communicated individually.
And what about the bonuses everyone is waiting for? Fenwick says it will continue to follow the market on annual bonuses, consistent with prior years. No dollar amounts just yet, but associates can at least take comfort in that commitment while they wait for bonus season to do its thing.
The firm will also continue its Rest, Relaxation, and Recreation (“Triple R”) rewards and Firm Condo program for attorneys who exceed associate expectations and make significant contributions to the firm. More money and the prospect of some R&R? Now we’re speaking associates’ language.
Congratulations to Fenwick associates on the upcoming raises. Here’s hoping their bonus news gives them even more to celebrate.
(Flip to the next page to see the full memo from Fenwick & West.)
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Staci Zaretsky is the managing editor of Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
