- Quickdraw McLaw
- Job Tips
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In our last Job Tips about accepting counteroffers, some of you questioned why Wilma had not asked for a raise. With that in mind, we present a new hypothetical for your consideration.
Wilma is now a fourth year associate working for Flintstone and Associates. She is happy with her job, but feels she is underpaid. Her starting salary as a new associate was $85,000. At the end of her first year, Mr. Flintstone told her that she was doing a good job and gave her a $5,000 raise. At the end of the second year, Mr. Flintstone gave her a $10,000 raise, bringing her gross income to $100,000 per year. Along with the raise he, told her that her hours were good, but he expected more from her in the coming year. At the end of the third year, Wilma did not get a raise. During her year end review, Mr. Flintstone acknowledged that she had met the hourly requirement he set for her, but did not mention a raise nor any reason for not giving her one.
It is now four months after the review where she did not get a raise and Wilma is thinking about asking for one, so she wrote us asking for advice. Assuming that Wilma’s work product continues to be satisfactory, when should she ask for a raise? Should she do it now? Should she wait for the next year end review? Is she entitled to a yearly raise? What is the best way for her to address this issue with Mr. Flintstone?
Wilma should STFU and thank God that she isn't working a legal field that tops out at around $80k for associates.
-Bitter, Bitter, 4th year.
Not enough information. Is Wilma doing work for clients she herself has brought into the firm? Or is Wilama getting all her work on clients Flintstone already has? That makes all the difference in the world? An associate who has his/her own loyal clients has far more leverage. Any law school grad can pump out billable hours. The people who succeed in this racket are those who can go out and bring in clients. In doing that, they become what is known as indispensable.
Yeah, but if she is only working on clients Flintstone already has, then she is making money for him. We don't know her hourly rate, but guaranteed she is profitable. She should go ask about a raise when she knows she wants it.
Generally, there are rarely good times to ask for a raise (maybe after a victory or major collection). So, if you want it, you just have to suck it up and go for it. Worst thing that will happen is he says no and fires you for expecting too much and being ungrateful.
Under the facts as presented, 9:48 is not far off.
Wilma was told that she got her raise in anticipation that more was expected of her in the next year. Wilma "met the requirement," which to me means that Wilma earned (but did not exceed) the justification for her existing salary. Wilma is "satisfactory"–not exceeding Flintstone's requirements or expanding Flintstone's bottom line or creating greater revenue for the firm than she was projected for in the previous year.
The key question is whether she is entitled to a raise? In our firm, the standard for a raise is "Why and how will you be more valuable to this firm in the coming year than you were in the past year." If Associate wants more money, show us how your will make more money for the firm from which the firm can pay you more money. There is no guarantee of raises; raises come when your value to the firm is greater than your salary. Those Associates who exceed expectations, bring in clients, bill more collectable hours and contribute more to the firm get more money.
I'm in-house. The last time I asked for a raise, I had hard data to show how the cost to replace me would be significantly more than the amount of raise I was seeking. Further, the organization would not have a choice but to replace me – either through a new in-house hire or through outside counsel. Finally, I politely pointed out that the quality of my work was known (and acknowledged) and the organization would be taking a significant risk that my replacement (either in-house or outside) would not be able to meet the quality of my work.
I has a raise the next day – for actually more than I asked.
* had a raise. Not "has". I am not a cat, but I do love cheeseburgers.