Maybe the economy is improving to the point that becoming a litigator is the way to go.
Add another law firm to the list of those that have topped the benchmark $15,000 to $100,000 end-of-year associate bonus schedule established by Simpson Thacher and Bartlett this year.
Susman Godfrey has announced that bonuses started at $40,000 to $45,000 for associates who have been at the 110-attorney Houston-based litigation firm at least a year, Texas Lawyer (sub. req.) reports. That’s the same as last year for those at the bottom of the scale, but those at the top, who have been at Susman Godfrey for four years or more, got as much as $75,000 to $110,000. That’s an increase from a maximum of $90,000 in 2013.
Associates beyond the fourth year are routinely considered for partner, managing partner Neal Manne notes. In addition to the usual merit bonus, one associate who brought in substantial business in 2014 will get another payment that likely will exceed $100,000, he tells Texas lawyer.
Susman Godfrey bonuses start at $40K for associates who have been at the firm at least a year