Following a trend started by US firms, Clifford Chance  has become the third “magic circle” firm to pay a spring bonus to its US associates.  The bonus, announced last week, will be paid to US associates in New York and Washington DC, based on seniority and performance.  At the low end, the bonus is lower than rival UK firms Freshfields and Linklaters .  Clifford Chance is starting the bonus scale at $2,500, compared to Linklaters $7,500.  The top end amount is the same, at $20,000, however associates with three years less experience will qualify for the top end bonus at Clifford Chance compared to the other two firms.