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Hi,


I'm an incoming clerk to a major city with high COA, i absolutely have no savings from clerkship. And entering into a lease in that market generaly requires a high fee including some non-recurring fees such as co-op, background check etc and broker's fee. I dont have the cash right now and the move is several months ahead. I will be getting a bonus check from the firm, but they told me it was paid on my first paycheck, is there any chance to advance that bonus check..? I'm scared to ask HR and I don't know which HR to ask, firm is huge.

Anonymous User wrote:Hi,


I'm an incoming clerk to a major city with high COA, i absolutely have no savings from clerkship. And entering into a lease in that market generaly requires a high fee including some non-recurring fees such as co-op, background check etc and broker's fee. I dont have the cash right now and the move is several months ahead. I will be getting a bonus check from the firm, but they told me it was paid on my first paycheck, is there any chance to advance that bonus check..? I'm scared to ask HR and I don't know which HR to ask, firm is huge.

Many firms will offer an advance on salary. You have no reason to be scared - just ask HR if the firm is willing to offer a salary advance

Wondering about this as well. Aren't there ethical issues with accepting a salary advance from a firm while you're still employed by the judiciary? I'm aware bar reimbursement is allowed, but I thought that was considered to be different.

You should consult the ethics rules and also ask your judge.

First, check with your judge -- it might be better to wait to get the check until after your clerkship ends, though I assume you're already recused from any case that firm is involved in.

Next, just ask HR. This is their job. Just email the recruiter you've been in touch with, or whoever's been the nicest, or whatever.

Finally, rather than ask for the whole bonus, perhaps ask for half, or whatever amount would be enough for you to cover the immediate expenses?