Enjoy A Rewarding Environment
Reed Smith’s goal is to attract, retain, motivate and reward high quality attorneys in each of its offices. To this end, Reed Smith maintains compensation programs which emphasis “Total Compensation” with merit-based criteria.
Associate Compensation Components:
- Market Competitive, Merit-Based Salary
Starting salaries for first year Associates are generally the same within respective geographic markets and salaries for second year Associates are generally lockstep. For third through seventh year Associates, we maintain target salaries and salary ranges for each class year and market. - Associate 401(k) Plan
Reed Smith maintains an Associate 401(k) Plan.- Profit Sharing
Second year through Senior Associates who meet defined service and performance requirements in a given calendar year are eligible for an annual profit sharing payment based upon Reed Smith's overall profitability as determined by a formula established for that year by Reed Smith's Management Committee, in its sole discretion.- Individual Discretionary Bonus
Reed Smith rewards outstanding Associate performance in a given calendar year, regardless of overall profitability, through an Individual Performance Bonus. The qualifying Associates are recommended by the Reed Smith Department Heads and Practice Group Leaders.- Individual Production Bonus
For Associates who elect to work in excess of Reed Smith’s regular hours expectations, we will pay a production bonus for hours recorded during each calendar year. An Associate must be employed as of July 1 to participate in this bonus, and part-time Associates participate on a pro-rated basis.- Origination Bonus
Second year through Senior Associates are eligible for a bonus on fees collected in a calendar year that derive directly from new business, as that term is defined by Reed Smith, that is originated by the Associate. - Employee and Other Benefits
Reed Smith maintains a Flexible Benefits Plan under which Associates are afforded a certain number of benefit dollars from which to select among an array of benefits. Associates may also purchase additional benefits with pre-tax dollars. Full-time Associates and part-time Associates working 70% or more of a full-time schedule are eligible to participate in all benefits.
Reed Smith also maintains an Infant Child Care Leave Policy whereby an Associate who has completed one year of service with Reed Smith may take up to four weeks of paid leave for the care of his or her child (including the adoption of an infant child) within four months of the birth of the child (or the adoption of the child).
Reed Smith will pay the annual attorney license fee (up to two) for all Associates. We also pay local bar dues for Associates up to five years out of law school.
Our dress code is Business Casual.
For Non-Equity Partners and Counsel, Reed Smith maintains compensation programs, which feature (401) k plans, bonus programs and employee benefit plans. Please contact us for more detail on these programs.
This excerpt of the Associate Compensation Program is for information purposes only, and is intended to illustrate the Compensation Program currently offered by Reed Smith to its Associates. It is not a Summary Plan Description nor is it a guarantee of current or future salary or benefits. It is also subject to change at any time.