Biglaw Very Low Bonus for Pregnant Associate

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find it perversely humorous how many people are absolutely convinced this is a case of sexism based on available facts. The only fact that supports this notion is the poster is a woman and pregnant. There are ample facts, provided by the poster, that indicate it’s because she’s an underperformer who was looking for another job.

Yet, people are CONVINCED it’s sexism.

Conformation bias is a powerful force.

This exactly. OP is an under performer. Period

She happens to be pregnant, and its been public for maybe a couple of months (assuming she didn’t disclose before the start of her 2nd trimester)

Op should def not sue LOL But it doesn’t matter, because OP was leaving anyway and already has another job. (And should she start that job by taking time to focus on her lawsuit?) And the $ difference in the bonus probably isn’t even worth the hassle and the future backlash or ding on her reputation. And they’re a law firm; they’ve got their bases covered. I’m sure they made sure that there is at least One other low performing MALE who Likely was sent the “message” as well. there’s a slim chance of her prevailing.

Op, I suggest you leave with your head held high. In fact, most of your fellow associates may think you got the full bonus, and still left. But If it makes you feel better, say something passive aggressive on the way out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here following up after giving notice: the partners reacted with shock and asked if I could push back the start date of my new job. One partner even told me I had to put my ethical duties to clients above my personal career plans.

I provided the notice period suggested in the firm handbook. Even if shameless flattering myself, I’m not irreplaceable on any of my matters. Can any partners here comment on this weird reception to my departure? This is a v50 firm. Is it normal to be guilted about leaving for greener pastures after being stiffed on a bonus??? This was not my expectation after seeing many people come and go over the years.

Personal service firms will always push back on the date because they need to transition the work and that is always a pain. But, if you are staying for the handbook period you are fine. And the partner who said put ethical duties before personal career goals is a sanctimonious idiot.

Having someone who is leaving for a new job hang around for more than a brief period is not in anyone’s interest. It’s demoralizing for other employees and just delays inevitable transition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it perversely humorous how many people are absolutely convinced this is a case of sexism based on available facts. The only fact that supports this notion is the poster is a woman and pregnant. There are ample facts, provided by the poster, that indicate it’s because she’s an underperformer who was looking for another job.

Yet, people are CONVINCED it’s sexism.

Conformation bias is a powerful force.

This exactly. OP is an under performer. Period

She happens to be pregnant, and its been public for maybe a couple of months (assuming she didn’t disclose before the start of her 2nd trimester)

Op should def not sue LOL But it doesn’t matter, because OP was leaving anyway and already has another job. (And should she start that job by taking time to focus on her lawsuit?) And the $ difference in the bonus probably isn’t even worth the hassle and the future backlash or ding on her reputation. And they’re a law firm; they’ve got their bases covered. I’m sure they made sure that there is at least One other low performing MALE who Likely was sent the “message” as well. there’s a slim chance of her prevailing.

Op, I suggest you leave with your head held high. In fact, most of your fellow associates may think you got the full bonus, and still left. But If it makes you feel better, say something passive aggressive on the way out.

You’re an angry angry person who isn’t advising this associate in her best interest

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it perversely humorous how many people are absolutely convinced this is a case of sexism based on available facts. The only fact that supports this notion is the poster is a woman and pregnant. There are ample facts, provided by the poster, that indicate it’s because she’s an underperformer who was looking for another job.

Yet, people are CONVINCED it’s sexism.

Conformation bias is a powerful force.

This exactly. OP is an under performer. Period

She happens to be pregnant, and its been public for maybe a couple of months (assuming she didn’t disclose before the start of her 2nd trimester)

Op should def not sue LOL But it doesn’t matter, because OP was leaving anyway and already has another job. (And should she start that job by taking time to focus on her lawsuit?) And the $ difference in the bonus probably isn’t even worth the hassle and the future backlash or ding on her reputation. And they’re a law firm; they’ve got their bases covered. I’m sure they made sure that there is at least One other low performing MALE who Likely was sent the “message” as well. there’s a slim chance of her prevailing.

Op, I suggest you leave with your head held high. In fact, most of your fellow associates may think you got the full bonus, and still left. But If it makes you feel better, say something passive aggressive on the way out.

You’re an angry angry person who isn’t advising this associate in her best interest

DP. PP isn't an angry person, they're being honest. Anyone who counsels differently simply hasn't worked in biglaw.

[Anonymous]

Trust me. This advice from a couple of equity partners. This associate has a point. The impassioned animus of a couple of the posters is shocking and clearly comes from a personal back story.

[Anonymous]

HR knows all. There is a reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it perversely humorous how many people are absolutely convinced this is a case of sexism based on available facts. The only fact that supports this notion is the poster is a woman and pregnant. There are ample facts, provided by the poster, that indicate it’s because she’s an underperformer who was looking for another job.

Yet, people are CONVINCED it’s sexism.

Conformation bias is a powerful force.

This exactly. OP is an under performer. Period

She happens to be pregnant, and its been public for maybe a couple of months (assuming she didn’t disclose before the start of her 2nd trimester)

Op should def not sue LOL But it doesn’t matter, because OP was leaving anyway and already has another job. (And should she start that job by taking time to focus on her lawsuit?) And the $ difference in the bonus probably isn’t even worth the hassle and the future backlash or ding on her reputation. And they’re a law firm; they’ve got their bases covered. I’m sure they made sure that there is at least One other low performing MALE who Likely was sent the “message” as well. there’s a slim chance of her prevailing.

Op, I suggest you leave with your head held high. In fact, most of your fellow associates may think you got the full bonus, and still left. But If it makes you feel better, say something passive aggressive on the way out.

You’re an angry angry person who isn’t advising this associate in her best interest

DP. PP isn't an angry person, they're being honest. Anyone who counsels differently simply hasn't worked in biglaw.

PP’s advice is ridiculously aggressive, especially in light of OP’s most recent update.

OP - when they asked you to stay longer, did you bring up the bonus structure or did they offer any additional compensation for you to stay on?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here following up after giving notice: the partners reacted with shock and asked if I could push back the start date of my new job. One partner even told me I had to put my ethical duties to clients above my personal career plans.

I provided the notice period suggested in the firm handbook. Even if shameless flattering myself, I’m not irreplaceable on any of my matters. Can any partners here comment on this weird reception to my departure? This is a v50 firm. Is it normal to be guilted about leaving for greener pastures after being stiffed on a bonus??? This was not my expectation after seeing many people come and go over the years.

Is it possible that they were expecting you to look for a job and leave, but not to leave as quickly as you did? That's how I would read the situation. They were expecting you to start looking after receiving the message through the small bonus, not to have a job lined up already.

Agree that attorneys have to place their ethical duties to clients above personal career plans, but I'm not seeing where you are violating any ethics requirements, since presumably you are not lead counsel on any of these matters.

And...because I think it would be illuminating if each poster on this thread disclosed whether they are an attorney and whether they have ever worked in Biglaw and for how long (and when) - I'm an attorney - currently in the federal government, was a biglaw attorney for 7 years ending approximately 15 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it perversely humorous how many people are absolutely convinced this is a case of sexism based on available facts. The only fact that supports this notion is the poster is a woman and pregnant. There are ample facts, provided by the poster, that indicate it’s because she’s an underperformer who was looking for another job.

Yet, people are CONVINCED it’s sexism.

Conformation bias is a powerful force.

This exactly. OP is an under performer. Period

She happens to be pregnant, and its been public for maybe a couple of months (assuming she didn’t disclose before the start of her 2nd trimester)

Op should def not sue LOL But it doesn’t matter, because OP was leaving anyway and already has another job. (And should she start that job by taking time to focus on her lawsuit?) And the $ difference in the bonus probably isn’t even worth the hassle and the future backlash or ding on her reputation. And they’re a law firm; they’ve got their bases covered. I’m sure they made sure that there is at least One other low performing MALE who Likely was sent the “message” as well. there’s a slim chance of her prevailing.

Op, I suggest you leave with your head held high. In fact, most of your fellow associates may think you got the full bonus, and still left. But If it makes you feel better, say something passive aggressive on the way out.

You’re an angry angry person who isn’t advising this associate in her best interest

DP. PP isn't an angry person, they're being honest. Anyone who counsels differently simply hasn't worked in biglaw.

PP’s advice is ridiculously aggressive, especially in light of OP’s most recent update.

OP - when they asked you to stay longer, did you bring up the bonus structure or did they offer any additional compensation for you to stay on?

OP here: nope bubkas. They just want 4-6 weeks of extra work. Keep in mind that I am an increasingly pregnant lady. I’ll get maternity leave at my new job, but they don’t know that. I do not get health insurance through the firm.

[Anonymous]

Agree with your plan to stay classy on your way out, but WOW the gall of these people trying to guilt you into staying longer after they made it so clear they didn’t need you! Guess they calculated wrong. Maybe they need to change the handbook then…none of that is your problem.

And like, ok clearly you are going to another firm because it pays more. And as you say, you are increasingly pregnant….are they really so shocked that someone who is about to have a dependent/ another mouth to feed is going to be motivated by better compensation?

Absolutely don’t give these people an extra month and a half. Go to your new job, get paid more, sooner, and make good connections with your team before you go out on maternity leave.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it perversely humorous how many people are absolutely convinced this is a case of sexism based on available facts. The only fact that supports this notion is the poster is a woman and pregnant. There are ample facts, provided by the poster, that indicate it’s because she’s an underperformer who was looking for another job.

Yet, people are CONVINCED it’s sexism.

Conformation bias is a powerful force.

This exactly. OP is an under performer. Period

She happens to be pregnant, and its been public for maybe a couple of months (assuming she didn’t disclose before the start of her 2nd trimester)

Op should def not sue LOL But it doesn’t matter, because OP was leaving anyway and already has another job. (And should she start that job by taking time to focus on her lawsuit?) And the $ difference in the bonus probably isn’t even worth the hassle and the future backlash or ding on her reputation. And they’re a law firm; they’ve got their bases covered. I’m sure they made sure that there is at least One other low performing MALE who Likely was sent the “message” as well. there’s a slim chance of her prevailing.

Op, I suggest you leave with your head held high. In fact, most of your fellow associates may think you got the full bonus, and still left. But If it makes you feel better, say something passive aggressive on the way out.

You’re an angry angry person who isn’t advising this associate in her best interest

DP. PP isn't an angry person, they're being honest. Anyone who counsels differently simply hasn't worked in biglaw.

PP’s advice is ridiculously aggressive, especially in light of OP’s most recent update.

OP - when they asked you to stay longer, did you bring up the bonus structure or did they offer any additional compensation for you to stay on?

OP here: nope bubkas. They just want 4-6 weeks of extra work. Keep in mind that I am an increasingly pregnant lady. I’ll get maternity leave at my new job, but they don’t know that. I do not get health insurance through the firm.

NP and I wouldn't expect them to offer you extra comp, you have to ask for it. Nothing to lose if you're willing to stay on. They want your labor, you are in a position to value your labor.

Of course, no obligation to stay on either if you want some time off between jobs or just don't want to work there anymore.

[Anonymous]

When I was in biglaw, if you missed your 2000 minimum, even by an hour, your bonus would be $0 unless partners with enough pull went to bat for you. Obviously this is firm-dependent, and higher-ranked firms are known for giving market bonuses without imposing an official minimum hours requirement.

The reason you got a low bonus is (a) you didn't satisfy the criteria, and (b) no one advocated for you to receive more.