Litigation Lateral Bonus Forum

[Anonymous User]

I know there is a ton of money being thrown around right now at corporate laterals. Are litigation laterals getting signing bonuses too? In what amounts? I am particularly interested in mid-levels. Assume we are talking about major firms in major non-NYC markets (i.e. places with Sidley and Kirkland for Chicago) for groups that busy and actively advertising, although any data points are welcome. .

[SGTslaughter]

Bumping this, interested in this too.

[Anonymous User]

Based on my tentative forays into the lateral mid-level lit associate market, it's not the same heat. The demand is just not there or as high as it is for corporate. I would love to be corrected or proven wrong however.

[Anonymous User]

mid-senior IP lit lateral, 50k signing bonus from v50.

[Anonymous User]

I received a $20K signing bonus in 2018 when I lateraled to Kirkland as a junior associate. They were extremely busy, and in hindsight, I should have asked for more in exchange for ending my lateral search but it was more than my litigation peers were getting at the time.

[Anonymous User]

I received a $20K signing bonus in 2018 when I lateraled to Kirkland as a junior associate. They were extremely busy, and in hindsight, I should have asked for more in exchange for ending my lateral search but it was more than my litigation peers were getting at the time.

mid-senior IP lit lateral, 50k signing bonus from v50.

How did you negotiate this? Was it offered to you at the first instance or did you have to ask? How did you ask? Who did you ask?

[Anonymous User]

IP lateral from above: I framed it as whether they have any signing bonuses for associates that would have to forego the hours (for the usual bonus) accumulated up to this time of the year if they were to lateral now. Else, the associates would have to wait until they receive their usual bonus before they make a lateral move. It's a make-me-whole argument. Firms that have urgent needs for laterals don't want to wait, even if it's just for another 2-3 months.

[Anonymous User]

This is the Kirkland lateral -- I just asked and they offered.

[12YrsAnAssociate]

IP lateral from above: I framed it as whether they have any signing bonuses for associates that would have to forego the hours (for the usual bonus) accumulated up to this time of the year if they were to lateral now. Else, the associates would have to wait until they receive their usual bonus before they make a lateral move. It's a make-me-whole argument. Firms that have urgent needs for laterals don't want to wait, even if it's just for another 2-3 months.

I did something similar. "I can just ride it out 4-5 more months and get a 50k check. I understand you'd prefer me to start now. Can you make me whole?" The firm was absolutely open to this.

[Anonymous User]

This is the Kirkland lateral -- I just asked and they offered.

Seems like most other people framed it as a "make me whole" request. Did you just say, "give me more money"? What was your tact?

[Anonymous User]

Seems like most other people framed it as a "make me whole" request. Did you just say, "give me more money"? What was your tact?

IP lateral again: I waited for my offer letter with the amount, and asked a follow-up question whether they have any signing bonus, as I noticed that my offer letter did not state any... Then go from there.

They either come back with an amount (like I just asked and received), or with a what-is-your-basis.

[Anonymous User]

This is the Kirkland lateral -- I just asked and they offered.

Seems like most other people framed it as a "make me whole" request. Did you just say, "give me more money"? What was your tact?

I asked whether they would be willing to offer a signing bonus while noting that I had several other interviews lined up (this was true) and would make a decision after I did my due diligence. They then offered me the signing bonus, which was more than other litigation associates I knew changing firms were getting, and I accepted.

[Anonymous User]

This is the Kirkland lateral -- I just asked and they offered.

Seems like most other people framed it as a "make me whole" request. Did you just say, "give me more money"? What was your tact?

I asked whether they would be willing to offer a signing bonus while noting that I had several other interviews lined up (this was true) and would make a decision after I did my due diligence. They then offered me the signing bonus, which was more than other litigation associates I knew changing firms were getting, and I accepted.

Can I ask about how much you received and your level? Also, what were the amounts that you heard they were giving out? The data points are less obvious for lit than for corporate...