Goldman trimmed 1,395 roles (3-5% of the firm) in its spring 2026 review, on top of the annual low-performer culling. HR is hoping you sign before you compare. We find what's negotiable in 24 hours for $199.
Goldman trimmed 1,395 roles (3-5% of the firm) in its spring 2026 review, on top of the annual low-performer culling.
Most affected: investment banking, markets, ops, partners. The package you received was drafted to be signed quickly. The severance multiple, equity treatment, healthcare bridge, release language, and any non-compete riders are all moveable if you know what to push on.
What we already know about Goldman Sachs packages: Bonus typically paid pro-rata; severance varies sharply by level; partners often subject to vesting and clawback on equity.
Your 21-day review clock is already running (45 if you're 40 or older in a group layoff). Don't burn it.
Three of the issues we routinely find for finance-sector exits like Goldman Sachs. The full report runs 8 to 15 issues like these, ranked by dollar impact, with a redlined version of your document attached.
What it means: Banking severance routinely zeros out the bonus you have already earned for the year. Compensation committees often have discretion to pay pro-rata for involuntary separations.
Counter: Demand pro-rata of last year's bonus through Separation Date. Cite the discretionary plan language and prior practice for involuntary separations.
What it means: Deferred comp from prior years and unvested partner/MD equity can be the largest single dollar item on the table. Default forfeiture is the company's opening move, not a binding outcome.
Counter: Negotiate vesting credit for the deferred comp tranches that would have vested in the next 12-18 months. Acceleration is common at the MD level.
What it means: Garden leave should pay full base + benefits, prevent solicitation, but allow you to interview elsewhere. Many drafts restrict your activity without compensating you accordingly.
Counter: Insist on full comp continuation, freedom to interview, and a defined end date. No open-ended restrictions.
Send the severance as a PDF. Tell us your role, tenure, state, and what matters most. Money, healthcare, references, equity. Takes five minutes.
Our model runs every clause against our severance rubric and finance-sector benchmark library. A human reviewer audits before delivery.
A shareable PDF: flagged issues, what to ask for, and the email language to send Goldman Sachs HR. Add a 30-min strategy call if you want backup.
Attorneys charge $500 to $1,500 an hour and need 3 to 5 hours for this. We deliver the same analysis in 24 hours for $199.
24-hour turnaround
Everything above, plus a 30-min Zoom
$199, 24 hours, shareable PDF. The cheapest leverage you'll buy this quarter.