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Signing Bonuses?
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:38 pm
by lawstudent212
At about the same time last year, signing bonuses became a huge thing and there were rumors of certain candidates (i.e. 4th - 7th year M&A associates) receiving upwards of $200K signing bonuses. Anecdotally, it seems like the lateral market has cooled a bit and those signing bonuses aren't as prevalent.
Anyone have any data points for recent signing bonuses?
Re: Signing Bonuses?
Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2022 7:38 pm
by ChickenSalad
lawstudent212 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:38 pm
At about the same time last year, signing bonuses became a huge thing and there were rumors of certain candidates (i.e. 4th - 7th year M&A associates) receiving upwards of $200K signing bonuses. Anecdotally, it seems like the lateral market has cooled a bit and those signing bonuses aren't as prevalent.
Anyone have any data points for recent signing bonuses?
I’ve heard of six figures but not upwards of 200k. Though i’m also curious about how these break down. More transparency also seems to favor associates negotiating signing bonuses
Re: Signing Bonuses?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:26 am
by Anonymous User
I just received a $200K signing bonus as a lateral in bank finance/capital markets (c/o 2013). Given my favorable position and desire for promotion in the next couple years, I would not have moved for less. And I still don’t know if it’s “worth it” from a purely financial perspective. Year end bonus with hours-based bump is nearly that high these days.
Re: Signing Bonuses?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2022 5:18 pm
by ChickenSalad
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:26 am
I just received a $200K signing bonus as a lateral in bank finance/capital markets (c/o 2013). Given my favorable position and desire for promotion in the next couple years, I would not have moved for less. And I still don’t know if it’s “worth it” from a purely financial perspective. Year end bonus with hours-based bump is nearly that high these days.
Curious as to why you don't know if it’s worth it from a financial perspective. I assume they also guaranteed a full EOY bonus?
Re: Signing Bonuses?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2022 8:02 pm
by RaceJudicata
ChickenSalad wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 5:18 pm
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:26 am
I just received a $200K signing bonus as a lateral in bank finance/capital markets (c/o 2013). Given my favorable position and desire for promotion in the next couple years, I would not have moved for less. And I still don’t know if it’s “worth it” from a purely financial perspective. Year end bonus with hours-based bump is nearly that high these days.
Curious as to why you don't know if it’s worth it from a financial perspective. I assume they also guaranteed a full EOY bonus?
Presumably because partnership chances may be lower at new firm (i.e., no built up personal capital / relationships)
Re: Signing Bonuses?
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2022 12:10 am
by Anonymous User
$50k signing bonus offered yesterday, c/o 2017. Might be able to get more haven't fully negotiated yet.
Re: Signing Bonuses?
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2022 11:22 am
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Thu Mar 17, 2022 12:10 am
$50k signing bonus offered yesterday, c/o 2017. Might be able to get more haven't fully negotiated yet.
Practice group?
Re: Signing Bonuses?
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2022 11:55 am
by Anonymous User
I recently negotiated for 60 in TX lit group as a midlevel. A "more elite" firm balked at the request and said 20k max for laterals in lit.
Re: Signing Bonuses?
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2022 11:57 am
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Thu Mar 17, 2022 11:22 am
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Thu Mar 17, 2022 12:10 am
$50k signing bonus offered yesterday, c/o 2017. Might be able to get more haven't fully negotiated yet.
Practice group?
Investment funds.
Re: Signing Bonuses?
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2022 12:43 pm
by Bramwell
RaceJudicata wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 8:02 pm
ChickenSalad wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 5:18 pm
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:26 am
I just received a $200K signing bonus as a lateral in bank finance/capital markets (c/o 2013). Given my favorable position and desire for promotion in the next couple years, I would not have moved for less. And I still don’t know if it’s “worth it” from a purely financial perspective. Year end bonus with hours-based bump is nearly that high these days.
Curious as to why you don't know if it’s worth it from a financial perspective. I assume they also guaranteed a full EOY bonus?
Presumably because partnership chances may be lower at new firm (i.e., no built up personal capital / relationships)
Correct. Assuming OP is in good standing at current firm, there’s a cost associated with giving up good will and reputation to start fresh.