In-house search with salary goal Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm a 4th / 5th year in a non-NYC major market associate who is thinking about transitioning to an in-house role. That said, I'm really enjoying the biglaw gravy train right now, so I'm not in a rush to leave unless I find an all-in comp package of $250k-$300k. I'm wondering if anybody had a similar thought as they started their in-house search, and if so, how they handled it. Most job postings don't list a salary, so how have others narrowed down their search to roles that fit their salary requirements? Would it be weird to ask a recruiter to keep an eye out for jobs in my area that meet my comp expectations?

[Anonymous User]

I'm a 4th / 5th year in a non-NYC major market associate who is thinking about transitioning to an in-house role. That said, I'm really enjoying the biglaw gravy train right now, so I'm not in a rush to leave unless I find an all-in comp package of $250k-$300k. I'm wondering if anybody had a similar thought as they started their in-house search, and if so, how they handled it. Most job postings don't list a salary, so how have others narrowed down their search to roles that fit their salary requirements? Would it be weird to ask a recruiter to keep an eye out for jobs in my area that meet my comp expectations?

Initial screeners with recruiters typically include a discussion about comp.

[Anonymous User]

Initial screeners with recruiters typically include a discussion about comp.

Okay, next question - is $250k-$300k all in reasonable for a 4th / 5th year? FWIW I'm in IP (do a bit of prosecution and litigation). Would I be better off waiting for another couple years? There are a few posts in that range on the in-house salary threads, but it's hard to tell if that's just filled with self-selecting flexers.

[mongeese]

In-House varies a lot, but $250k+ total compensation is very doable for a 5th year in IP in the bay area market. It really depends on the type of company and how they value an IP role.

[Anonymous User]

Remember also that "total comp" for bay area tech is highly depending on how you count equity. I'd expect 200-220 for cash comp (base + bonus) as a 25th-75th percentile bracket.

You may get equity worth another 10 to 100/yr that put you in your target, but it may or not be liquid depending on pre/post IPO, lockup, etc. You'll tend to find lower base and higher non-liquid equity at newer companies -- you're betting on their future success, so evaluate carefully.