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Anonymous User wrote: ↑Mon May 03, 2021 12:40 pmI 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.
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 wrote: ↑Mon May 03, 2021 12:13 pmmid-senior IP lit lateral, 50k signing bonus from v50.
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 wrote: ↑Mon May 03, 2021 3:59 pmIP 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.
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 wrote: ↑Mon May 03, 2021 4:22 pmThis is the Kirkland lateral -- I just asked and they offered.
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.Anonymous User wrote: ↑Mon May 03, 2021 4:42 pmSeems 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 wrote: ↑Mon May 03, 2021 4:42 pmSeems 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 wrote: ↑Mon May 03, 2021 4:22 pmThis is the Kirkland lateral -- I just asked and they offered.
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...Anonymous User wrote: ↑Mon May 03, 2021 6:32 pmI 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 wrote: ↑Mon May 03, 2021 4:42 pmSeems 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 wrote: ↑Mon May 03, 2021 4:22 pmThis is the Kirkland lateral -- I just asked and they offered.