No bonus for having a baby?

[Anonymous]

I am an associate at a smaller firm who recently returned from maternity leave. I worked up until my due date and only took two months off (unpaid) because I felt guilty piling my work onto the other attorneys. I was somewhat shocked at the end of last year when I realized that I did not receive a bonus. For reference, I received around a 5% bonus the year before. I certainly put in long hours last year, even while pregnant, so I'm somewhat upset that my extra efforts went completely unnoticed. I'm wondering if its even worth it to bring it up or should I think of this more as my punishment for having a baby and start looking for employment elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

What is the hours requirement? Did you meet it?

[Anonymous]

Did other associates receive a bonus?

You should have received a pro-rated bonus equivalent to the number of weeks you worked, so probably somewhere around 85%.

[Anonymous]

no one is entitled for a bonus

[Anonymous]

OP here- I've met and exceeded all billing hours so there is no way this was a reflection of poor performance on my part. There are only two other associates at the firm, both male and neither of whom I feel would feel comfortable discussing bonuses with.

[Anonymous]

OP talk to your boss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- I've met and exceeded all billing hours so there is no way this was a reflection of poor performance on my part. There are only two other associates at the firm, both male and neither of whom I feel would feel comfortable discussing bonuses with.

Then you absolutely need to bring this up.

[Anonymous]

Definitely bring it up. Bonus is not a guarantee but it is a huge part of why people work for big law firms. It sounds like they should have given you one, even if it is a little smaller.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely bring it up. Bonus is not a guarantee but it is a huge part of why people work for big law firms. It sounds like they should have given you one, even if it is a little smaller.

Clearly you missed the part where she said she works in a small law firm.

[Anonymous]

I would ask about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- I've met and exceeded all billing hours so there is no way this was a reflection of poor performance on my part. There are only two other associates at the firm, both male and neither of whom I feel would feel comfortable discussing bonuses with.

Sounds like your threshold for extraordinary work is at the level that is rewarded by a bonus. Status quo will keep your job, above and beyond will get you a bonus or raise. Your attitude of entitlement is shocking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- I've met and exceeded all billing hours so there is no way this was a reflection of poor performance on my part. There are only two other associates at the firm, both male and neither of whom I feel would feel comfortable discussing bonuses with.

You met the yearly billing totals and you didn't work for two months of the year? Either you billed a crazy amount before and after maternity leave or you are saying that you made your weekly/monthly billing targets for the time that you worked but you didn't meet the yearly totals. If you met the yearly, I would ask your boss about the bonus. If you didn't you could still ask about a prorated bonus for the months you did work.

My firm has a 2000 hour yearly minimum. There are a few people who could do it in 10 months, but not many.

[Anonymous]

Hmmm, I would recommend getting a lawyer...but you work in a nest of them!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here- I've met and exceeded all billing hours so there is no way this was a reflection of poor performance on my part. There are only two other associates at the firm, both male and neither of whom I feel would feel comfortable discussing bonuses with.

Sounds like your threshold for extraordinary work is at the level that is rewarded by a bonus. Status quo will keep your job, above and beyond will get you a bonus or raise. Your attitude of entitlement is shocking.

That's cute. You don't get bonuses, I assume?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here- I've met and exceeded all billing hours so there is no way this was a reflection of poor performance on my part. There are only two other associates at the firm, both male and neither of whom I feel would feel comfortable discussing bonuses with.

Sounds like your threshold for extraordinary work is at the level that is rewarded by a bonus. Status quo will keep your job, above and beyond will get you a bonus or raise. Your attitude of entitlement is shocking.

No way. That isn't how law firms work. I would absolutely inquire as to why you didn't get a bonus.