Biglaw Expense Account Forum

[Stackitup]

Is this a thing? How much does an associate get, and for what uses?

[Anonymous User]

Not an "expense account" as such, but yes, at my firm you can expense virtually all expenses incurred while traveling for a client matter (within reason) and at least some firm-related/business development expenses.

[sparty99]

Is this a thing? How much does an associate get, and for what uses?

You have an account to entertain clients and stuff. Roughly $1,000 or less or more depending on the firm and your year.

[Best]

I get $3,850 at my firm as a 4th year. Covers anything BD related with some exceptions. I have to have approval to spend more than $1k on a single transaction, and some things are covered by the firm (sports tickets, sponsors, etc).

[dvlthndr]

Everyone who wants one (Associates, Counsel, Partners) gets a credit card. Any time you are booking flights or entertaining clients, you can just slap it down. I forget the exact number, but I think people want receipts if it's over a couple hundred, and you get some actual scrutiny for anything over $1000.

[QContinuum]

Sure, almost every BigLaw firm will reimburse certain expenses:

• After-hours cab allowance (may have minimum daily billable requirement)
• After-hours dinner allowance (may have minimum daily billable requirement)
• Attorney registration fees
• Bar exam fees
• Business travel expenses
• CLE fees
• Summer recruiting allowance

Many, in addition, also reimburse:

• Gym membership fees
• Matching donations (often restricted to law school gifts)
• Mentoring allowance (typically limited to midlevels and up)
• Technology allowance

The allowances are generally in line with their intended goals. For example, an after-hours dinner budget in the $25-45 range is common in NYC. Tech allowances vary, but tend to be higher at firms that require folks to bring their own equipment, and lower or nonexistent at firms that issue remote-work gear.