We are committed to recruiting, retaining, developing and promoting the best legal talent. Accordingly, the total compensation package—base salary, bonus and benefits—for all lawyers at the firm is highly competitive with that of other major law firms.
Our total compensation package for all associates, senior associates and counsel recognizes and rewards an individual lawyer’s skill level and the value of his or her overall contributions each year. Our performance-based model aligns well with our clients’ focus on value delivered, rather than simply hours billed. This model recognizes and rewards strong performance at all levels, focusing on the qualities and contributions that both the firm and our clients value most.
Base Salary
We provide a market lockstep base salary for associates, senior associates and counsel. The current base salary scale is:
Class |
WH Base Salary Levels |
1st Year Associate (2022) |
$215,000 |
1st Year Associate (2021) |
$215,000 |
2nd Year Associate (2020) |
$225,000 |
3rd Year Associate (2019) |
$250,000 |
4th Year Associate (2018) |
$295,000 |
5th Year Senior Associate (2017) |
$345,000 |
6th Year Senior Associate (2016) |
$370,000 |
1st Year Counsel (2015) |
$400,000 |
2nd Year Counsel (2014) |
$415,000 |
3rd Year and Above Counsel (2013+)* |
$415,000 |
*
Counsel in the class of 2013 and above are eligible to receive an additional $10,000 in their year-end bonus if they are employed and in good standing with the firm and have met the 2,000 hour billable and pro bono expectation on an annualized basis by December 31, 2022. Firm approved bonus eligible time will also be included.
Annual Performance Bonus
The annual performance bonus reflects our focus on the individual lawyer and his or her development. The bonus program incorporates our philosophy of rewarding overall contributions, including significant contributions to the success of the firm. Annual performance bonuses are discretionary and are based on firm performance, quality of substantive work and quality of client service, as well as efficiency, productivity, teamwork, and collegiality and other “citizenship” factors. The design of the bonus system ensures that each year, those who meet expectations for quality of performance and productivity receive total compensation that is market competitive, and that those who exceed expectations receive above-market total compensation.