Chicago leader Kirkland & Ellis has bucked the US trend and increased its year-end bonuses, dishing out up to $140,000 (£71,000) for senior lawyers.

The merit-based bonuses, which were announced just before the Christmas break, will enable newly-qualified lawyers to earn about $69,000 (£35,000). The package enables junior New York lawyers to have a potential salary of $145,000 (£74,000).