Latest Legal Jobs & How to negotiate the ultimate pay rise

PLACED!! - Tanzania, Corporate Partner, Major Law Firm - Signed for March 2025. GRM successfully brought a top rated Corporate Finance Partner, out of London to move to Dar next year. The remuneration package was consummate with London rates, but the Partner will benefit from a lower cost/higher quality of living. TZ is growing and attracting first class talent from more established markets.

Contact Rob on rob@thegrmgroup.com for more details.

New Exclusive In-House Role.

Global focussed role. Head of Legal to be based in the Western Cape, SA. The client is a global leader in its field, with a presence across Asia, Africa, Europe and the US. An established organisation focused on developing specialised solutions, mainly in the industrial space. A very innovative, and PE backed company, bringing its legal function to SA. Contact Kay on kay@thegrmgroup.com for more details.

Kenya.

Banking & Finance Partner, number 2 to the Head of Department in Nairobi. The Partner will be used to doing first class banking and lending deals, with London and other major markets. Contact Rob on rob@thegrmgroup.com for more details.

South Africa.

• Consultant Project - Durban office based, 4 month project, law firm client doing commercial work for mining and energy clients.

• Tax - Senior Tax Lawyer and team needed of an International Law Firm

• Corporate M&A Partners, needed for major SA law firm AND for an international law firm, both based in Sandton.

• Project Finance Partner - For an existing law firm partner used to working on big PF deals, this is an international law firm that is looking to grow.

• Employment Partner - Growing SA law firm that wants an Employment Partner to join both their CPT office, and one in their JHB team

• Insurance Partner - As with the Employment roles above.

• Banking Partner - We have four law firm clients, of various sizes, looking to bring in experienced banking partners who have a need for a change of environment

• Business Rescue/Insolvency Partner - 30 Partner firm in SA, looking to strengthen in either CPT or JHB.

• Energy Partner - International Law Firm in JHB, wants experienced Partner.

• Sales/BD for Law Firms - Two law firms, looking to hire senior sales/BD/client engagement professionals. One in Joburg, one firm is in Pretoria.

• Compliance - Head of Transaction Vetting - FinTech, based in Cape Town (and London, Mauritius). Needs a banking/payments specialist with managerial exposure to manage a rapidly growing team.

For all these roles, contact Andiswa on andi@thegrmgroup.com

PAY RISES - Is it time?

Negotiating remuneration is what GRM do.

To negotiate a significant pay rise as a lawyer, leveraging data and strategic insights can greatly enhance your position.

Here are the top five strategies you can employ:

1. Utilise Data Analytics for Performance Metrics

- Benchmarking Salaries: Research market salary data for lawyers in your practice area and geographical location. Use platforms like GRM’s Remuneration Report or generic legal salary surveys to find comparative data.

- Performance Metrics: Collect data on your contributions to the firm, such as billable hours, successful case outcomes, and client retention rates. According to studies, firms that utilise performance metrics effectively can better justify pay increases based on quantifiable contributions.

2. Leverage Negotiation Statistics

- Understanding Trends: Familiarise yourself with negotiation statistics, such as the impact of initial offers and counteroffers. For instance, counteroffers can significantly influence negotiation outcomes; being prepared to make a strong counteroffer can lead to better results.

- Formal Processes: Recognise that companies lacking formal negotiation processes often see a decline in net income. This highlights the importance of structured negotiations and can be a point of discussion when advocating for your raise.

3. Develop Strong Negotiation Skills.

- Preparation and Research: Thoroughly prepare by researching relevant case law and understanding your firm's financial health. A well-prepared lawyer can present compelling arguments for their value.

- Communication and Rapport: Build rapport with decision-makers within your firm. Effective communication skills are crucial; being able to articulate your value proposition clearly can sway opinions in your favour.

4. Showcase Your Expertise and Value.

- Highlight Specialisations: If you have niche expertise or have successfully handled complex cases, emphasise these points. Data shows that lawyers with specialised knowledge often achieve better negotiation outcomes.

- Client Testimonials and Success Stories: Gather testimonials from clients or colleagues that reflect your contributions. Positive feedback can serve as powerful evidence of your value to the firm.

5. Analyse Firm - Wide Data Trends.

- Use Litigation Analytics: Some tools provide insights into judges, courts, and case outcomes which can help you understand broader trends in legal success rates within your firm. This data can be used to argue for your role in enhancing the firm's reputation and success.

- Internal Performance Reviews: Review any available internal performance data that reflects on your contributions relative to peers. Understanding where you stand compared to others can help you make a stronger case for why you deserve a pay rise.

By employing these strategies, you will be well-equipped to negotiate effectively for a pay rise, backed by solid data and a clear understanding of your value within the firm.

Rob on rob@thegrmgroup.com

Looking for a complete change?