{"id":166105,"date":"2026-10-26T12:44:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T20:44:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2026\/10\/26\/this-biglaw-firms-new-years-resolution-pay-associates-on-the-235k-salary-scale\/"},"modified":"2026-10-26T12:44:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T20:44:10","slug":"this-biglaw-firms-new-years-resolution-pay-associates-on-the-235k-salary-scale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2026\/10\/26\/this-biglaw-firms-new-years-resolution-pay-associates-on-the-235k-salary-scale\/","title":{"rendered":"This Biglaw Firm\u2019s New Year\u2019s Resolution? Pay Associates On The $235K Salary Scale"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s blessing. Nothing says \u201cthank you for your hard work\u201d quite like a little extra cash in every paycheck.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The latest firm spreading the wealth is Fenwick &amp; 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\u2019s 1,950-hour track. Looks like these lawyers have another reason to count down to the new year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what the new salary scale looks like:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"535\" height=\"344\" src=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/10\/Fenwick-Salary-Scale-2026-e1793028372412.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1193910\" title=\"\"><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The firm will also continue its Rest, Relaxation, and Recreation (\u201cTriple R\u201d) 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&amp;R? Now we\u2019re speaking associates\u2019 language.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Congratulations to Fenwick associates on the upcoming raises. Here\u2019s hoping their bonus news gives them even more to celebrate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Flip to the next page to see the full memo from Fenwick &amp; West.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember everyone, we depend on your tips to stay on top of compensation updates, so when your firm announces or matches, please text us (<a href=\"tel:646-820-8477\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">646-820-8477<\/a>) or\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:tips@abovethelaw.com?subject=%5BFirm%20Name%5D%20Raise\/Matches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">email us<\/a>\u00a0(subject line: \u201c[Firm Name] Raise\/Matches\u201d). Please include the memo if available. You can take a photo of the memo and send it via text or email if you don\u2019t want to forward the original PDF or Word file.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you\u2019d like to sign up for ATL\u2019s Bonus Alerts (which is the alert list we also use for salary announcements), please scroll down and enter your email address in the box below this post. If you previously signed up for the bonus alerts, you don\u2019t need to do anything. You\u2019ll receive an email notification within minutes of each bonus announcement that we publish. Thanks for your help!<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2016\/11\/Staci-Zaretsky.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66762\" title=\"\"><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/author\/staci-zaretsky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Staci Zaretsky<\/a>\u00a0is the managing editor of Above the Law, where she\u2019s worked since 2011. She\u2019d love to hear from you, so please feel free to\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:staci@abovethelaw.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">email<\/a>\u00a0her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/stacizaretsky.bsky.social\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Bluesky<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/stacizaretsky\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">X\/Twitter<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.threads.net\/@stacizaretsky\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Threads<\/a>, or connect with her on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/staci-zaretsky\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">LinkedIn<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/2026\/10\/this-biglaw-firms-new-years-resolution-pay-associates-on-the-235k-salary-scale\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">This Biglaw Firm\u2019s New Year\u2019s Resolution? Pay Associates On The $235K Salary Scale<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Above the Law<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post-single__featured-image post-single__featured-image--medium alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/GettyImages-163332732-300x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s blessing. Nothing says \u201cthank you for your hard work\u201d quite like a little extra cash in every paycheck.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The latest firm spreading the wealth is Fenwick &amp; 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\u2019s 1,950-hour track. Looks like these lawyers have another reason to count down to the new year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what the new salary scale looks like:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"535\" height=\"344\" src=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/10\/Fenwick-Salary-Scale-2026-e1793028372412.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1193910\" title=\"\"><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The firm will also continue its Rest, Relaxation, and Recreation (\u201cTriple R\u201d) 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&amp;R? Now we\u2019re speaking associates\u2019 language.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Congratulations to Fenwick associates on the upcoming raises. Here\u2019s hoping their bonus news gives them even more to celebrate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Flip to the next page to see the full memo from Fenwick &amp; West.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember everyone, we depend on your tips to stay on top of compensation updates, so when your firm announces or matches, please text us (<a href=\"tel:646-820-8477\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">646-820-8477<\/a>) or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#384c51484b78595a574e5d4c505d54594f165b5755074b4d5a525d5b4c051d0d7a7e514a551d0a087659555d1d0d7c1d0a086a59514b5d1775594c5b505d4b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">email us<\/a>\u00a0(subject line: \u201c[Firm Name] Raise\/Matches\u201d). Please include the memo if available. You can take a photo of the memo and send it via text or email if you don\u2019t want to forward the original PDF or Word file.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you\u2019d like to sign up for ATL\u2019s Bonus Alerts (which is the alert list we also use for salary announcements), please scroll down and enter your email address in the box below this post. If you previously signed up for the bonus alerts, you don\u2019t need to do anything. You\u2019ll receive an email notification within minutes of each bonus announcement that we publish. Thanks for your help!<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2016\/11\/Staci-Zaretsky.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66762\" title=\"\"><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/author\/staci-zaretsky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Staci Zaretsky<\/a>\u00a0is the managing editor of Above the Law, where she\u2019s worked since 2011. She\u2019d love to hear from you, so please feel free to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#a4d7d0c5c7cde4c5c6cbd2c1d0ccc1c8c5d38ac7cbc9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">email<\/a>\u00a0her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/stacizaretsky.bsky.social\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Bluesky<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/stacizaretsky\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">X\/Twitter<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.threads.net\/@stacizaretsky\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Threads<\/a>, or connect with her on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/staci-zaretsky\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">LinkedIn<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/2026\/10\/this-biglaw-firms-new-years-resolution-pay-associates-on-the-235k-salary-scale\/2\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/2026\/10\/this-biglaw-firms-new-years-resolution-pay-associates-on-the-235k-salary-scale\/2\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Next \u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019s blessing. Nothing says \u201cthank you for your hard work\u201d quite like a little extra cash in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":166066,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-166105","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-above_the_law"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/166105","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=166105"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/166105\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/166066"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=166105"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=166105"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=166105"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}