Goodwin Procter Matches Milbank Scale for January 2027
On November 10, 2026, Goodwin announced it has matched the current Milbank scale, effective January 1, 2027. The revised salaries range from $235,000 to $455,000, while the firm's newly announced 2026 bonuses provide eligible associates with the standard and special bonuses totaling as much as $140,000.
The compensation announcement addresses two separate periods: associate bonuses for Goodwin's fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and higher annual base salaries beginning in 2027.
Milbank Scale/Goodwin 2027 Salary Scale by Class Year
Associate Class Year | Base Salary Effective January 1, 2027 |
2026 | $235,000 |
2025 | $245,000 |
2024 | $270,000 |
2023 | $320,000 |
2022 | $385,000 |
2021 | $410,000 |
2020 | $440,000 |
2019 and earlier | $455,000 |
Goodwin's revised salary scale follows the compensation increases introduced by Milbank in June 2026. The new figures will apply prospectively beginning January 1, 2027, with no announced retroactive adjustment for 2026.
Goodwin 2026 Bonuses
Goodwin's bonus program includes a standard annual award and an additional special bonus. The amounts increase with associate seniority.
Associate Class Year | Standard Bonus | Special Bonus | Combined Amount |
2025 | $20,000 | $6,000 | $26,000 |
2024 | $30,000 | $10,000 | $40,000 |
2023 | $57,500 | $15,000 | $72,500 |
2022 | $75,000 | $20,000 | $95,000 |
2021 | $90,000 | $25,000 | $115,000 |
2020 | $105,000 | $25,000 | $130,000 |
2019 and earlier | $115,000 | $25,000 | $140,000 |
These amounts represent the announced class-year bonus schedule. Individual awards remain subject to Goodwin's eligibility and performance requirements.
How Goodwin Determines Bonus Eligibility
Goodwin uses a fiscal-year measurement period ending September 30 rather than the calendar year. For the 2026 bonus cycle, associates must satisfy a minimum of 1,950 ARC hours and meet the applicable Attorney Development Frameworks.
Compensation may exceed the published class-year bonus amounts for associates who record substantially higher hours. Associates in their fourth year or above may also qualify for additional awards through a "Distinctive" performance evaluation.
The firm's eligibility cutoff excludes attorneys hired after August 31, 2026, from receiving these bonuses, including prorated awards. Individual compensation notifications are expected in January 2027.
Which BigLaw Firms Have Matched the 2026 Scale?
Following the July 2026 increase, a number of firms have been reported as matching or responding to the new compensation levels.
Milbank Match Firms:
McDermott Will & Emery
Quinn Emanuel
Hueston Hennigan
Katten
Norton Rose
Vartabedian Katz Hester & Haynes
Dunn Isaacson Rhee
Pallas Partners
Sullivan & Cromwell
Massumi +Consoli
AZA
Groom Law Group
Elsberg Baker & Maruri
Wilkinson Stekloff
Seward & Kissel
Desmarais
Kellogg Hansen
Warren LLP
Ice Miller
McKool Smith
Troutman Pepper Locke
DLA Piper
Sheppard Mullin
Cooley
Fenwick
Goodwin Procter
Winston Taylor
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