Career Clinic: I'm missing my bonus target to keep the client happy

Is your bonus based on utilisation or realisation? If the former, then you have nothing to worry about, as time written off will not affect your bonus. If the latter, then you should request that time written off is pro rata-ed amongst all the fee-earners working on the transaction (including the partner) to ensure equality.

Anon. -12 Feb 2009 | 04:59

Check the wording of your bonus scheme. If, like ours, the bonus pool depends on the performance of the firm as a whole (i.e. the firm has to meet certain targets itself before the pool is then divvied up amongst those who have personally performed), then you really don't need to worry as it is extremely unlikely that any bonuses will be payable to anyone in 2009...

Cynical Cynthia -12 Feb 2009 | 16:07

You should record all your hours on an actual basis, and not (as you suggest) to compensate for the write-down which happens all the time. It's then a question of knowing the terms of your bonus scheme. I would be surprised if they look at the written down time, as opposed to billed hours. The partner could have his own reasons for shaving your time, as opposed to his. It would be a bold associate to ask for pro-rated write downs across all lawyers that work on the file, but in principle that seems to be the right solution. Whether it is wise in the present climate to be sticking one's neck out like that is another matter. Is the bonus that important? Isn't your job your bonus in the present climate?

May -12 Feb 2009 | 16:14

It happens all the time. Clients expect even more than usual in the current climate. This means that time gets written off as matter of course to keep their business. Whilst it may not be fair, it is a reflection of the effort that is required to maintain a good relationship with the client. Obviously, if you were a plumber or a mechanic you would shaft the client and no-one would care...

In the real world -12 Feb 2009 | 16:19

You poor thing! Just grow up. You should be thankful that you are in a position to record an average of 10 chargeable hours a day, and that your firm provides you with sufficient work enabling you to do so.

MS -12 Feb 2009 | 16:20

This is a serious issue when you are in a competitive situation amongst colleagues - as we all know profit costs and performance ratios all lead to something for someone. If you get your pay for doing what you are being asked to do, then if you or your organisation are failing you should not expect or anticipate a bonus!

ANON -16 Feb 2009 | 16:44

You need to work harder and smarter.

The partner is doing the right thing; the world has moved on.

Think about it - can you really justify 10 hours a day billing every day? Or are you a subconsious padder?

Get Real -24 Jul 2009 | 18:54