Davis Polk & Wardwell has entered the annual bonus fray, matching the standard set by Cravath, Swaine & Moore in late November and adding a 20% "special bonus" for the all but the class of 2021, according to a memo obtained by Law.com. 

The memo detailed a year-end bonus structure that matches the Cravath scale, which several other firms have followed so far. But Davis Polk also has a "special bonus" section. The special bonus scale is as follows: 

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  • 2021: N/A
  • 2020: $4,000
  • 2019: $6,000
  • 2018: $11,500
  • 2017: $15,000
  • 2016: $18,000
  • 2015: $21,000
  • 2014 and senior: $23,000

The standard language applied through most of the memo, with the firm stating that the special bonus is a "one-time bonus" and that both the standard and special bonus are subject to stipulations around "part-time arrangements and 2021 start dates". 

Both bonuses will be paid on December 30, the memo said.