Andrews Kurth paid year-end bonuses of up to $100,000 to some of its associates in December 2010. But the firm paid associates an extra $1,000 to $20,000 at year end, because 2010 was such a good year for the firm.

Managing partner Bob Jewell says the extra bonuses, unlike regular year-end bonuses, were based solely on productivity, and 25 or 30 associates billed 2,200 hours or more during 2010 to qualify for the highest $20,000 extra bonus.