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Had an interview with a medium sized firm in one of my target markets. As far as I can tell i'm the only 1L being interviewed for this summer. I had a phone interview and was asked for an in-person one, lunch, etc and just had that yesterday. At the end, the MP talked to me alone and asked what my salary expectation was for the summer. It's in a large secondary market, but starting salary for an Associates is $110-130 DoE.

I told the MP i would like something competitive with the average market rate in the area but i'm curious if I have any leverage. The firm is looking to grow their VC/M&A practice groups which they admitted to me they are very weak on. I come from a background of international M&A and VC capital raising for Startups as well as established internationals (doing deals from $20m up to $500m). Maybe not this summer, but if I am asked to return as a 2L, when is it appropriate to negotiate a higher pay b/c of my background (also assuming my grades qualify me for BigLaw as well).

thanks.

University of Michigan uh?

If it were me, I would just take what they would offer me. It is a crazy economy these days and I don't think as a 1L going in, you have any leverage because you have not proven yourself yet. Depending on the MP's personality, I would not want to irritate him by coming off as a prude employee who hasnt even billed an hour yet. JMO. But hey, what do I know?

Generally, you negotiate when you get a full-time offer not as a summer associate. Wait until you have a bird in the hand before you start negotiating salary. Most summer programs have a standard weekly salaries. I've never heard of people in the same office getting paid different amounts as summers (different market is another story).