When to ask for a raise? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Long story short, I had a very slow year my first year in biglaw (less than 1500 hours). No fault of my own, was constantly seeking work, and was assured by partners that it was not because of my work product. But, nonetheless, I did not get either the summer bonus or the raise to the new $190k scale (even though my firm did raise).

So, when is it appropriate for me to ask for a raise (or just to be brought up to the market rate for my class year)? I'm 2 months in to my second year, and currently on pace for ~2,300 hours for this year, though I know it's still early.

[Anonymous User]

When does your firm do annual/class year raises? My firm does them in January/February, and it may be that you're just in your "stub" year until January, and then you'll get promoted a class year. It wouldn't make sense to go in and ask for a raise now if it turns out your firm just does raises in January. Your firm may not officially consider you a "second year" for compensation purposes until January (that's how my firm works). Can you ask an older associate at your firm when the firm does raises/ class year increases?

[Anonymous User]

When does your firm do annual/class year raises? My firm does them in January/February, and it may be that you're just in your "stub" year until January, and then you'll get promoted a class year. It wouldn't make sense to go in and ask for a raise now if it turns out your firm just does raises in January. Your firm may not officially consider you a "second year" for compensation purposes until January (that's how my firm works). Can you ask an older associate at your firm when the firm does raises/ class year increases?

Everyone else in my class went up to the new scale effective as of July (when the raises went into effect). Class year raises are in January, but I was told I am essentially in a frozen salary until further notice. FWIW, current stub years are paid $190k, and I am paid $180k because I did not get the market raise.

[Anonymous User]

What firm freezes first years associate salaries unless they found themselves on probation?

[Npret]

When does your firm do annual/class year raises? My firm does them in January/February, and it may be that you're just in your "stub" year until January, and then you'll get promoted a class year. It wouldn't make sense to go in and ask for a raise now if it turns out your firm just does raises in January. Your firm may not officially consider you a "second year" for compensation purposes until January (that's how my firm works). Can you ask an older associate at your firm when the firm does raises/ class year increases?

Everyone else in my class went up to the new scale effective as of July (when the raises went into effect). Class year raises are in January, but I was told I am essentially in a frozen salary until further notice. FWIW, current stub years are paid $190k, and I am paid $180k because I did not get the market raise.

You’re the only one that didn’t get a raise? I understand no bonus but not the raise, unless they are putting you back a year?
I’ve never heard of this.
I would be looking to lateral if I were you.

[2013]

Your firm my adjust you in January when everyone receives a raise. Unfortunately, I don’t think you will ever recoup that 10k.

I know a few people at firms that don’t raise everyone (have to hit 2000 hours) and one of my friends was stuck at 180 because s/he wasn’t on track to hit hours, but will be adjusted to 200k since s/he ended up hitting hours.

I don’t know why everyone is so surprised firms do this.