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I’m an overseas lawyer who has practised law for almost 10 years. I was a senior lawyer in my jurisdiction (the equivalent of counsel).

Earlier this year, I accepted a biglaw job. During the interview process, the firm told me the usual approach for placing lawyers of my background is as a mid level. I was initially OK with this, as the US market pays substantially more than where I’m from. They also painted the picture that this was advantageous for me given the ‘up or out’ model.

However, on deals I’m meeting lawyers that are also from overseas and receiving no discount. For example, I met a junior lawyer the other day who has just moved to the US after working overseas for one and a half years, and yet is classified as a 2nd year lawyer. Soon we will only be separated by two US classes despite a giant gap in experience. This isn’t a standalone incident.

I am US barred. The work I’m doing is relatively straightforward.

Would anyone have suggestions on what would be the best next step? Will other firms in the US require me to stay within this class year? This whole situation is really starting to grate on me. I had assumed that class year wasn’t supposed to be a negotiation chip, but turns out I may have been wrong…

What year you come in as is always up for negotiation, but some firms do have policies of a certain number of year cuts depending on your experience. For example, someone coming from an accounting firm may take a two year cut. I wouldn't compare yourself (10 years of experience and being placed as a midlevel) with a true second year (it's not like they can take more than a year cut...). Doesn't mean you couldn't have negotiated for less of a cut, but a second year hasn't had much time to get behind, from a firm's perspective. Plus if you came in as a senior, what would your partnership prospects look like? I would rather come in as a 5th year with time to build up and get credibility rather than an 8th year who may get expensive and not be ready for promotion in a year or two.