Generally speaking, how and when do you go about asking for a raise as a junior- to mid-level associate at a firm where compensation isn’t lockstep?

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

For context, I lateraled to this firm about a year ago. It’s a mid-sized firm and I make well below market. I wouldn’t mind so much if they weren’t also working me to death——I know I’d still be miserable, but at least I would have a slightly easier time rationalizing it. I think I have some leverage because the firm’s most important rainmaker has told me repeatedly how impressed he is and that I’ve “outclassed” my peers (his words, not mine). And while I appreciate the compliments and praise, I would like my compensation to reflect my efforts (I’m fairly certain other associates were hired at a higher salary than me). I’m not sure how salary reviews work, although I suspect those and bonuses happen in conjunction with annual reviews. Mostly, I’m just trying to prepare for how to respond (if at all) when I hear a number I don’t like. As I see it, the only thing I can do is stick it out until I’ve been here long enough that lateraling again wouldn’t make me look like a flake. But if there are any alternatives, I would really appreciate the insight.

likehelpful

Have you been through a review/raise/bonus cycle yet? If not, when is it. If so, consider the feed back.

I’d say the first step is seeing if you can figure out your realization ratio. I assume your hours are solid if you’re thinking about asking for a raise, but figure out how much is actually getting billed out by the partner and how much you’re actually collecting. Then find out how much you personally have helped the firm collect (hours billed x realization ratio)... then subtract your salary to figure out what “the pot” they could draw from to give you a raise. If your realization ratio is low and/or if you’re not collecting that much more than your salary, it’s probably not a great idea to ask.

like

OP, do you have any kind of year end review? It may be worth asking what financial metrics the firm is using to evaluate you and ask to see them.

like

Following!

likesmart

Following!

smart

Get your sponsor (a senior attorney) and the important decision-maker in a room and ask politely but firmly and indicate you'll start exploring options if your expectations aren't met.

like

Following...,

I would say that you should get the attorney that praised you behind your cause. Are you indispensable? If you are, then you will get your raise. Don’t make this about what others make. You need to make this about you and your value to the firm.

Related Posts

5 year salary progression in Salesforce ecosystem, MCOL city.
2016 - $45,000 (non profit)
2017 - $65,000 (in house admin)
2018 - $80,000 (consultant)
2019 - $98,000 (Sr. Consultant)
2020 - $130,000 + 15% bonus (Sr. Consultant)
2021 -$175,000 + 12% bonus (delivery manager)

likeuplifting

How much do GS associates make? Is there any room for negotiation with HR?

like

Hi All,
I currently have 5.5 Ipa package in LTI working hear from starting of my career having Total 3 years of experience in Data Analytics field. Skills Tableau, SQL, Python. I also have done post graduate deploma in ML and Al from IIIT BANGLORE while working. I have notice period of 3 months. And this will be my first switch.I want to switch in MNC's like TCS, Accenture, Infosys, wipro, Capgemini, Etc. in pune with Tableau and SQL and Python as core skills. Can you please reffer me.

like
like

Everyone complains about high healthcare costs in the US. I understand that it’s a complex problem including drug prices, insurances etc. But no one talks about the high physician salaries. Why do surgeons make near a million in the US while they make $250K in Canada?

The artificial supply limitation should end.

like

I have an interview with Korn Ferry for an associate principal role and am curious about others’ experiences have been with work-life balance here. Also, I have an idea of what I should be compensated in this type of role, but any insights on how they pay compared to others would be helpful. Are you traveling during the pandemic or have client interactions been virtual? Lastly, if you are a consultant here, are you on billable hours? My current consulting role is not - so this would be new.

like
like

YOE-3.3
Position- Data Engineer
Currently working in Quantiphi
I have 3 offers right now
1) Testbook 23lpa- 19fixed and rest stocks and variable
2)Tech Mahindra-20lpa fixed
3)Skuad - 24lpa fixed
Confused right now which to choose also been listening about recession and bear market so job security is also a crucial point in making a decision.

like

Hi everyone - I received an offer from Wayfair recently, for a Senior Manager role based in Boston. Any recommendations on where to negotiate / how much?

Details:
- $160K Base
- 1,200 RSUs over 4 years
1yr vesting with quarterly clip thereafter
Valued at $144K over 4y using today's stock price of $120 = $36K/y
- Signing bonus of ~$10K (TBD)
- Relocation payout of ~$10K (TBD)

Thanks in advance!

like

To all the insurance underwriters, what do y’all make/ YOE/ carrier?

like

I have an offer with Capita plc for 22 LPA for 5 yoe.
It's complete WFH.
Tech stack is spring boot and microservices.

Is it a product based company or a service based company?
How wlb will be in Capita plc?
I have been offered 6A band as senior software engineer, so is 22LPA fair compensation?

Thanks in advance.

like

$210k TC in Bay Area (Consulting) or new offer: $220k TC in Austin (FAANG)?

like

Hello Bowl, Currently working in Capgemini with CTC of 3.8lpa, got selected in ZS Associates as a lateral hire with 10lpa fixed for Associate (Big Data development role).
Is the offering good for 9 months experience guy in Bigdata Development.
Or should I negotiate?
Need some suggestions.
Thanks in adv.

like

ZS or Synechron?
Both offering same package
But I think learning curve will be more in ZS.
Tech Stack: ETL dev
YOE: 4.4

like

Any manager present here ??
My current CTC is 8.5 lpa , YOE - 5.5 and i hve an offer of 18lpa
Thing is I want to get retained by Wipro, can Wipro retain me with 13 or 14 lpa ??
I want to know from manager perspective how they retain someone

like
likeuplifting

I applied for a post of Test Automation Engineer in UBS, Pune. What salary can I expect?
Also would like to know about UBS culture and work/life balance?
YOE: 2 years

like
like

Promotion timeline at your firm? Like EY promotes once a year, announced in July and goes into system in October. Just curious

like

salary range for KPMG Deals accounting advisory senior associate in NYC?

like

More Posts

What's the slab for Manager Level 2 or Level 3 in Taxation? Does it crosses 30-32L?
YOE - 10+ Years

like

if someone joined EY gds within how many days he/she can add their dependents???

in which month??

like

How safe is databricks as an employer? Going through the hiring process. Also the role says its remote? Any idea if its really fully remote or they are going to ask to relocate eventually?

like
like
like

Hi Friends,

I didn't get relieving letter from EY GDS and its been more than 15 days that I had resigned from company and no one is responding except that automated response when I mail to myhr@gds

Requesting you to provide any mail so that I will mail them to get it complete asap

Please help!!

like

Hi All,
I am looking for urgent job opportunity in Business Analyst / Data Analyst / operation analyst domain.
Currently I am a Project Management Intern at Infocepts from past 11 months .
I have a background of Computer Science Engineering with Dual Specialization MBA in Business Analytics and Operations Management .
Do pls tell if any opening is there in above stated domains ,referrals too are appreciated .
Thanks.

like

EYP and Strategy& fishes, what sort of work do you do in the Life Sciences space (specifically Big Pharma)? And what sort of exits into industry have you seen your former colleagues make?

like

Anyone go from SaaS / licensing sales to services (strategy & implementation) sales?

I'm thinking of moving from large cap tech to large cap consultancy firm to help build the resume and round out my experience. I enjoy and do well in licensing, but I'm fairly young in my career (<6 years) and received a great offer to make the move.

Big fan of the org and team I'll be joining as well.

Thanks!!

TC ~$300K

likehelpful

Has anyone on here moved from IB to management consulting as an experienced hire? How do you view the decision in retrospect?

like

Bonjour!
Je suis à la recherche de poste dans la grande région de Paris. Je suis en discussion avec Capgemini. Quelles sont les attentes salariables pour Senior Consultant et Chef de projet?
Je demenage en France donc je cherche de infos pour bien pouvoir negocier!
Merciiii

Hello folks,

My current ctc is 23lpa and I have offer of around 36lpa in India
However i am getting an onsite opportunity In Denmark, what should be my expected ctc there? Considering the country is much expensive. If anyone has done research regarding cost of living in Denmark earlier, please share your thoughts on this, it would be very helpful. They are willing to offer 60k euros, but I feel 36 lpa in india is better deal. Companies are equivalent.
6 years exp in frontend with vuejs

like

Please discuss how the role of advocacy has evolved with technology and its limitations.

like

Ha anyone (with an MBA) been brought into their firm as an experienced hire at a non-MBA salary? If so, have you attempted getting back into the MBA salary pool? Success/fail?

Any accounting firms offer PPO($30 -100)copay a visit type insurance? I’m not a fan of these high deductible plans…

like

Building Wealth: has anyone ever bought property in Mexico, specifically Tulum area? If so, would you be willing to chat about it? I’m eyeing an investment property, but would like to know more about what, exactly, I’m getting myself into. Thanks.

like

I finished up with final interviews on Monday. Is it a bad sign that I’m still waiting to hear back today? Don’t companies typically reach out almost immediately with an offer if they choose you?

like

I’ve been daydreaming of a community loom in the school or classroom. Has anyone done this or have any tips? I’m wondering if people will want to participate or take the materials and “redecorate””.

like

Hello amazing people. I currently work in CA as a HH RN and planning on relocating to MI in couple months.
I’m not sure about the most efficient way to proceed. Is it best to start as a travel HH RN? Do I apply directly with an agency that offers relocation benefits?….I have over 15 YOE, what’s the pay like in MI?
Thank you all for your help!

like

Welcome to a community dedicated to supporting those who deal with or wish to learn more about micro-aggressions. Did you know that 72% of folks are bullied by their managers? 36% of folks end up quitting their job because of bullying.

like

Additional Posts in Law

Do biglaw firms acquire your official law school transcript grades in a background check? Or do they merely confirm attendance?

like

Plaintiffs attorneys - do you typically run public record searches on potential clients? Similarly, if potential client has been involved in 50+ lawsuits since 2010, how fast do I run for the hill?

like

Does anyone have a drink or two while working late some nights? I’ve gotten into the habit of having a glass of scotch on a Thursday or Friday night while working. Not saying it’s a bad thing, just curious if others do it.

like

Anyone know when Ch. 7 BKs must close by? Is this changed by when there are adversary proceedings (alleged fraudulent transfers made to a bank for CC payments)? Asking for my friend who is unfortunately involved bc of his parents, who are the debtors (he isn’t a defendant or a debtor in this, but the payments were made to a CC in his name—a CC he didnt know was opened in his name).

Its in Texas, and the initial BK filing was made about 23 months ago. TIA!

like

As lawyers are there ways to get paid for connecting clients?

like

Got a case where client got in a car accident and called the police the other driver gave completely fake information and the police didn't check it. What's our recourse to track them down?

like

Looking for guidance: Can a company require its employees to sign a confidentiality agreement prohibiting disclosure/discussion of their individual wages/salary information? Does this run afoul of the NLRA (specifically Section 7)?

Constantly worried I’m going to get fired because I don’t know where I stand at my mid sized law firm (second year associate).

like

What would you do? 34 years old. Offered partnership in hometown local firm 7+ years in the making that offers opportunity to earn 150-200k+ per year + benefits. Also just received unsolicited offer to be in house at young small company that will start at 200k and offer equity totaling payouts of low 7 figures over next five years but requires me to be away four nights/wk 2 hrs from home. May be able to work remote 2 days eventually. Life span of company is 5ish years. Married w/ 3 kids under 5

like

Work is an emotional rollercoaster - change my mind.

like

Any insight on working as a staff attorney at Sidley as far as pay, growth, hours, etc.? I had someone reach out to me about a staff attorney role there and just want to hear opinions.

like

What’s the best way to turn down a 2nd interview? During the 1st interview, I learned that the compensation for the role is not within the range that I am looking for and requires 400 more billable hours a year than what I bill now. I’d basically be laterally for my current salary just to bill 400 more hours. I also wasn’t aware that the local office was strictly ID. Firm website advertises lots of practice areas. Any advice? TIA!

like

How do you properly vet a law firm? I feel the associates I speak with talk up the firm and aren’t always candid.

like

How long is acceptable to ask to decide on an offer, especially when another place you really want to work at is moving a bit slower? I know this question has been asked before but I feel like 2022 has been its own beast in the legal market and would appreciate any advice. Thank you!

like

Any workers comp attorneys? Thinking of transitioning. What’s the job like?

like

What is the scoop on med mal defense vs. plaintiff work? Is defense more respected by other practice areas if I were to switch somewhere else later?

I applied to a position that brands itself as civil litigation and apparently the role is med mal defense. Not sure what to go by but would like to do a little research before I call them back.

like

Linguistic question, should an associate say "my partner" when talking to a client about a partner? To me this comes off like implying your also a partner, but saying "our partner" sounds weird too...

like

Brand new baby lawyer dumb question - I am tasked with drafting response to request to produce. How long should this take? And follow up… how do I bill this?

like

It is in appropriate to ask what the compensation for a position is after a first interview if they want you to go on three more and the interviewers on my first told me that was above their pay grade to tell me?????

Seems kind of ridiculous for a business to want to waste so much time to find out after a handful of interviews that the pay isnt aligned with my needs ......

I can see in biglaw not bringing up knowing damn well if you get an offer itll likely be high, but this is a midsize

likesmart

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