Hueston Hennigan’s recent decision to offer its associates and counsel summer bonuses underscores the value of using bonus payments as a tool for talent retention.

In a shift away from the typical year-end bonus schedule, according to details of an internal memo obtained by Law.com, the California litigation boutique will pay out up to $25,000 for associates or counsel who are on track to bill 2,700 hours this year, $20,000 for those on track to bill 2,400 hours, and $10,000 for those on track to bill 2,000. The bonuses, which are to be paid out in July, are not dependent on class, according to the June 4 memo.