What is a reasonable bonus structure for a small plaintiffs firm (pi, ssdi, workers comp, employment)? I started at the firm 2 years ago as the only associate with no formal agreement on bonus structure. Bonus last 2 years was $5-7k, but partners made it clear this was not representative % income from my clients because they didn’t think that would be fair yet. Now I independently manage a hefty caseload, negotiate $$$ settlements, bring in new clients, etc. What should I discuss re: bonus?

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I was at a firm where it was 6% of the firm’ fee, split subjectively among the attorneys who worked the case (only for civil, they did not pay out for WC fees). 20% of the firm’s fee if you brought it in yourself.

A friend’s firm got 15% of firm’s fee but no base salary, just a draw.

I don’t know that there is a market/reasonable rate when it comes to plaintiff’s side associate comp. they’re smaller firms run by egotistical showman type lawyers, and they all place different value on their grunts.

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Yeah, still amounted to six figures by years 2 and 3.

Total comp (salary plus bonus) should be about 1/3 of the amount collected for your work. I assume you’re cases are mostly contingent fee engagements?

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