General question. If I'm an associate with a salary of $75k. I work on a case with a partner and the case settles for $100,000. How much would I get? I don't know anything about plaintiff pay structures. I know generally the firm collects 1/3. As a plaintiff attorney, is your month to month income low, with intermittent bonuses? I'm just asking for how it works generally to get an idea if I want to switch to plaintiff med mal one day.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Bonus structure and bonus payment vary firm to firm. You would need to negotiate the bonus percentage and other compensation details, or at least make sure you understand what they are in order to evaluate the opportunity. I think typical bonus would be 5% of fees for cases that settle pre-trial and 10% of fees for cases that you win at trial. For cases that you originate, you would typically get 1/3 of the fees. Many firms pay out bonus yearly, others pay quarterly. Some may agree to pay the bonus as earned (I.e., at the time funds are disbursed to client and lienholders), but this is uncommon. You can often negotiate a higher base or higher bonus percentage by taking a lower amount on the other. For example, if they offer $75k with 5%/10% bonus, you could counter with $100k and 3%/10% or whatever.

like

Also, you need to consider the type and number of cases that will be on your case list. If you have a small case list or a case list with lots of small policy limit cases, the bonus will likely be smaller than if you gave a larger case list or a case list with high-value cases. And, auto cases tend to be much easier than nursing home cases.

I used to do auto defense and I'm so burnt out from that world, I don't think I could do auto again. In michigan at least, it's terrible. Got it that's what I was wondering because I would be more concerned with having a consistent check to pay bills without a significant pay cut. Thanks a lot!

For sure. In that situation you’d probably want to push hard for a higher base and sacrifice some of your top-end potential, especially if you want to maximize 401k or something like that. I’m unfamiliar with your market but $160k-$250k base with 3-5% bonus pre-trial is not unheard of. You don’t want to do auto, but…. With your background in auto defense, high-end PI firms would be interested. If you have extensive auto defense background, you may even look at getting into a lead/manager type of role advising younger attorneys how to deal with ID tactics.

Related Posts

In PwC India, How much hike is given in general when one gets promoted from Associate(Consultant) to Senior Associate level (Senior Consultant)

like

3 freelance inquiries in one day. All 3 about how they need someone with my specific experience, all 3 offering half my usual hourly rate. I said OK since I'm not booked. After telling me to "hang tight" all three ghosted.

like

How much do partners make on average?

like
like

I have 5.5YOE, Got an offer for 25LPA CTC + RSU 10L vested over 5 years.

Domain is semiconductor software validation, can i do better ?

Not sure what salary to ask or expect since a lot of people get paid less than me and some get paid upto double for almost the same work.

Any tips for negotiating CTC and RSU ?

likesmart

Oracle India (IDC) - 17 fixed + pf(91K)

Optum global solutions - 16 fixed + pf(76k) + varibale 2.4 L + 2L joining bonus.

which is better to go for? Considering growth and future.

like
like

Can u help me with the in-hand amount please?

Post Photo
like

What could be the expected CTC for 16+ experienced Linux Sysadmin in Oracle, waiting for the HR round current CTC is 15 LPA

like

Hello,
Can someone plz share what's the average hike given in apisero for a senior software engineer ? 4 year exp/tech : Mulesoft

like

How much will be in hand ?

Post Photo
like

What is the salary of manager at Macquarie Group, Gurugaon with 10 years of experience? Tech stack full stack developer with strong Java and azure experience.

like

Hi Fishes, Please share your suggestions for the below. Schneider electrical (or) Comcast (or) CTS (or) SCB Which one will be preferable considering market recession - job security - WLB - benefits. All offered decent CTC. TIA. Schneider Electric Tata Consultancy CTS Comcast Standard Chartered

like
like

Hi fishes, I'm having below 2 offers. I'm little bit confused. Can you help me to choose one. Factors : career growth, work life balance. YOE : 2.7 yrs 1.Shell - Senior process data engineer (11+ 2L(variable) + 2.3L joining bonus (1 year) ) 2.Tiger Analytics - data science - python developer (14L fixed + 1L(2 year clause)) Shell Tiger Analytics

like

Coforge or IRIS for same package and same profile?

like

When does Accenture Capability pay Variable pay? If I join in May, when will I get the variable?

like

More Posts

Rant. This guy I have been talking to started making me feel bad about who I am and my roots. About how not American I am. He started calling me odd. I blocked him but now I feel inadequate.

Anyone here from Canada, who went through TN Visa process recently with Google, that can share their experience and timeline of getting the visa? I am planning to take some time off to wrap up relocation related stuff and manage notice period as well so it would be good to get some insight on timelines. Would be great if people here who went through the process can share their experience!

like

Considering a move from a B4 to the West Monroe deals practice. Any insights from people working there or who worked there?

likefunny

Tiger Analytics has started firing their new joineers(freshers) as they don't have adequate projects. I don't know where the freshers will go as they haven't done any project as such.

This is just pathetic from organization. They are just firing people owing to failing a test of certification, for which other company gives 3 trials but they are giving only one try with negative markings

like

This Democratic response sounds like she is doing a mouth sounds ASMR YouTube video. Too distracting

like

Trump for past several weeks: Mail in voting is fraud. Fraud fraud fraud. Massive bigly fraud.

Trump aides: Sir you are losing in Florida, a key battleground state.

Trump today: Mail in voting is perfectly safe and secure and I recommend it, in Florida.

likefunny

Just thinking about this section from historian Robert Paxton’s essay “The Five Stages of Fascism” over and over.

Post Photo
like

Anyone read the changing world order by Ray Dalio? His thoughts on where the US is headed have me very concerned, specifically how it seems more and more likely neither side is going to accept defeat in 2024. What happens then? Hopefully not legitimate armed conflict.

like

I’m so glad this bowl finally exists.

like

Hey Guys, need 15 likes to activate DM , please like this post.
Also let me know if anyone know about Impetus Tevhnologies.

like

About to interview for a technology strategy senior consultant role at Deloitte but I have never done a case before. Any tips? Anything to read up on? Will the case be technical in nature or more generic? Thank you!

like

What’s BMB like to work at?

like

Can someone tell me when to expect
offer letter from PWC after they
request for the documents? Also for US
tax profile they are providing permanent
wfh, do they provide a document for
that?

like

What is the salary range for a senior associate in pwc india (Advisory)?

like

hiya! So I was wondering how I can get a remote job in without any tech or call service experience? I have 4-5 years of customer service experience and I’m taking an swe bootcamp at the moment any suggestions?

like

Is it possible to go from cap markets/public companies to in-house at a fund or do they usually limit hiring to PE/M&A/Funds lawyers?

like

Which firms that pay market have no hours requirements for bonus?

like

Which bank account is better for salary account?

HDFC
Axis

like

How do you find balance between being a complete pushover (to the point of anxiety attacks) and being a team player? I’ve spread myself thin saying “yes.” I’m only 22, so I can’t burn out this quick

like

Additional Posts in Personal Injury Lawyers

I'm a 6th year attorney in NYC. Strictly defense work; started out with the City Law Dept, did a year and a half of med mal/construction, and for past year and a half have been at a well known defense firm working on high exposure construction accident cases. Contemplating taking a couple interviews at plaintiff's firms to see if there is a good fit. Does anyone have any advice on how approach discussions about compensation and what a market level comp package would or should look like?

like

How much support staff is reasonable to expect? Plaintiff PI, med mal/aviation and we’ve lost 2/4 “paralegals” in the last month. Lack of support staff really beginning to feel like it will limit my ability to handle the usual caseload. Was on an island before, and only going to get worse…

like

What do you guys send as gifts to referral sources for attorneys and/or former client referral sources?

*Assume in my jurisdiction there are no ethical issues associated with this

likehelpful

I currently work at a small PI firm in Atlanta were EVERYTHING is settled presuit. If we’re unable to settle, then it’s referred to another firm for litigation. This whole process seems very atypical to me and the attorneys rarely touch a file until the first liability offer is received. The paralegals handle everything from intake to drafting the demands. The attorney briefly skims (does NOT read) the demand packages and signs. Is this ethical?? Anyone else work at a firm that is run this way??

like

Plaintiff’s PI/Med-mal attorney, thanks to a good relationship with a former client who is in HR at a major health system I have an interview for an in-house associate’s position. Any advice on how I can market my skillset so I don’t blow this?

like

Thoughts on purchasing leads?

like

Plaintiffs PI attorneys, how many cases on average are you assigned to at any given time?

like

Hello. Does anybody have a CA loss of consortium demand they are willing to share.

like

Hello All,
I am finishing up my second year of practice as a lawyer. I transitioned to plaintiffs pi work from a boutique commercial litigation firm. I like the work and not having to bill. The issue I am having is managing volume. I have about 150 active files some pre-lit and the rest are in litigation. Cases range in value from very small to low six figures. I also take the driver seat for the grunt work on the firms bigger cases which are at or near 7 figure value. I constantly feel (cont.)

like

I give my cell phone to all clients routinely. However, there are always 1 to 2 clients who abuse this and it seems as soon as their cases are over I find a new one and it is making me rethink. I hate to do this because 98% do not abuse it and I like being connected to my people. Thoughts??

like

New to PI. I filed suit and know policy limits ($500k). I want $1M but I have to live in reality. Insurance company wants to know if I have a demand. Is there any reason why I’d demand more than the policy limits?

like

For Plaintiff's attorneys, how big is your caseload? What kind of cases are the majority of them and are they in suit? I am currently handling 150+ mostly MVAs and premise liability cases, just about all in suit, (on top of about 10 DUIs and other small traffic matters) and I feel like I'm drowning and looking to jump ship. What is normal/to be expected? In NYC area if that matters

like

What documents should I ask my insured for in slip and fall cases in the initial email? Thank you

like

What are good KPIs for personal injury support staff?

like

I need a laugh. Tell me about your most entitled client.

Mine called my personal cell phone on Christmas Day to ask me the status of her case while I was in the middle of watching my kids open presents. I’d just talked to her the week before and told her that the defendants had 30 days to respond.

like

What's your preference for plaintiff's side? Steady pay at approximately $120k with no bonuses, or a base salary of $70k plus a cut of what you close over a minimum threashold? Midwest-ish market. In both situations, you get a cut of what you bring in.

like

What does compensation look like for a second year associate at a personal injury law firm? Please comment if you practice in Los Angeles.

like

I’m a 3L applying in NYC for post grad employment. Which plaintiffs PI/Med firms have the best opportunities for a junior? Everything I find, including my past summer job, is a small shop with 3 partners max and a handful of established associates. I would really like plaintiffs side.

likesmart

In an auto accident trial, can you inform the jury in any way that the at-fault driver had insurance? I have a hard time believing a jury would award 7-figure damages if they thought the little old lady defendant had to personally pay. I’m just starting to do PI on the side by myself at my firm, so this is probably a very dumb and obvious question.

like

We lost an interim payment application for a client who has Steven Johnson's disease from a negligent prescription

Disappointed we lost

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal