Email vs signed letter (percentage, employer, work, company)

[Tac-Sea]

I've been negotiating my salary with my employer based on another offer. I've withheld something they need to win a key proposal; my letter acknowledging as key personnel I will work on said contract if the contract is awarded.

They came back just now and said via email from my managers company email address that they will pay me the difference via a bonus over a quarter. I think this is reasonable, considering I want to stay. I am debating releasing the signed letter of intent now vs asking for something more official in writing from them. I think the email is enough to hold up in court, and I don't want to delay them too long. Your call, if the majority here say that I should get an official letter from them, I'll do that. I personally feel the email is enough to prove/document their offer and my acceptance, and I'm ready to send them the letter.

[fishbrains]

You never want to go to court. It would cost you way more than any bonus (golden parachutes excepted). If you trust your employer overall and have a good working relationship with your boss, I would consider an email good enough.

[MJ7]

Obviously a signed letter from them would be the best option; however, an email would suffice as long as they give specific bonus amount and/or percentage (something with a number).

[Tac-Sea]

Good responses. I agree that going to court would be costly, and I do have a good working relationship with my employer, within reason. I consider the email from my manager with a statement of the differene between the offer and my current salary to be enough to hold over their head if it ever came to it. As such I've sent the email with the letter of intent.

Thanks guys, a bit of patience, and strategic moves worked out in my favor in the long run.