Elite law firms are giving top associates bonuses up to $218,200 in 2026 to retain talent amid rising industry scrutiny.

Top-tier law firms including Morrison & Foerster, King & Spalding, and WilmerHale are offering associates substantial bonuses, with some earning up to $218,200 in total compensation, driven by strong financial results and strategic retention efforts. These payouts, scheduled for February 13, 2026, reflect a growing trend among elite firms to exceed industry benchmarks, particularly for high-performing associates. The moves come amid heightened scrutiny of biglaw compensation and recruitment practices that are pressuring first-year law students to commit early. Firms are encouraging employees to share bonus details to track industry trends, offering subscription alerts for real-time updates.