Ask for a class year bump when lateraling? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I’m currently a junior corporate associate at a major market V10 and have an offer from another big law firm in a smaller market that is closer to home. Would it be crazy to ask for a class year bump as part of the negotiation process? I’m not sure if this is common or if they would be turned off/insulted.

[Anonymous User]

Do firms know what year you were, asides from just graduation year?

[Anonymous User]

If your only reason for asking for a class bump is because you're "coming from New York" they will rightfully be turned off and reject the request.

[Anonymous User]

You can sometimes swing a class year bump if you have something to hang your hat on (a JD/MBA, or maybe some pre-law work experience of obvious value (maybe IP-relevant certifications)), but I also don't think a non-NY market would entertain a year bump request "just because".

I wonder why you'd even want a year bump, though. Typically you'll just be tasked with more work/matters in any case. Even if you're trying to make partner, having more time to learn the ropes would be a benefit.

[DukeMountain]

Op, what makes you think you deserve a class year bump? I have never seen this given but v interested in figuring out your logic.

[Anonymous User]

I’ve heard of it in super competitive practices areas like CFIUS. A corporate junior, which are mostly a dime a dozen, doesn’t seem likely. It’s also probably a bad move - you’ll be compared to your peers at that class year and you’re still on a steep learning curve where a year is a lot of development.

[Sackboy]

I’ve heard of it in super competitive practices areas like CFIUS. A corporate junior, which are mostly a dime a dozen, doesn’t seem likely. It’s also probably a bad move - you’ll be compared to your peers at that class year and you’re still on a steep learning curve where a year is a lot of development.

Yep, I've only heard of class year bumps in high-demand specialty practices. I don't know why you'd ever want one. The money is marginal, and it's very possible it puts you behind in terms of your peers in your new class year.