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Probably not enough of a book to warrant comp guarantee. Comp is generally 1/3 book, so if you are paid over 400-500 base there likely won't be comp upside guaranteed till you get over 1.2-1.5mm
Book by itself won't be enough to justify a high base comp since you wouldn't be self-sufficient. The base salary would in large part depend on if they have work for you. At another mid-sized firm they would likely weigh heavily towards incentives
Addt’l Context:
Currently at a midsize firm trying to build a new practice for them but lacking associate support and the firm penalized me for ramping up in ny first full year.
They are sticking to no increase in draw after being here 15 months as of 1/1/26 and exceeding what I’d contemplated originating. I am asking to be rewarded beyond what a formula calculates bc I was ramping up for the first few months of 2025 but was told the formula is the formula.
They’ve accommodated in other ways but I’m disappointed at the zero change despite having signed engagements (flat fee) that will ensure I exceed $1 mm).
On top of it I lack associate support and while I’m cleared to hire one, HR is of no help and they will only pay to a certain number making it difficult.
If it’s a formula then it sounds like just a timing difference and you’ll be made whole after this year. Starting at a new firm inherently requires some ramp-up losses up front in exchange for the upside benefit of whatever made you join in the first place. I would’ve asked for a signing bonus or something to account for that; I wouldn’t expect an increase my numbers didn’t support. It sucks for you now, but in the long run it prevents other people from being leeches and getting paid while never delivering on their promises. You’d be the one subsidizing their comp.