Asking for a Raise

[Leafsfan2671]

I’m looking for general guidance about asking for a raise as a junior associate working in Northern Ontario. 

What is a standard increase to ask for as a junior lawyer (second year call)?

Obviously there are a lot of factors that need to be considered, but generally is it normal to ask for a certain percentage? Would asking for an increase of $15k be too much? My current salary is $60k plus a fair bonus structure. 

A lot of the salary data online is based on larger cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Montreal so I’m having a lot of difficulty finding applicable information. 

[Bob Jones]

On 1/10/2025 at 9:53 AM, Leafsfan2671 said:

I’m looking for general guidance about asking for a raise as a junior associate working in Northern Ontario. 

What is a standard increase to ask for as a junior lawyer (second year call)?

Obviously there are a lot of factors that need to be considered, but generally is it normal to ask for a certain percentage? Would asking for an increase of $15k be too much? My current salary is $60k plus a fair bonus structure. 

A lot of the salary data online is based on larger cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Montreal so I’m having a lot of difficulty finding applicable information. 

I would try the following: 

1) Timing: Wait until you have been working for that same employer for at least 1-1.5 years (I know you're a 2nd year, but I am unclear how long you have been working at that firm). That way, you're not seen to be asking for a raise too prematurely; 

2) Do some research. Review BJRC's salary guide and ZSA's salary guide. Robert Half has a good one too.  Speak to friends and colleagues in your field to get an assessment of salary ranges. Review job postings for similar roles, to get an assessment of what other firms are paying. 

3) Think about how to approach your boss: Do you have regular file review meetings? Annual performance meetings? Do you speak regularly? Find a reasonable time and politely raise the topic.

4) What to say: "Hi boss, I would like to discuss a review of my compensation. As you know I've been here for X years, I have made ABC contributions, and I am really enjoying my position and would like to continue growing and expanding my portfolio. It would be helpful if we can adjust my comp though closer to market rates, which based upon my research for firms of a similar size and specialty is closer to [INSERT]. We don't have to finalize this discussion today, I just wanted to put this on your radar (I hate cheesy corporate references, but it may be somewhat helpful).

Don't obviously use 4) verbatim, use whatever style you are comfortable with, but that may be helpful as an overview. 

5) If boss is reasonable, they will take it away, think about it, and get back to you. If you don't hear back in 2-3 weeks, gently raise to their attention once more.  And if it doesn't work out, don't sweat it, you always have options. It's not unreasonable to make a jump to a new firm after a few years, and there will also be other firms out there hiring Associates (particularly at your level). 

 

Good luck! Hope it works out. 

Edited January 12 by Bob Jones

[SNAILS]

Great post, @Bob Jones I'll check out those salary guides myself, and they'll be helpful.

My advice is (1) keep in mind this is a business (2) professionalism (3) honesty/realism (4) avoid burning or damaging bridges.

1. We like to think that law is somehow "above it all" compared to a business that repairs appliances or sells hot dogs. Your salary increase (if you deserve one) is all about the value that you bring to the business, what it would cost to replace you (from the ER perspective), and what you could earn elsewhere (from the EE perspective). 
2. Lay your request out there and let the boss think about it. Don't press him/her for an answer, though you may need to follow up in a few weeks. For this reason, I'd lean towards breaching the topic by email, and letting the boss decide when he/she wants to have an in person conversation about it.
3. Having a solid grasp on what people in your position are making elsewhere is a great start. Make sure to pay attention to geography (i.e. Kenora is much different from North Bay), type of law you practice, the billable hours you put in, and the amount of money you think your work grosses for the firm. The 33% rule is still very popular (one third of what you gross for overhead, one third for the partners, and one third for you). Consider also how you plan to perhaps increase the amount you gross in the future by perhaps building on existing client relationships or saving time doing things with your increased experience. Even better is to have data on what you yourself, in real life, could do rather than what people in general in your situation can do. ("I'd rather stay here, sir, but company X has a job open at $83 450 with full dental/medical for a 2 year call specializing in real estate with less commuting).
4. Salary negotiation is a bit like poker. You say you make 60K. Imagine your boss says "I can't afford to change your salary now, but let's talk in 6 months to a year." In your head, you might think you'd rather stay at your firm with no raise than look for a new job. In your boss's head, he might think he'd bump you to $65K now if he thought you would actually leave. You've got to know how much to bluff - if you are too timid, you could get taken advantage of. However, you should never go so far as to get caught in your own bluff or permanently damaging your relationship with the firm.

 

[happydude]

The truth is, if asking for a really big raise, I've always just found it easier to change jobs. Judging by the amount of movement in this profession, I would say this is not an uncommon sentiment. I am not so sure 15k hits that threshold, in particular when so junior that most employers should expect a decent upward curve as one's year of call gets more senior, but it is getting there.

Edited 5 hours ago by happydude