Crazy to reject signing bonus w/ SA offer? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I received an offer from a v20 firm in a major market. The offer included a signing bonus if I accept within 3 weeks. The offer letter and communications strongly suggest the offer could remain open after 3 weeks but that the bonus would not.

I’m wondering whether I should shut up and take the offer or try to extend it. I liked the people at the firm, but I am not terribly interested in the type of work this office primarily does and am worried about locking myself in too early if there are better offers out there (I have some interviews set up in the coming weeks and have had a good success rate of screener->callback). My school and grades probably make me competitive for other biglaw jobs, but this position would still be considered a good outcome. My fear is accepting this position later on and being in the same position but with less money.

[Anonymous User]

Wow have never heard of a signing bonus for a 2L summer associate position. This is not an advance and is on top of your big law salary? Is it 10k+? I would def take it. You can always try 3L OCI if you want to switch up later.

[Anonymous User]

I received an offer from a v20 firm in a major market. The offer included a signing bonus if I accept within 3 weeks. The offer letter and communications strongly suggest the offer could remain open after 3 weeks but that the bonus would not.

I’m wondering whether I should shut up and take the offer or try to extend it. I liked the people at the firm, but I am not terribly interested in the type of work this office primarily does and am worried about locking myself in too early if there are better offers out there (I have some interviews set up in the coming weeks and have had a good success rate of screener->callback). My school and grades probably make me competitive for other biglaw jobs, but this position would still be considered a good outcome. My fear is accepting this position later on and being in the same position but with less money.

I personally think it depends on how much better you can realistically do and what you want. If you’re competitive for a crazy selective firm (sounds like you’re not) and really desire one of those firms, for whatever reason, I’d say no; 10K isn’t worth it to give up an opportunity you almost certainly won’t get at 3L OCI. Just like it’s not worth it to pick cleary just because their summer program can last more weeks than Wachtell (although there may be other reasons to pick cleary). BUT If you’re just interested in corporate work and you’re not competitive for the tippy too M&A shops I’d personally take the money. Again, these are purely opinions though

[misterjames]

SA signing bonus?!? Omg lol these firms are out of their minds with recruiting

[barkschool]

This is insane. What are the contingencies, continued employment or arrival in 2020?

I don’t see much reason to just go ahead and accept and then if you’d like to be somewhere else be somewhere else.

Whatever the bonus is, it’s probably not necessary enough to sway you to one firm over another.