Lateral Question Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi All. I'm in the process of lateralling to a smaller market. I have a couple offers from satellite offices of biglaw firms. I'm very grateful for the offers. One includes a signing bonus, but with a clawback if I leave before eighteen months. I don't have any plans to leave before eighteen months, but it seems a bit long. Does anyone know if this amount of time is typical for a clawback?

[CanadianWolf]

How would one be able to negotiate this provision without setting off alarm bells as a flight risk ?

To be blunt: What does it matter ?

[nixy]

If it’s unusual/oppressive, it may be a sign to take the other offer instead?

[Anonymous User]

It's not uncommon to see 24 months clawback for clerkship bonus, so I think 18 months is fine if you don't plan to leave. It doesn't matter to you anyway.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I ended up accepting the offer. I just wasn't sure if the clawback was standard. Thanks!