The recent ‘great exodus’ in Dewey has alerted law firms that holding out on payments and ‘less money, more work’ may be profitable in the short run, but can be devastating for a firm with employees losing morale. John Quinn, the founding partner of Quinn Emanuel has been prudent enough to respond to the mood and announce “… we will be paying bonuses at the end of June …the amounts will be determined roughly on the basis of seniority and level of sacrifice.”
Okay, so nobody knows what would be paid out in reality, but the announcement is lifting morale though the bit about the ‘level of sacrifice’ signals horror. How does ‘sacrifice’ enter into a working relationship based on ‘payment for services’? You extend that too far and then ‘you’re family’ and then ‘your money is my money’ and my Hawaii weekend means you are having fun!
But at least, there is a promise that you might get paid more for working harder. And that’s much better than the scene at most law firms where partners get their pay raised for convincing associates to accept low-pay packages.
One thing about John Quinn, he comes across as straight and above-board except for that ‘sacrifice’ part expected from associates. In his memo, Quinn says, “…as you know too well, the work load at our firm has been daunting for months on end. I have been amazed and humbled by the sustained dedication and sacrifice i have seen from our associates wherever i go. Being a good lawyer has always been hard work, but the commitment you show is really something special and, so far as i know, unique. I – and I know the other partners in our firm – are very proud to work with you all. We wouldn’t be the number 1 litigation firm in the world without you. “
Thanking the associates both in the introduction and conclusion of the memo, Quinn made the announcement to pay Spring bonuses in June.
He also mentioned that Quinn and Emmanuel is working hard to recruit more quality help.