Clifford Chance (CC) has become the latest firm to cut back bonuses for US associates, with the announcement that it is to halve its year-end payouts.

The US arm of the magic circle firm will award bonuses ranging from a pro-rated $17,500 (£12,000) for first-year associates to $32,500 (£22,000) for eighth-year associates – a significant decrease on last year, when the firm awarded bonuses ranging from $35,000 (£24,000) to $65,000 (£44,500).