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Sidley, a major Biglaw firm, has announced that it will condition bonuses for its associates in 2023 on office attendance. According to Bloomberg Law, associates at the firm will be required to come to the office three days a week to qualify for their total bonus at the end of the year. This policy is a significant shift from the hybrid work schedule many Biglaw firms have adopted, typically asking attorneys to come to the office two to three days a week.
The firm has communicated this new policy to associates during their annual performance reviews, emphasizing that in-office attendance will be one factor in awarding year-end bonuses. This move by Sidley is a departure from the approach taken by some firms last year, which slashed bonuses for associates without warning due to insufficient office attendance.
Sidley has emphasized the positive aspects of the new policy, stating in a statement, “We have asked all of our lawyers and staff to come into the office and embrace the collaborative culture that Sidley is known for around the world.” The firm has also noted that its office attendance policies are similar to those of its clients, who have also returned to their offices. Additionally, Sidley has acknowledged that associates value in-person contact with their peers and partners at the firm.
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While some associates may not be thrilled about the prospect of being required to come to the office to receive their total bonus, it is worth noting that Sidley is giving associates time to adjust to the new policy before it becomes effective. This contrasts with some firms’ surprise bonus cuts last year, which caught many associates off guard.
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Overall, it appears that Sidley’s new office attendance policy is an effort to increase collaboration and in-person interactions among associates while also aligning with the official attendance policies of the firm’s clients. While the policy may only be popular with some associates, the firm’s decision to communicate the policy well in advance is a positive step, giving associates time to adapt to the new requirements.
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