How to negotiate a class bump after a year cut? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I took a year cut (now a 3rd yr) when lateraling to my firm this year as I changed to a different (but related) practice. Turns out my skills are fairly transferrable to the current practice. I've been doing the work of a 4th yr or even higher with minimal partner/senior supervision. During the interview the hiring partner promised to reevaluate my class year at year end, but had no such discussion with me since I was on board. Our annual appraisal is coming up and I'm determined to bring this up. I dont have much negotiation experience in the past and hope to hear some anecdotes/tips from people who have attempted to negotiate a class bump. I'm generally happy with the current place, but would definitely start looking if I don't get it. Any input is appreciated.

[ClubberLang]

I took a year cut (now a 3rd yr) when lateraling to my firm this year as I changed to a different (but related) practice. Turns out my skills are fairly transferrable to the current practice. I've been doing the work of a 4th yr or even higher with minimal partner/senior supervision. During the interview the hiring partner promised to reevaluate my class year at year end, but had no such discussion with me since I was on board. Our annual appraisal is coming up and I'm determined to bring this up. I dont have much negotiation experience in the past and hope to hear some anecdotes/tips from people who have attempted to negotiate a class bump. I'm generally happy with the current place, but would definitely start looking if I don't get it. Any input is appreciated.

Are you sure that you want to bring it up? Being pushed back a year gives you a longer runway, and if you want to stick around for a while it is probably better to be perceived as someone performing above class level.

[Anonymous User]

Are you sure that you want to bring it up? Being pushed back a year gives you a longer runway, and if you want to stick around for a while it is probably better to be perceived as someone performing above class level.

I have zero interest in partnership. $ is why I'm doing this job and a class bump will net a $100+k difference over the next 3 years.

[Anonymous User]

Are you sure that you want to bring it up? Being pushed back a year gives you a longer runway, and if you want to stick around for a while it is probably better to be perceived as someone performing above class level.

I have zero interest in partnership. $ is why I'm doing this job and a class bump will net a $100+k difference over the next 3 years.

I will never understand the fetish some ppl here have for year cuts. If you have to take it for a new job etc, fine. But why would you ever choose to make less money?

OP I don't have good advice but in your position I would try to find a way to remind the partner or bring it up to whomever does your review. Or just lateral and try to get an offer based on your class year.

[EliteFlyer]

I would raise at the review. Say: "You indicated my last year would be up for discussion at [ ] time. I believe I have made the following contributions [ ], indicating my integration into the team performing at [x] class year" and let them respond. I don't think you need to threaten to leave to a firm that will compensate you at your actual class year since it's already implied and better not to bitter the waters.

Firms are so desperate for people now that they'd be silly to let you go over this. I don't know what the discussions were like, but do know several colleagues that have used the current market to recover from docked class years.

[Anonymous User]

Just know that if you lateral you’ll be able to get that year back easily. The new firm would just look at your law school class year, you have relevant experience, and firms are desperate right now. You have the power in this conversation with your current firm.

[Anonymous User]

Just wanted to chime in and say that the whole "extra runway" argument is false unless you are Cravath or something - firms are happy to have 13th/14th year associates or of-counsel that they don't make partner forever - its not like you have one less year before you get thrown to the curb.

[The Lsat Airbender]

Just wanted to chime in and say that the whole "extra runway" argument is false unless you are Cravath or something - firms are happy to have 13th/14th year associates or of-counsel that they don't make partner forever - its not like you have one less year before you get thrown to the curb.

It's less about getting an "extra year" before up-or-out hits (which I agree is no longer how things work) and more that an excellent N-year is much less likely to get laid off than a mediocre (N+1)-year if the economy sours.

[Anonymous User]

I've successfully negotiated this (anon to not get outed). The key isn't to argue that you're so good at your job that you deserve it - this would set up poor precedent for the firm, who doesn't want to fast track every A+ associate. The winning argument is that the firm made a reversible error in determining your class year allocation upon entry. Bumping you an extra year is not what you're asking for - you're asking them to reverse their error of incorrectly slotting you in the first place. This protects the firm against precedent of "bumping" high performing associates.