Lateral Question Forum

(Deciding to leave, same firm different office, Reference requests)
Anonymous User
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Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am

Lateral Question

Post by Anonymous User » Thu Jan 14, 2021 8:04 pm

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

Diamond
Posts: 11413
Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2010 4:54 pm

Re: Lateral Question

Post by CanadianWolf » Wed Feb 17, 2021 11:50 am

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

Gold
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Joined: Fri Feb 16, 2018 8:58 am

Re: Lateral Question

Post by nixy » Wed Feb 17, 2021 11:57 am

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

Anonymous User
Posts: 428115
Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am

Re: Lateral Question

Post by Anonymous User » Wed Feb 17, 2021 12:26 pm

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
Posts: 428115
Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am

Re: Lateral Question

Post by Anonymous User » Wed Feb 17, 2021 1:49 pm

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

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