At Dorsey & Whitney, we believe our compensation system reflects our core values and Firm culture.  The Firm considers several factors when making compensation and bonus decisions including billable hours, pro bono contributions, market factors, firm citizenship and leadership, and other contributions to the Firm. 

Associate compensation increases are made at the beginning of each calendar year commensurate with class year promotion.  Compensation decisions are determined by the Firm’s Management Committee through a formal salary review process which is independent of our formal associate evaluation process.  In addition, all associates are eligible to participate in the associate bonus program, which rewards associates at the beginning of each calendar year for performance in the preceding year.  For a summary of our associate bonus program, please click here.

Associate salaries vary by geographic region.  Click here for a chart of starting salaries in each of our major offices.  In addition to the base salaries listed on this chart, new associates in all offices receive a $5,000 stipend upon graduation.  Also, new associates are eligible to receive a $5,000 salary advance upon commencement of employment with the Firm.

The Firm pays for the costs associated with bar review, bar examination registration, relocation, attorney registration and bar association membership.