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Does anyone have a take on Amazon as an in-house landing spot?

Sixth year associate at a V10 firm considering a Corporate Counsel role at Amazon.

Curious to hear, how's work-life balance? Average hours per week? For current or former Amazon employees, is the RSU vesting schedule negotiable? I've heard it's pretty rough (friend of a friend said RSUs vest after 4 years).

Grateful for any insights.

No experience with Amazon specifically, but RSUs and other stock incentives typically vest over a period of years but not all at once. So, for example, if your stock vests over 4 years, 25% will vest each year after the grant. 3-years is more typical in my industry, but I don't know about Amazon. For in-house jobs generally, the vesting schedule is usually not negotiable (because it's tied to a plan that applies to all stock award eligible employees) but the target award is.

I do know people in non-legal roles at Amazon who have reasonable W/L balance (certainly better than Biglaw), but I've also heard of Biglaw-level hours in some cases. With in-house jobs, your specific team/boss will make a huge difference. Having an honest conversation with the hiring manager (usually the person who will be your boss) about w/l balance (ideally after you have an offer) is a good idea if that's a concern.

OP here: Thanks for the background on RSUs and other helpful insight, really appreciate it!

Amazon’s vesting schedule is among the worst in Big Tech. You get 5% after one year and one month, and another 15% after a second year and month. Most don’t make it to the second year - the company is known for working you into the ground and then firing you/PIPing you right before you’re due your vesting of RSUs.

Avoid, OP.

- Signed, a former Amazonian

Amazon is among the least desirable of the big tech companies imo. They do make up for the shit vesting schedule with a "bonus" cash payment payable over the first year or two, but still lag behind other big tech companies in other aspects: culture of working employees to the ground, lack of on-site benefits (no free meals or snacks), no days off for certain federal holidays (like Juneteenth), etc. I'd avoid unless it's your only in-house offer.