Navigating Legal Bonuses: Expectations and Ethical Implications

This chapter explores the complexities and historical context of bonuses in the legal profession, highlighting the expectation versus the reality of these financial incentives. It critiques the perception of bonuses as gratuities and suggests alternative terms to better reflect their significance, addressing the disparities in compensation between associates and equity partners. The discussion also contemplates innovative compensation models that could align bonuses with firm performance, examining how traditional practices may hinder reform.