Debevoise adds discretionary partner bonus pool as lockstep loyalty fractures across BigLaw

Debevoise & Plimpton has created a new discretionary bonus pool for partners, layered on top of its lockstep compensation foundation. Presiding partner Peter Furci described the rationale: "It's a talent game. We will use it to retain, but also to get talent. The partnership has reaffirmed lockstep as the foundation, while adding a defined pool of profits we can deploy strategically to hold onto and attract talent." The move follows Debevoise's creation of a non-equity partner tier less than a year ago. Across BigLaw, industry leaders that once treated lockstep as sacred have now introduced non-equity tiers, widened compensation bands, and implemented discretionary bonus structures to keep rainmakers from leaving — a pattern that is accelerating as competitors offer eight-figure packages.