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Axinn Veltrop & Harkrider LLP announced Thursday that it is raising associate salaries by $25,000 while rolling out special bonuses of up to $25,000, signaling a banner year for the firm and setting a new tone in the BigLaw pay wars.

According to an internal memo, first-year associates will now earn a $250,000 base salary with an additional $6,000 special bonus, while eighth-year associates will take home a $460,000 salary paired with the maximum $25,000 bonus.

A Record-Setting Year

Managing partner Jeny Maier, alongside executive committee members Daniel Bitton and Craig Reiser, told associates the move reflects the firm’s momentum and gratitude for their relentless work.

“Our achievements would not be possible without your extraordinary dedication and skill,” the memo read. “In recognition of your exceptional work, the firm is awarding special bonuses to our associates.”

The Breakdown: From First-Year to Eighth-Year

The pay scale increases sweep across all levels:

• 2nd years: $260,000 salary + $10,000 bonus

• 3rd years: $285,000 salary + $15,000 bonus

• 4th years: $335,000 salary + $20,000 bonus

• 5th years: $390,000 salary + $25,000 bonus

• 6th years: $415,000 salary + $25,000 bonus

• 7th years: $445,000 salary + $25,000 bonus

• 8th years: $460,000 salary + $25,000 bonus

The increases are retroactive to Sept. 1, with bonuses prorated based on start dates.

A Trend Across BigLaw

Axinn Veltrop’s move places it in step with other firms boosting associate pay this year. Hueston Hennigan LLP rolled out $10,000 to $30,000 summer bonuses, Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP offered midyear payouts up to $15,000, and Milbank LLP handed out $6,000 to $25,000 summer bonuses.

With offices in New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Hartford, Connecticut, Axinn Veltrop has positioned itself as both competitive and generous, reinforcing the fierce competition in BigLaw for top talent.