Michael Bjorn Huseby’s Post

The Hidden Salary Gap Two lawyers I spoke with yesterday, at the same firm, same class year, and doing the same work, have a $32,000 base salary difference. The most likely reason? One attorney has been with the firm since graduation and the other lateraled into the firm last year. I track lateral moves and compensation, and factors beyond skills and experience significantly impact your salary. The combination of when you join a firm, market competition, number of lateral moves, previous firm, negotiating skills, and whether a recruiter was involved can drastically impact your compensation. You're a free agent and should be paid what you're worth. Either at your current firm, or a different firm. Go get what you're worth. 𝗕𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻ᵀᴹ ---------------------------------- For insights into the legal industry, FL legal market, and mindset, click the 🔔 or follow me at Brian M. Moskowitz #BeUncommon #TKGMindsetMonday #LegalRecruiter #AmLawJobs

Hi I recently saw a great post by Anne Heaviside, J.D., highlighting a trend among associates wanting full market base salaries and bonuses. I’ve definitely seen this trend growing in D.C. as well. And honestly, I don’t blame you. Why should you work the same hours as your peers for less pay? It doesn’t make sense. I previously shared a list of firms that are truly paying at market. Out of nearly 45,000 law firms in the U.S.—ranging from BigLaw firms with hundreds of attorneys to boutique and solo practices—there are roughly 200-300 firms with more than 500 attorneys. Out of those, less than 70 offer both market base salaries and bonuses. That's an incredibly small number. So if reaching that level is taking some time, especially in this down market, don’t be discouraged! That said, you can still increase your compensation and remain highly competitive by building a book of business. Being at a firm with lower billing rates can improve your chances of bringing in clients. Only a small subset of clients can afford and are willing to pay $1,000+ hourly rates—and winning those clients is tough. I’m happy to discuss strategies and options. I typically work late and about six days a week, so if weekdays are too hectic, feel free to reach out on the weekends! Thanks! #RecruitWithRhea #CravathScale #SummerBonuses #LawFirmRetention #LawFirmHiring #LawFirmCareers #LegalHiring #LegalCareers #LateralHiring #LateralRecruitment #AmLaw

Have you just lost your job and are wondering what to do next? The steps you take right after you lose your job can significantly impact the severance or settlement you receive. In this blog, we discuss exactly what to do—and what not to do—in the moments and hours after your employment ends. #fired #layoff #severance #termination #employmentlawyer #labourlawyer #labourrightslaw #lawfirm #EmployeeRights https://lnkd.in/gY_ThWyS

"I knew top-tier firms paid more, but I didn't know the gap was this big" Having recently assisted a lawyer with a lateral move into a top-tier I managed to secure them a $45k pay jump with their new role. I often speak with candidates at mid-market firms who work equivalent hours and have the same expectations placed on them as their top-tier peers. The difference at top-tiers... Fair remuneration. Aside from exposure to the most cutting edge and high-profile work in the market, Tier-1 or leading international practices will typically offer a premium salary to their lawyers (often 10%-20% more than mid-tier) and the bonus component is usually very favourable. July has started with a flurry and the market is the most active it has been in years. 2024 could be the year you make that aspirational move and set yourself up financially.

Pro Tip: You just finished the seventh interview over a period of four weeks and waited an entire extra week with nothing but crickets to receive an offer that was 10K under what you had already expressed as your minimum salary requirements. Don’t accept, negotiate… but don’t just ask for a higher salary. Hire a private investigator to do a deep dive into the company’s finances. When you send over your counter, include receipts from those “off the books” bonuses and all of those extra expenditures the executive team has been keeping under the rug. Let them know you will keep all of these things to yourself… for an extra 10K/year and an all-expenses paid weekend to Dollywood.

You know the Harry Potter scene when Hermione cleans Harry’s glasses with a spell? Sometimes in life, we all need a Hermione to help us see things more clearly. To give you a personal story... early in my career, I got a job offer from a startup. The exact salary I asked for. But there was one problem. It was a contractor’s agreement, which is something I didn’t want. Even though I wanted to join the startup world, I decided to not accept it. One day before I made my decision public, my older brother called me. How are you, what’s up, the usual. But then he shifted the focus: “There are a few things you ought to know.” "This is a higher salary than your current one, which is better." "Nothing's stopping you from looking for a new job tomorrow while receiving a higher salary." (I imagined him winking while saying this 😀) "Since you got the exact salary you asked for, they likely lack salary grids. Flexible pay scales offer you another option. Deliver results then negotiate the contract you want. Sacrifice the first few months, it's nothing... but know you have leverage!" He just put things in perspective. Remove emotions, allow logic to enter, make it actionable. Given his amazing experience, I listened and started working towards it. It played out exactly how he said. 3 months later, I got promoted to the content team lead. The results were there! Negotiations weren't easy, a lot of people were involved, and there was tension with the HR team and me being a vocal kid a bit. Ultimately, I got the full-time contract I wanted + the boss increased my salary which is something I didn't push for, but it was nice! :) One year later, I laid out the exact blueprint to my loyal designer in the team to get the new contract he deserved... and he got it too. My point? Find your Hermione. In your family, in your inner circle, or bring a mentor to help. As long as they have results in your field, it’s so worth it. P.S. Thanks my bro! 🍻 Harry Potter reference is specially for you as I know you watch 1 movie per year… still find it extremely weird. 😀

🔫 Gibson Dunn have just fired the latest starting salary pistol. 180k sterling (no exchange rate) for a London NQ – before bonus. That’s a lot! Would you?... 💷 💷 If you're an eligible candidate, you'll already recognise the following: ✅ Big hours ✅ No large teams to hide in ✅ Challenge and exposure ✅ Living on your phone (for work - not Taylor memes) ❎ Guaranteed to make your holiday/mate’s wedding ❎ Sitting at home waiting for DHL delivery ❎ Headspace ❎ Owning a pet You can earn a a HUGE amount, learn a lot and gain major client exposure. You might even get some sleep (it’s not that bad). 🚨 In fairness, so many junior to mid level lawyers are living this way in MC and SC firms right now, seeing their bosses departing to US firms, why not join them (for a couple of years)..? Current mandates for junior to mid level associates (in London) at white shoe firms include: ❇ Commercial Litigation ✴ Antitrust/Competition *️⃣ Private Equity ✴ Leveraged Finance ⏺ Corporate Tax 🆔 Data & Cyber If you’re well qualified at a top City firm, have the appetite, capacity and ambition – give me a call. I’ll show you the money… +44(0)7484 641142 [email protected]

BRIDGER BLOG UPDATE!! A very large topic of debate as we approach the end of the year: bonuses! Empty promises and lack of recognition holding you back? What should you do? Read here to learn more! #thebridgergroup #bridgerblog #recruiting #bonuses #hiring #hiringnow

Sharing our latest Lateral Link poll on how summer bonuses might impact your decision to stay or go.

Now is the time to connect about your search - whether it is a move in Q4 or to wait until Q1. Please feel free to reach out to me to discuss the market and your confidential search [email protected] #nowhiring #lateralhiring #lateralrecruiting #laterallink