Negotiating salary + bonus
When it comes to partner compensation…
Do you think your firm will appreciate your efforts and compensate you fairly?
Do you follow the required steps of your firm’s process and do nothing more?
Do you assume there’s nothing you can do to influence the decision?
If so, you’re probably leaving money on the table.
Although it would be nice if firms would notice and compensate you for your efforts without your having to advocate for yourself, the truth is that management and compensation committees are made up of lawyers.
Lawyers with way too much on their plates.
Lawyers who have implicit biases and tend to reward people who remind them of themselves.
Lawyers who convince themselves they’re being fair even when faced with evidence of a major wage gap for women and minorities at the partnership level.
Regardless of your firm’s particular partner compensation process or what you’ve been told, know that you have the ability to influence the outcome.
There are always steps you can take to put your best foot forward.
In today’s Hustle & Flow podcast episode, I’m outlining exactly what steps you should take to prepare for compensation decisions.
You can listen to the episode HERE.
In addition to knowing how to navigate the politics of your firm (which you can do right now), the best way to increase your compensation in the future is to increase your book of business.
If you’re thinking it’s too difficult or not something you want to spend your time doing, I’d love to show you how you can approach it differently.
What worked for your gray-haired mentors likely won’t work for you.
First, the legal landscape has changed dramatically since when they came up.
Second, there’s plenty of research that shows white men tend to inherit books of business and benefit from credit-sharing while women and minorities often have to cultivate a book completely on their own.
Last, and perhaps most important, you have to figure out an approach that feels authentic and good to you. And, you may have not seen that modeled before given how few women and minorities are partners in large firms.
If you could benefit from learning practical strategies your firm isn’t teaching you, as well as receive advice and support from a tight-knit group of ambitious female partners just like you…
Be sure to apply for the 2019 Mastermind.
You’ll learn how to identify your personal brand, develop a strategy based on strengths and personality, target and cultivate relationships with prospects, and ask for the business – in a way that feels good to you.
Not only will you have a clear plan that you can easily fit into your busy schedule, you’ll also get advice, support, and accountability to help you each step of the way.
And, even when the Mastermind is over, you’ll benefit from the connections you made with this amazing group of powerful women across the country.
Sound awesome? I thought so!
There are only 20 spots available. If you want to be considered for one them, apply HERE.
Not a female partner yourself? I bet you know some amazing women who do qualify.
Think of one (or more) BigLaw rockstars who you’d love to see rise in the ranks. Then hit reply and let us know her name, firm, email, and why you think she’s deserving of one of the spots in the Mastermind.
We’ll then send her a personalized invite to apply along with your kind words. It will make her day!
Best,
Heather
P.S. In today’s podcast, I mention a free downloadable checklist which you can download from the show notes page HERE.