Money was the name of the game in the 2021 talent wars, in all its forms: salary raises, across-the-board special bonuses, discreet six-figure spot payouts and referral and signing bonuses. But, recent industry raises aside, money has been somewhat diluted as an appeal to attracting and retaining lawyers, legal industry observers and consultants say. With so much of it flying around and counteroffers so prevalent, matching has become something of a baseline.

It’s going to take more for law firms to compete in 2022.