Manatt LA or OC Forum
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Manatt LA or OC
Does anyone have any info re Manatt LA or OC? From what I can tell, they pay market, but on some weird merit-based system that isn't necessarily lockstep. Also is it true that hour requirement is 1950? I am also interested in their employment practice - comp the same as the rest of the firm or less so?
- LaLiLuLeLo
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Re: Manatt LA or OC
I may be out of date, but Manatt does not pay market and were a good amount below market when I was in law school. Their black box “merit based” comp system could theoretically pay you market, but realistically it does not and you won’t get paid market.
I can’t speak to their hours requirement (color me skeptical especially if you want that “merit based” comp) or their employment practice other than knowing someone left as a junior to go to Jackson Lewis...which isn’t an encouraging sign.
I can’t speak to their hours requirement (color me skeptical especially if you want that “merit based” comp) or their employment practice other than knowing someone left as a junior to go to Jackson Lewis...which isn’t an encouraging sign.
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Re: Manatt LA or OC
Thanks, yeah that is not an encouraging sign. Especially since firms like Jackson Lewis and Litter definitely, do not pay market.LaLiLuLeLo wrote:I may be out of date, but Manatt does not pay market and were a good amount below market when I was in law school. Their black box “merit based” comp system could theoretically pay you market, but realistically it does not and you won’t get paid market.
I can’t speak to their hours requirement (color me skeptical especially if you want that “merit based” comp) or their employment practice other than knowing someone left as a junior to go to Jackson Lewis...which isn’t an encouraging sign.
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Re: Manatt LA or OC
Current Manatt associate here. I can confirm that compensation is "merit-based" although the firm is moving towards more of a lock-step approach with the arrival of a new managing partner.
There are certain associate "tiers" and depending on where you rank within the tier determines how much your base salary is. Overall, you can make "market" base salary until you get to like 4/5th year associate territory. Where the firm will certainly disappoint is bonuses, which are generally way below market, like $5,000 for first years.
Overall hours target is 1950 though many bill less than that. It is a relaxed place to work compared to other big firms so it has that going for it. Not the place to go if you are simply looking to make the most money.
There are certain associate "tiers" and depending on where you rank within the tier determines how much your base salary is. Overall, you can make "market" base salary until you get to like 4/5th year associate territory. Where the firm will certainly disappoint is bonuses, which are generally way below market, like $5,000 for first years.
Overall hours target is 1950 though many bill less than that. It is a relaxed place to work compared to other big firms so it has that going for it. Not the place to go if you are simply looking to make the most money.
- LaLiLuLeLo
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Re: Manatt LA or OC
So, what’s the comp (salary + bonus) of an average 2nd year?Anonymous User wrote:Current Manatt associate here. I can confirm that compensation is "merit-based" although the firm is moving towards more of a lock-step approach with the arrival of a new managing partner.
There are certain associate "tiers" and depending on where you rank within the tier determines how much your base salary is. Overall, you can make "market" base salary until you get to like 4/5th year associate territory. Where the firm will certainly disappoint is bonuses, which are generally way below market, like $5,000 for first years.
Overall hours target is 1950 though many bill less than that. It is a relaxed place to work compared to other big firms so it has that going for it. Not the place to go if you are simply looking to make the most money.
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Re: Manatt LA or OC
I would say that a second year will have a base in the range of $182,500-$190,000 with a bonus of $3,000-$15,000.
To get to the top base level you would need to have a strong first year, in other words, hitting 1950, which can be tough. Even if you get top base and top bonus, you will still be behind market.
To get to the top base level you would need to have a strong first year, in other words, hitting 1950, which can be tough. Even if you get top base and top bonus, you will still be behind market.
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Re: Manatt LA or OC
Do you have a general idea for laterals? I am class of 2015, and my recruiter told me the base would likely be 190,000 - 210,000. Does that sound right or out of proportion?Anonymous User wrote:I would say that a second year will have a base in the range of $182,500-$190,000 with a bonus of $3,000-$15,000.
To get to the top base level you would need to have a strong first year, in other words, hitting 1950, which can be tough. Even if you get top base and top bonus, you will still be behind market.
Also, how would you generally describe the partners in the firm? Reasonable? Or sending emails in the middle of the night with unreasonable deadlines? I am just curious that if they don't pay big law salary, do they at least not give big law stress.
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Re: Manatt LA or OC
That sounds about right. I would try to get to $220,000 though as I think there are a few class of 2016's who made it there. With market for you at $255,000 you don't want to take as big of a haircut.Anonymous User wrote:Do you have a general idea for laterals? I am class of 2015, and my recruiter told me the base would likely be 190,000 - 210,000. Does that sound right or out of proportion?Anonymous User wrote:I would say that a second year will have a base in the range of $182,500-$190,000 with a bonus of $3,000-$15,000.
To get to the top base level you would need to have a strong first year, in other words, hitting 1950, which can be tough. Even if you get top base and top bonus, you will still be behind market.
Also, how would you generally describe the partners in the firm? Reasonable? Or sending emails in the middle of the night with unreasonable deadlines? I am just curious that if they don't pay big law salary, do they at least not give big law stress.
As to the partners, I have found them all to be extremely reasonable save for one or two, which you can generally avoid. Weekend work is limited from my experience and both corp/litigation people share this belief. Also,no big facetime requirement and the office is a ghost town after 530p or on Fridays. Office is moving from West LA to Century City early 2020 so consider that when deciding on the firm.
- Raiden
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Re: Manatt LA or OC
Thanks for the inside info - that must be a big move with it being the main office. I was debating between the Costa Mesa office and the LA office...but the LA office is the main office. And from what I’ve read, it seems as if associates have to seek out work and there isn’t a system to balance work.
The limited face time requirement is a big positive. But the opaque salary system is a bummer. But if there is a decent work-life balance, then it seems worth it.
If you don’t mind, feel free to message me privately to discuss further.
The limited face time requirement is a big positive. But the opaque salary system is a bummer. But if there is a decent work-life balance, then it seems worth it.
If you don’t mind, feel free to message me privately to discuss further.
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Re: Manatt LA or OC
the comp is fine in light of the non-crazy hours IMO. happy with my choice.
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Re: Manatt LA or OC
Bumping this thread; would be interested in any updated insight on Manatt LA (e.g., what it's like to work at the firm, are the partners good to work with, how are they responding to the recent salary raises, etc.). Thanks in advance!
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Re: Manatt LA or OC
Hah literally came for the same thing.
Anyone have any buzz on what's going on with the Entertainment Litigaiton group? I saw their big partner (John Gatti) left for Loeb. That is major. They have a job app open for it now, but wondering if the group is a sinking ship?
Anyone have any buzz on what's going on with the Entertainment Litigaiton group? I saw their big partner (John Gatti) left for Loeb. That is major. They have a job app open for it now, but wondering if the group is a sinking ship?
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Re: Manatt LA or OC
Also wondering what current compensation is for senior associates in LA and what percentage of associates exceed hours?
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