Mid-year review and pay negotiation at firm with individualized salaries
Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2016 5:48 pm
I'm a mid-year at a big firm that uses a "black box" system for associate pay. I came into the firm as a lateral a year ago, but was not familiar with the pay structure. Now that I have more info I know that I am under-payed relative to folks at my level in my firm as well as at peer firms.
With that in mind, what is the best approach at negotiating my salary? I know my work quality, billable hours, and resume "justifies" a higher salary relative to my peers, but I struggle with conveying that message without sounding like I am threatening to quit. I have been browsing at other lateral positions and have meet with a recruiter, but there aren't many options for my practice and class level. If the job prospects were better, I would be more willing to play hardball, but I am trying to avoid such tactics given the current the market.
With that in mind, what is the best approach at negotiating my salary? I know my work quality, billable hours, and resume "justifies" a higher salary relative to my peers, but I struggle with conveying that message without sounding like I am threatening to quit. I have been browsing at other lateral positions and have meet with a recruiter, but there aren't many options for my practice and class level. If the job prospects were better, I would be more willing to play hardball, but I am trying to avoid such tactics given the current the market.