Linklaters leads way on associate bonuses

Groundbreaking new research by The Lawyer reveals that Linklaters offers the most generous associate bonuses in the City.

According to The Lawyer's very first associates' guide to bonuses, Linklaters is the only top 10 City firm that offers both its trainees and associates a performance-related bonus of up to 40 per cent as well as a firmwide bonus.

This compares with Clifford Chance, which offers only 40 per cent bonuses to associates with a minimum of four years' PQE. Lovells offers all its associates a 30 per cent bonus.

Ashurst is the only firm, which has, in theory, an uncapped bonus for all associates, while Slaughter and May is the only firm not to offer bonuses.

Allen & Overy's muchtrumpeted first performance-related bonus will not be paid until July 2008. All the other top 10 city firms pay bonuses two to three months after the end of the financial year.