How would you handle not getting a bonus or a raise this year even if you outperformed expectations? I really like my job and the work, but my comp is not matching my responsibilities and performance imo. Partner has ducked me for the last week trying to have a meeting about 2020 productivity.

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

By looking for a new job

like

I'll try to keep it short and sweet. I am in my first year as an associate at this firm (graduated in 15) and I am the sole attorney handling one of the firm's biggest practice areas that, according to the managing partner, generates 50-60k per month in revenue. On one hand I feel that's exaggerated, but even if it's significantly less than that, it's a really high amount for a first year associate to bill and collect in my market. In addition to that, I've brought in about 50k in collections of my own business. I worked those files practically solo as well.

My comp is not low, but certainly not high for my small market. Less than 6 figures in salary and no benefits (benefits are offered but my health insurance is taken care of with my spouse's job).

I feel like I have partner level responsibility and am expected to have partner level decision making, but my comp is junior associate level. From personnel issues in my practice area, to full control of strategy etc. 90% of the advice I get from the managing partner is to "do what I think is best" without any substantive direction on how to handle whatever the issue is. To give an example, the managing partner wants me, the associate, to set our hourly rate on matters. On one of my files I brought in, the client agreed to a certain rate from the outset, yet after the job was completed and it was time to bill, the partner wanted to unilaterally lower our rate by 25%. He asked me what I thought and I said "No." We billed them at the original rate and it was paid no questions asked.

I've been trying to meet with the managing partner for about a week now and he keeps ducking and dodging and I get the feeling that he's not concerned with discussing my 2020 productivity before the end of the year because I'm not getting a bonus or a raise anyway so why bother discuss it.

Based on my own business and the matters I've been responsible for, I would estimate (based on the figures mentioned by the managing partner himself) that I have collected between 500 and 600k in 2020.

What would you do in this situation? I don't want to leave, as I like the work and I like the autonomy, but I don't like the idea that my comp is not effected by bringing in exta business.

I would tell the partner explicitly (but politely) that you would like to have a conversation about your compensation. If he's ducking you because he has no intention of giving you a raise or bonus, you deserve to know that. You also deserve to know if there's any possibility of fair compensation in the near, medium or distant future. If the firm is struggling and there's really not much they can do, that would be helpful to know as well.

By the way, if you are correct about what the firm is collecting for your work, sounds like your base pay should be 150% to 200% of what it is.

If the partner refuses to even have the conversation, may be time to start thinking about striking out on your own or finding a place you'll be compensated fairly.

Thank you for your reply. I was initially stunned when he told me those revenue figures for my area, but hey that's all I have to go on.

The firm has definitely taken a hit in other areas with covid, but in my view I don't want to hear the covid sob story when my area is flying AND more importantly the partner attempted to willingly drop a bill by ~10k for reasons unknown. Our firm also received PPP money so the drop in revenue was certainly softened by that.

like

Time to look for a new firm! Or. Time to make you a partner... something about your numbers do not benefit you.

A first year collecting $500k-$600k is seriously impressive, especially at non-V5 rates. Keep on mind the general rule of thumb that your compensation should be around 1/3 of collections.

This year is sui genesis to use a special term we learned in law school bc of COVID and makes future revenue planning dicey

Related Posts

Hi fishes

I have been selected for Consultant position for Mastercard. Its been 10 days since I have submitted my documents.
HR called once last week for salary negotiation but hasn’t called back since.

Should i be worried?

What's the salary range/bracket for IT Manager in Vodafone B'lore & Pune? TIA

like

Hello guys
Please help me have an idea of the monthly take home salary

Post Photo
like

Entry level cloud engineer salary range for ease coast ?

like

Let's talk salary.

I'm up for a raise soon and I'm at 43,000 a year. Anyone have any advice on what I should ask for?

like
like

What is the best time to join pwc ac so that you will be included in the hike cycle?

like

Hey fishes, can someone tell me how the 80c bracket works, i know i can get exempt upto 1.5lakh under it, what i wanna know is does PF comes under it or not? For example if my yearly pf deduction is 20k and VPF is 10k so now will i still be able to show investment of 1.5lakh under 80c apart from PF and VPF or i'll be able to get exemption on only 1.2 lakh( 1.5lakh-30k= 1.2lakh)?

Thank you in advance!!

like

Hi!!
Recently I applied for the SOC role in IBM. Cleared all the rounds. The HR was offering me 5.7 lpa. I asked for more. HR said she would check and get back. Hasn't replied to my calls since the last 4 days. Should I expect a call?
Current CTC: 4.5 lpa
YOE: 2.5

like

Hi Fishes, If I join Bank of America (BA Continuum) on October 1st, will I be eligible for hike in coming appraisal. Bank of America BA Continuum India Pvt. Ltd.

like

I’m working in a large fund; market neutral public market strategy funds; am about to be recommended for a promotion to associate. However, an analyst position just opened up internally in Credit, which is where I aspire to be for the next ten years. More growth and more intellectual challenge. I’m conflicted about applying for a lateral transfer and losing out on a promotion. Will I be missing out a promotion or should I negotiate a promotion as part of my application to this role ?

like

Anyone get a verbal offer where the hiring manager tells you they will be sending a formal offer letter, but be patient. No details on compensation, benefits, PTO, etc shared at all. It’s been a week and I’m still waiting. Not sure if this is an ominous sign.

like

What is the best package one can get in current market scenario in SAP FICO S4 HANA
YOE- TOTAL 7.2 YRS
RELEVANT- 5.2 YRS
SAP S4 HANA CERTIFIED
ALSO PURSUING CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY ( ACCA ,UK)

PLEASE NEED SUGGESTIONS GENUINELY, PLEASE HELP

like

Hello guys, I have below offers:

T-system : 27 LPA fixed ( 2 days a week WFO mandatory from DOJ)

Tech Mahindra : 26 LPA ( including 10% variable ) + 1lakh JB ( WFH for now)

Which one is good for better opportunity and WLB.

SAP ABAP on Hana .YOE: 7 yrs

T-Systems ICT India Pvt. Ltd. Tech Mahindra

like
like

Hey!
Whats the salary of AM in KPMG Global in PMO team? Thanks!

like

How much package can I ask from
SAP labs for 3 YOE, developer
associate level, Skill SAP ABAP.
Current package 5.5 LPA.
SAP @

like

More Posts

Asking for a friend. For an SVP CD on agency side what would be the equivalent on client side? This is for art.

My office is doing an eventual RTO office, but most of my team is in another state, so not really seeing the point of going. Anyway to convince them that I shouldn’t be expected to go back in if I’m on of the couple people in a different state office?

like

Is the market due for a correction anytime soon?

like

Hey friends we’re going to have our FIRST MEET UP this Sunday at Coronado beach.🏝️🙋

Friends, business, Tech, sunset and good vibes. We already have 12 people registered in whatsapp.

Like and comment to send you the link of the group. ⬇️

like

I posted this somewhere else before I remembered that I am in this bowl :) so, I changed jobs 6-7 months ago and I am realizing it is not a good fit. Leadership seem to not want to hear the truth so people tell them what they want to hear and if you don’t middle management gets pissed at you. I am seriously thinking about looking somewhere else. My question is how do you answer the “why are you looking to leave” question without bad mouthing your current company?

like

Hi everyone, I have a question. I am currently in the middle on of an interview process, where I am quite confident that I will get the job... but I want to work for another company that has contacted me 1 week ago to interview but hasn't scheduled the interview yet....

Meaning that their interview process is probably going to take longer... how should I reach out to the company and properly let them know my situation?

like

Hi fishes,

I am trying to switch to new company as mule developer. I have 3.5 exp with relevant 2.5 exp. Could you please suggest can I go ahead and try ? Is there calls for mule developers? How much I can expect salary? Currently I have 10.5 lpa at Infosys. Plz help me on how to prepare for interview?

Admin - Thanks for setting this group up.
If there are active investors / traders - Feel free to share your strategies or learnings

like

Does anyone have any cool or major projects they worked on OUTSIDE of advertising? in a previous life or a side project? Drop a link or a description, would love to see some inspiring work.

like

Trying to start reading more/ finding some blogs and inspiring resources. What are some of your favorite blogs/medium publications/online sources/etc of inspiration?

Hi folks,
I have joined EY India about 3 months back and I want to move to EY GDS, is that possible?

like

Microsoft Azure
Aws
Developer, administrator, architects

Remote support from india, for USA customer contact on 8851891563

like

All my investment is in real estate - 1 primary and 2 rental. Total 3.7 M value and 1.7 mortgage pending. About 400k in cash. I’ve 0 RRSP. Is my investment strategy terrible?

like

£50k TC, 2.6YoE working within the change arm of a bank ——- what do experienced fishes think is a good next move for someone like myself? Might want to move into consulting one day with ultimate aim of MBB but also enjoy technical coding work, particularly in credit risk / counterparty credit risk in banking — could use some fresh perspective ; quite confused atm as interested in many things! Don’t mind staying in change management either TIA - appreciate any advise

like
like
like
like

Policy merits aside (for a moment) does anyone agree with claim Trump acted illegally in strike which killed Soleimani who was head of a designated terrorist organization? If so, on what grounds?

Good evening Everyone, I have been a PSR for 10 years with the same company, but worked for 5 different practices. Was looking to move up in our company but from what I’m understanding, we have to have a degree in management. How would I go about trying to move up in and out of my position without a degree?

like

Hi Everyone,

I need one suggestion,

I have 2 offers one with
Virtusa - 16.75 fixed + 1.25 variable+ 1 bonus
Cognizant - 16 fixed + 50 variable

YOE - 4

Based on job security & Yearly Hikes which one should I Join?

One more thing do virtusa have a probation period?

like

Additional Posts in Law

Considering accepting a fully remote role and living in different cities for 6+ months at a time. Anyone else do this and have experiences to share?

like

Help needed! I’m negotiating my raise this year (for the first time). It would be extremely helpful if any comparatively placed attorneys would be willing to disclose their salaries for me to use as ammo 😜 Looking for these parameters:
Nashville - 3-4 YOE - Big Law (L&E most helpful, e.g. Littler, Ogletree)

like

Does anyone’s dog look at them with puppy eyes when you leave for work so you tell them you have to go make money to afford their lifestyle? 🤣

likefunny

So who else here is experiencing plummeting billable hours and exponential weight gain since this whole WFH thing started? Bought snacks for 30 days, finished in 48 hours.

likefunnysmart

Is it weird to leave a job without expressing you are unhappy to any managing partners before hand? I actually think they will be shocked if I gave my two weeks and I think my biggest worry is that I am going to be killing my group if I leave with all the matters they will need to take on. But the firm has just been brutal during COVID with no acknowledgment at all (money or otherwise) of all the extra work associates have been putting in.

like

Best deal toy / tombstone ever?

like

I know that the general advice is not to cut your own time, but if you think you took WAY TOO LONG on something should you? I don’t want partners to think of me as inefficient.

like

Niche practice area, and thinking about moving firms. Without moving cities, there are really only 2 options. I think both would make me an offer and create a position. How should I approach this?

like

Fifth year labor and employment associate at Big4 L&E firm (think Littler) and am considering making a move into big law (think Jones Day, Goodwin, etc.) Any thoughts on if it’s worth it this late in my associate career? Also, do those big firms take 6-8 year L&E laterals?

like

Wondering if legal tech is legit or all hype

like

Currently an associate at a mid-sized firm with “strong potential” to make partner at the end of this year. Things have been toxic for a while, but have cratered in 2021, with few signs there will be any positive changes on the horizon. What are the pros and cons of staying to make partner before trying to go in-house? I’d assumed it would be better to job search with that title on the resume, but am rethinking my assumptions the worse things get.

like

You hired an intern in law school, trained him mentored him. Work product was great. Gave him a full time offer and he was working full time for 3 months. Set to go back in the office. He gives notice because he doesn't want to be in the city we're in and wants to move for family reasons to a completely remote firm.


How pissed are you at this?

likefunny

Has anyone else noticed that a hugely disproportionate number of latinx big law attorneys seem to be white / white-passing?

like

Okay...here goes: I’m not sure if I just want to leave my firm or private practice altogether? For those of you who have contemplated leaving private practice, how did you finally come to realize that that was really what made sense for you, as opposed to just switching firms?

like

Does anyone send out handwritten Christmas cards? (Ie. to a mentor you met at a networking event)

like

How do you spend your precious unwinding time after work? I love binge watching tv shows but realize it’s probably not the healthiest way to wind after a stressful day. Anything fun / low stress yall do?

Note; working out is not a relaxing activity for me so don’t even start with that. Also I am single and have no kids so ..

like

Firm needs to get something done in Town X (130 miles away). Coincidentally, I also need to be in Town X that same day for something else (personal stuff). Is it OK to volunteer to do the thing and ask for a reimbursement of my expenses (fuel etc.)?

likesmart

Any ID attorneys get their CPCU? Trying to make myself more marketable as claims counsel or in-house for a carrier (not doing ID).

like

I want to emphasize in my resume that I defend major corporate entities, including Fortune 500 companies. What is the best way to word this on a resume (without sounding obnoxious)?

like

Heyyy! So@first day on the job and I am asked to help establish an offshore company for a client … to my experienced fellows… can you help me access relevant Information or help me see what is in my blind spot?

Thanks!

like

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