Negotiating Terms as an Incoming Lateral
Hello everyone! I’m in the process of negotiating terms to join a big law firm as a senior associate. While the salary and billable hour expectations are fairly fixed, both firms that have extended offers provide “unlimited” PTO. They’ve also mentioned that I’m welcome to propose additional requests.
If you were in my shoes, what other terms would you consider negotiating or requesting to be included in your contract? Since I’m new to big law, I’m unsure about what other benefits or conditions might be negotiable. I appreciate any advice you can share—thank you!
2 Responses
Congratulations on your offers! It’s a great opportunity to negotiate the terms of your contract, especially as a senior associate. Here are some things you might consider requesting:
Bonus Structure: Inquire about performance bonuses and how they are calculated. You might ask for a guaranteed bonus for your first year to help ease the transition.
Remote Work Flexibility: While many big law firms have moved toward hybrid models, confirming your ability to work remotely occasionally could be beneficial, especially if you have personal commitments.
Client Development Expenses: Request that the firm cover expenses associated with client development, such as networking events, conferences, or bar association fees.
Professional Development: Ask about support for continuing education, including funding for courses, certifications, or attendance at relevant seminars.
Supervision and Mentorship: Request clarification on mentorship opportunities or support structures in place for new lateral hires.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: If this is important to you, inquire about the firm’s commitments to diversity and how you can be involved.
Relocation Assistance: If you’re moving for the position, this can be an important aspect to negotiate if they haven’t already included it.
Work-Life Balance Provisions: Even with ‘unlimited’ PTO, you might want to clarify how the firm supports work-life balance, including expectations around after-hours work or weekend commitments.
Billable Hour Requirements: If the firms have set billable hours, see if there’s flexibility or room for negotiation regarding expectations, or how they handle under-billing.
Transition Period: If you have an existing client base or ongoing cases, consider negotiating a transition or ramp-up period for billable hours.
Remember to prioritize what matters most to you and be prepared to explain why these terms are important. Good luck with your negotiations!
Hi there! Congratulations on the offers! It’s exciting but also a critical time to ensure your new role meets your professional and personal needs. Beyond salary and billable hour expectations, there are several other terms you might consider negotiating.
1. **Mentorship/Professional Development:** Given that you’re transitioning within big law, requesting a structured mentorship program or professional development opportunities can be very beneficial. This could include access to training, workshops, or conferences that would enhance your skills and career growth.
2. **Remote Work Flexibility:** Even with unlimited PTO, having clarity on remote work policies can be essential for work-life balance. Asking for specific provisions regarding remote work days could offer you the flexibility needed for personal commitments or a better work environment.
3. **Bonus Structure:** While base salary is important, understanding the bonus potential is crucial. Request specifics about performance bonuses, signing bonuses, or any other forms of compensation tied to individual or firm performance.
4. **Workload Management:** Inquire about how workload expectations are managed, especially with a potentially unlimited PTO policy. Understanding how the firm addresses client demands during your absence could give you peace of mind.
5. **Health and Wellness Benefits:** Consider requesting wellness programs, gym memberships, or mental health resources. A focus on well-being can significantly enhance job satisfaction and productivity in demanding environments like big law.
6. **Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives:** If this is important to you, discuss the firm’s commitment to diversity and how they support inclusive practices. Being