2-year Analyst program contract - can one leave after only 1 year?

Your not a slave, you have the freedom to quit your job on day 2 or day 700. All they can do is possibly take back your sign on bonus if you didn't complete a certain amount of time. Lots of people leave after receiving their year end bonus. The only organization in the US which can force you to stay is the military and I've met plenty of shitbags who have manipulated their way out of that contract.

Thanks, marine13910.

Another question I have is,

Suppose you land a position at PE firm and wanna quit your IB job. Your firm asked you to give them back a sign-on bonus (10K). Can you ask your new firm (PE) to take that into consideration and give you bigger sign-on bonus or such?

Thanks again.

Usually it is stipulated in your contract the minimum time needed for you to stay at the firm for you to keep your sign on. At my bank it was 3 months after your start date. I wouldn't worry about that hypothetical as more than likely you wouldn't make the switch to buyside not until you have done a complete year.

Thanks, bearing.

they will often buy you out

employee at will in most, if not all contracts at banks meaning you can quit/get fired at any time. and i agree with jimbo, your PE firm will buy you out. ive had buddies leave partway into their 2nd year and the firm bought out their bonuses as well

Thank you both for replies. Very helpful.