Question: I'm looking @ joining a practice (flying solo, at this time), as an employee, where the annual hourly billing requirement is 1,560. I'm looking at bringing in just under $500k. I also have 19 years as an attorney & 12 years experience in this field.

What should I be negotiating for? Salary at $125k? Health & dental insurance? PTO? Vacation? 401-k? What about bonus structure? Should I be negotiating a quarterly review w/bonus for hitting 90%, etc.? Don't laugh! This is new to me!

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I made $125k as a 1st year in 2019. I make double that now. That is an insane salary to expect as an attorney with two decades of experience.

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Ah, but here's the rub: I live in a rural area of a very poor state. The market wouldn't support much more than that.

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Why are you not joining as a partner if you're bringing a book?

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I'm not bringing a book. I just relocated to the area.

What will your hourly rate be? Your salary should be roughly: (billable rate x hours requirement) / 3. Partner title. PTO when you want and I’d want to know people can actually take it and disconnect during. 5% 401k match.

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Thank you! That's very helpful! It's $300/hour.

What state/city? $125k to me sounds extremely low. I make 320k as a sixth year working remotely.

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My firm is in NY/LA and it’s not an Am200 firm, so yes they are on the higher end of pay scales of non-BL firms. I live in San Diego since I work fully remote.

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Is expect to pull at least 50% of your originated work. Generally 1/3 or 1/4 [rate] x [hours] (though higher percentage for originated work)

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Thank you!

$125k is what I make as a paralegal.

Right? Lol!

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Have you been solo for 19 or 12 years?

My periods of solo practice are scattered throughout my career.

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