Bonus season is fast approaching, and Biglaw associates across the country are watching closely to see what their firms will deliver this year.
For many associates working through the fall of 2026, life means long hours at the desk while keeping a close eye on the still-hot lateral market.
The central question heading into this bonus season is whether firms will finally move to match the raises set by Milbank earlier this year.
Associates are also watching to see whether year-end bonuses could bring additional compensation on top of any Milbank-style special bonus payments.
The anticipation reflects broader tensions inside major law firms, where competition for talent has kept salary and bonus benchmarks under constant pressure throughout 2026.
Above the Law is launching its annual bonus season coverage and is asking associates to take part in a confidential survey sharing their thoughts on what is coming.
The publication is encouraging associates to submit their firm’s bonus memo as soon as it is released, using the subject line “[Firm Name] Bonus” when emailing tips.
Sources on bonus stories are always kept anonymous, and associates are advised to use personal rather than firm email accounts when sending in materials.
The publication recommends attaching a photo of the bonus memo rather than a PDF or Word file for those concerned about metadata being embedded in documents.
Associates who sign up for bonus alerts will receive an email notification within minutes of each bonus announcement that Above the Law publishes, including the very first one of the season.
Staci Zaretsky, managing editor of Above the Law, where she has worked since 2011, is leading the coverage and welcoming tips, questions, and comments from readers.
With firms under pressure to retain top talent in a competitive market, this bonus season could prove to be one of the most closely watched in recent Biglaw memory.