Mid-tier law firms increase bonuses to reward high billing hours
updated on 14 May 2025
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Mid-tier law firms Simmons & Simmons LLP, RPC and Shoosmiths have launched new policies to reward lawyers for billing higher hours, with bonuses of up to 40% of base salary on offer. This move follows in the footsteps of several top international firms, such as Herbert Smith Freehills LLP and Linklaters LLP, that have offered bonuses for extended working hours for many years.
According to the Financial Times, Simmons & Simmons is offering between 25% and 40% bonuses for associates that bill more than 1,800 hours. While Simmons & Simmons already offer a discretionary bonus, this new scheme quantifies the exact amounts on offer. The firm stated that the changes, which come into force from this summer, are a “central part of our efforts to develop and retain talent”.
Meanwhile, as of 1 May, RPC associates can now earn up to 30% more on top of their salary, which is an increase from the previous 20% cap the firm had on bonuses. For every additional 25 chargeable hours, bonuses increase by 1%. The firm said that associates are required to record at least 1,575 hours a year, which is made up of 1,500 billable hours and 75 hours of “investment” activities like pro bono. RPC’s managing partner said the programme is a “more modern, inclusive and sustainable approach to reward – and one we believe reflects the evolving expectations for the next generation of legal talent”.
Shoosmiths has introduced a similar scheme, with a ceiling set at 1,900 hours to avoid encouraging “anyone to work excessive hours chasing a bonus with no cap”. As part of the programme, associates can earn a maximum extra 19% of their salary, with bonuses also reliant on the firm’s performance. CEO David Jackson said the scheme is part of the firm’s aim to be “a leading upper mid-market law firm by 2030”.
