Rejecting a trend among D.C. firms to let associates select their pay scales based on anticipated productivity, Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld announces a new salary structure that rewards top performers with year-end compensation adjustments. “We didn’t think it was a very good idea to have our associates make a choice between being on the A team or the B team,” says firm Chairman R. Bruce McLean.
Under the new system, all D.C. associates will receive raises, but top dollar will be paid only to those who bill at least 2,000 hours. For instance, first-years who meet the target will make $125,000. Those who come up short will earn a base salary of $110,000.
