Referral bonuses as high as $50K? One BigLaw firm confirms incentive
Law firms are typically paying $20,000 to $40,000 in referral bonuses to employees who refer associates to their firms for placement, according to one recruiting partner. But some firms are exceeding that figure. (Image from Shutterstock)
Law firms are typically paying $20,000 to $40,000 in referral bonuses to employees who refer associates to their firms for placement, according to Matt Schwartz, a recruiting partner at legal recruiting company Garrison.
But some firms are exceeding that figure, report Law.com (here and here) and Bloomberg Law.
A&O Shearman—the firm formed by a merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling—is paying $50,000, a spokesperson confirmed to Law.com.
“This program is designed to incentivize and reward our people for tapping into their professional and social circles to recommend individuals whose skills and values align with the needs and culture of our firm,” the spokesperson said.
A second firm, Kirkland & Ellis, is reportedly paying $50,000 in referral bonuses, anonymous sources told Bloomberg Law and Law.com. The firm did not confirm the report.
The reports could lead other firms to pay referral bonuses, if they aren’t already doing so, according to Howard Rosenberg, who leads the talent intelligence and acquisitions group at the growth advisory company Baretz+Brunelle. He is one of several experts who spoke with Law.com.
The demand for associates is spurred by an uptick in deal activity, sources told Law.com.
