Alvarez & Marsal Restructuring

I've done some research on A&M's restructuring group here and elsewhere, but wanted to get input from other members here. My understanding is that the restructuring business is top notch, and has a reputation for great work. Base pay seems below average, but the bonuses can be significant. As with anything, the hours are long and travel is expected, but the firm seems to be entrepreneurial in that hard work and high performance are well rewarded.

As an analyst (looking at the west coast area) it sounds like the majority of the work would be developing an expertise in a business area, 13-week cash flow modeling, occasionally more traditional 3-statement models, and bankruptcy filings/prep. Base pay that I've heard is between 75-100k with a bonus anywhere from 75-150% of that. Does anyone have insight into how this is determined exactly? Is it a percentage of your billables? If so, any strategies for aligning yourself with seniors who are going to put me on an upward trajectory/help with gaining exposure?

In terms of weekends, are they protected or will there be 6 and 7 day weeks? For exit opportunities, it seems natural that you could exit to a higher-ranking corporate finance role, possibly PE, possibly distressed situation HF, anything else? Is my understanding of the work at the analyst level pretty accurate, or am I missing anything?

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!