We need more info on Chicago bonuses? Please cough it up associates.

There is not a "market" bonus in Chi (unlike NYC). But there are, generally speaking, some bonus "tiers":

1) Kirkland. The second tier comes in quite distantly, i.e., Kirkland bonuses tend to be 75-100% bigger than those of the second tier firms. First/second year averages: $35k

Note: "Second tier" applies ONLY to bonuses, not salary, prestige, etc. In all other regards, the top tier remains Kirkland/Sidley, then Mayer Brown, then Winston, then Jenner, then Katten.

2)

A) Mayer Brown, Sidley, Katten, Jenner, Winston, Jenner.
First/second year averages: $20k

B) Skadden, Latham, Paul Hastings, etc. (i.e., major firms not based in Chi). Note that these firms may well pay bonuses greater than those of tier 2 A; however, info as to bonuses at such firms' Chi offices is especially scarce. They are likely near or on par with their NYC bonuses (but with no "special" bonus), but I can't say so with certainty.

3) DLA, MW, MWE, BM, BBL, SNR, SH, LLBL, etc. (i.e. Chi based firms, or firms with big Chi presences). Bonus amounts for first/second years among these firms vary widely (and can vary within each firm), thus hard numbers are hard to come by. On the lower end, expect first/second year bonuses to be around $5-7k; on the higher end, $10-12k.

2nd Tier and 3rd tier chicago bonuses really suck.