Linklaters has followed Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in handing out spring bonuses to its US associates for the first time.

The firm's US managing partner Nick Rees announced the move in an email sent out to all lawyers who will receive the payout.

In the email, Rees stated that "a number of our peer firms in New York have recently announced they will be paying spring bonuses to their associates. I am pleased to announce that we too will be paying an additional spring bonus to US associates."

The magic circle firm's US associates – as well as its US-qualified associates abroad – will now be entitled to between $7,500 (£4,600) and $20,000 (£12,400), depending on seniority. Bonuses will be paid at the end of April to all US associates who, the email specifies "are in good standing at the time of payment".

Those associates who qualified in 2009 will receive $7,500 (£4,600), while those who joined in 2007 and 2008 will receive $10,000 (£6,200). Associates who qualified at the firm in 2006 and earlier will receive between $12,500 (£7,700) and $20,000 (£12,400).

The news comes after Freshfields became the first UK firm to hand out spring bonuses to its US associates, with the magic circle firm's bonuses ranging from $2,500 (£1,500) for the class of 2010 to $20,000 (£12,400) for the class of 2006 and earlier.

The awards match the scale set by a number of US firms, including Cravath Swaine & Moore, Sullivan & Cromwell and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton.

Linklaters US bonus scale in full

Year of qualification – bonus
2009 – $7,500
2008 – $10,000
2007 – $10,000
2006 – $12,500
2005 – $15,000
2004 – $17,500
2003+ – $20,000