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Ask for a class year bump when lateraling?
Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 2:34 pm
by 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.
Re: Ask for a class year bump when lateraling?
Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 3:21 pm
by Anonymous User
Do firms know what year you were, asides from just graduation year?
Re: Ask for a class year bump when lateraling?
Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 4:05 pm
by 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.
Re: Ask for a class year bump when lateraling?
Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 4:31 pm
by 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.
Re: Ask for a class year bump when lateraling?
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 12:34 am
by 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.
Re: Ask for a class year bump when lateraling?
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 4:45 am
by 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.
Re: Ask for a class year bump when lateraling?
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 1:26 pm
by Sackboy
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 4:45 am
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.