Depending on how much the mean/median person's base salary is that's on the order of a bonus. On one hand it's not that much. On the other hand I'd be pissed if I didn't get my bonus because of some back room deal between execs.
> that's on the order of a bonus
It's likely far less, considering the fees paid to the law firm(s).
...and it's probably denominated in gift cards to the various companies' stores.
It’s not nearly the amount of an annual bonus, which is typically about 15% base pay. This is the order of a spot bonus (e.g. the director wants to thank you for working double time to make a product launch happen in time for a conference). Or it’s the price of 1-3 successful referrals to a company.
"It’s not nearly the amount of an annual bonus, which is typically about 15% base pay."