Attorneys spend their days planning for other people's what-ifs and often skip their own. These posts each take one money decision that comes with a legal career.
Making partner is a big moment, and the money changes too. Many partners pay a capital contribution to buy in, get paid as partners instead of employees, and start making estimated tax payments. It's worth mapping out your first year as a partner before it starts.
If you're paid as a partner or earn on your own, your taxes usually aren't withheld for you. The usual estimated tax dates for 2027 are January 15, April 15, June 15 and September 15. Put them on your calendar now. Details at irs.gov.
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Bonus season is here for a lot of attorneys. An order that helps it last. Set aside the tax you'll owe first, then top up your cash cushion. Raise your retirement savings, and enjoy part of what's left. Deciding the split before the bonus lands makes it easier to stick to.
Working in government or at a qualifying nonprofit? Public Service Loan Forgiveness forgives the rest of your federal Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments while you work full time for a qualifying employer. Certify your employment every year so your count stays accurate. Details at studentaid.gov.
Attorneys spend their days planning for other people's what-ifs. A quick check on your own. Is your will current? Does your insurance match your income and your family? Are the beneficiaries on your accounts still right? If any answer is "not sure," this week is a good time to look.
Type your website. In about a minute Watt writes 3 posts for your firm, with your colors, fonts and logo. Free, no sign-up.
Nothing posts without your approval.How making partner changes their pay and taxes, what to do with bonuses, and how to handle student loans, especially in public interest work.
Use them as a starting point. Change the wording to sound like you, check the figures for the year you post, and run them through your firm's compliance review before they go out.
Use official figures and dates with their source, avoid tax conclusions, and keep advice for one-on-one conversations.
The graphics on this page were made by Watt for Ridgeline Planning, a sample firm. Figures are for 2026 and come from the sources named in each post. Check them for the year you post.