Compensation Negotiation for Biglaw Lateral Associates

Research Market Rates

Research salary ranges for your position, practice area, location, and years of experience. Use resources like NALP, legal recruiting firms' salary surveys, and industry publications. Understand the firm's compensation structure: lockstep vs. merit-based, bonus structure, and partnership track.

Consider the Full Package

Salary is just one component. Consider benefits (health insurance, retirement contributions, life insurance), bonus structure, billable hour requirements, partnership track, professional development opportunities, work-life balance, and firm culture. A lower base salary with better benefits and work-life balance may be worth more overall.

Timing Matters

Wait until you have an offer before negotiating. Express enthusiasm for the role first, then discuss compensation. If you have competing offers, you can use them as leverage, but do so respectfully. Be prepared to walk away if the offer doesn't meet your minimum requirements.

Frame Your Request

Frame your negotiation around your value: your experience, skills, client relationships, or unique qualifications. Use data to support your request: "Based on my research and my [X years] of experience in [practice area], I was hoping we could discuss a salary in the range of [range]." Be professional and collaborative, not demanding.

Be Flexible

If the firm can't meet your salary request, consider alternatives: a signing bonus, accelerated review timeline, additional vacation time, or professional development budget. Sometimes non-monetary benefits can make a difference in your overall satisfaction.