What are mid-level signing bonuses for corp these days? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Does the TLS hive mind know what a mid-level (i.e. 3rd or 4th year) V20 M&A associate could get as a signing bonus these days?

I'm actually pretty happy with my team overall, as far as biglaw goes. The hours are still pretty brutal right now, but obviously that won't improve at a new firm. I've always taken the position that having a decent relationship with the team was worth more than marginal extra dollars from moving around. That said, I'm really not sure I'm going to stick around biglaw more than another year before I'm too burnt out to go on (I need my weekends back), and it sounds like in the current market one can be pretty confident about being made whole on the mid-year and annual bonuses PLUS a decent signing bonus?

I'm not sure what to expect. It wouldn't be worth it for 10K. It would be worth it for 100K. Maybe I'm secretly hoping everyone will say the juicy bonus period is over and then I can stop worrying I should still be considering this.

[Anonymous User]

Not only is the juicy bonus period not over, I think 100k for a 4th year going to KE--especially KE Houston--is a bit too low. Of course, you'll get the full EOY bonus, special bonus, probably a promise to pay any other bonuses that might spring up for the rest of the year.

[Anonymous User]

If a firm decides to pay, let's say 100k, retention bonuses -- do you think the market will move to retention bonuses, and then signing bonuses will increase even higher to compensate or will it just cool the lateral market down altogether?

[Anonymous User]

Not directly responsive but CSM/DPW/S&C M&A 2nd year: recruiters keep emailing me about and I have one friend who has received a 100k + bonus and I know (more anecdotally) of 3rd and 4th years receiving significantly more. No clue if that’s firm specific or just the market now.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone have anecdotal experience of what V10's are doing if their mid-level M&A associates come to them with an offer from another firm that is offering a $100k+ signing bonus? Would the firm match the bonus to keep that associate around?

[Anonymous User]

Anyone have anecdotal experience of what V10's are doing if their mid-level M&A associates come to them with an offer from another firm that is offering a $100k+ signing bonus? Would the firm match the bonus to keep that associate around?

It seems very individualized. I've seen people get a full match (with some kind of retention requirement - seems like it's mostly one year?), get a partial match, get told "what a great opportunity for you." Definitely would shop the offer to your firm.

[Anonymous User]

$100k definitely realistic if applying to a V10 firm. Normally would not suggest shopping it to your current place to match, but given your plans to leave BL soon, can't see much downside.

[Anonymous User]

I know multiple 4th and 5th years who lateraled to various firms in the V20 region. Signing bonuses for their level are $150k to $250k.

[lawyer098]

Anyone have anecdotal experience of what V10's are doing if their mid-level M&A associates come to them with an offer from another firm that is offering a $100k+ signing bonus? Would the firm match the bonus to keep that associate around?

It seems very individualized. I've seen people get a full match (with some kind of retention requirement - seems like it's mostly one year?), get a partial match, get told "what a great opportunity for you." Definitely would shop the offer to your firm.

What is the process for shopping an offer to your current firm? Do you go directly to a partner you work with often or do you run it through the recruiting team?