Kirkland & Ellis’ move to renew its $50,000 associate referral bonuses underlines the heightened demand for talent now amid an uptick in deal work this year, industry observers say. It’s also a move that may encourage other law firms to implement their own referral bonuses, if they haven’t already, some sources added.

According to a person with knowledge of the situation, increased demand led Kirkland to recently extend its $50,000 bonuses for associate referrals. Installed in October 2023, the $50,000 bonus was renewed until January 2025. The referral bonus was previously $25,000, according to the source.