Editor’s note: This is the fourth article in a new nine-part series on making a job transition as a lawyer, which is featured on lawjobs.com News & Views. Links to the previous article in this series, as well as to articles in other series by the authors, follow this article.

When you receive a job offer, you first must determine what is or is not negotiable. Many organizations have established salary schemes and benefits plans that do not leave much room for movement. Pushing for concessions that are impossible for the employer to make will only damage your relationship or may terminate the discussions. You also must consider the entire compensation package, not just the salary component. If salary is on the low end and is not negotiable, other items in the package may make up the difference.