I’m on the “partnership track,” and honestly? I don’t want it. I like the work and the paycheck, but the thought of managing a book of business, wooing clients, and basically living at the office makes me want to crawl out of my skin. I just want to be really good at what I do without having to sell it 24/7. Can you actually say that out loud in this industry or will I destroy what I've built so far?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

This is one of the top reasons why we introduced a non-equity tier.

likehelpful

Alas, my old firm had a non-equity tier and STILL expected non-equity partners (and associates!) to bring in business. The relentless drumbeat of “BD” was the main reason I left to go in-house.

like

Say it and watch the invites dry up. Firms don’t invest in people who won’t chase the carrot.

like

It’s called income partner and everyone would love for you take on that role lol. You’re saying you want to do all the servicing, none of the the business development and get paid a lot less than share partners. Yeah, super valuable especially if someone willingly takes on that role.

like

As long as they offer close to partner level base salary I don't care about the share of firm profits.

You can do that but no don’t say it out loud.

Say things like “I’m very invested in the firm but I’m not sure this is the right year to apply for partner,” or “I’d like to wait a few years, any maybe circle back when the time seems right.” Just repeat that for like 10+ years.

funny

It's like your body weight. We all have a waistline that we're comfortable with. You found your spot. When the time comes, I hope the firm will understand your reason the same way you see it.

Just know this going into that meeting. It could also be the beginning of the end of your time there.

I hope that's not the case. 🤞

Private practice felt like Glengarry Glen Ross to me. ABC: Always Be Closing. I wasn’t destined for a Cadillac Eldorado or even the steak knives . . .

Hire more Paralegals and spree the cheerake everyone happy

I think it depends on the place. I am an equity partner and financially it has not paid off for me, and it doesn’t for a lot of people at my firm, unless you are one of the few top tier rainmakers. Because of this, there are people who are offered equity status but turn it down. They really aren’t treated differently for making that decision and more people are making it because more younger partners where I work are openly talking about equity status almost being harmful financially - senior associates make more than some equity partners

Related Posts

I’ve got $1500 to spend on business development by year end. So, here’s the question. If you were to imagine starting your business from scratch and all you had was $1500 how would you use it?

like

Just wanted to know how epam anywhere is in terms of WLB, projects and perks. Honest answer please .

Have offer and thinking to join ..

Hi All,

How is epam anywhere different from epam systems ?

Can switch to epam anywhere from epam systems ?

like

Hey Fishes,

I'm looking for a job switch in HR domain. Having 4+ YOE and holding a master's degree in MBA HR.
Looking for your support.
Also, I don't have sufficient Likes to DM so struggling to unlock the same.

like

West Coast and Midwest reps who actually get consistent food and tabletop boards, where you at? I’ve got a director with a great reel of mostly over delivered low budget work, but a strong client list. I’m looking for someone who is a go to resource for agencies with these tops of jobs. I’ve already submitted a form on the AIR website. Thanks :)

like

I see lot of posts on hike and performance bonus.. Performance bonus is your variable pay right? Does big 4 really pay more than 100% variable pay!?

I have offer from Deloitte USI and KPMG global services. I am planning to join KPMG.. does KGS also pay good hike amd more than 100% performance bonus like deloitte?

like

During my job search, I am getting a lot of recruiters asking for me to answer right to represent emails. These particular recruiters follow a same pattern and seem unprofessional. Shall I be aware and not sign these right to represents? Are they a scam? Or is it a cultural thing… can someone advise me, I’m based in the USA

like

Those who are voluntarily returning to the office — how often are you going and what days seem to work for you? Looking to slowly incorporate a few days here and there for change of scenery etc. — will add there is no pressure to do so (yet).

like

Thoughts on the new Vegas slogan “What happens here, only happens here”?Apparently people hate it. I think it’s a good spin on the classic “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

like

13 LPA fixed for Package Specialist. Is it good for a 3.2 years exp candidate? How much can we expect in hand?

like

advice on choosing either transaction opinions group at mid-market investment bank or valuation controller group at a huge investment bank?
pros/cons?
what are the differences?

likehelpful

does anyone think tech consulting is a scam? Im currently a tech consultant. Im interviewing for an industry jobs and every company has been complaining about poor implementations. Thoughts?

likefunny

Are any American consultants working in the middle east? Currently, trying to make the transition myself! Grew up in America, but my whole families from the middle east, so I want to do it for a couple of years.

How would I go about this process? Should I join a firm first, then make the transition?

like

Red red red

like

Resume question I've had three positions over my career one of which lasted 3 months and that I got fired from, the job search took an additional 2 months. Is it worth it to leave the 3 month stint off my resume? It might be easier to explain getting fired then a 5-month gap I was thinking

like

Anyone struggling with imposter syndrome? When I worked for a very well known Fortune500 tech company I couldn't help but feel major imposter syndrome. One- I am a woman in a male dominated industry, I didn't go to a prestigious school like most of my peers and I just didn't think I deserved to be there. Everyday was a struggle and tried to keep myself small so no one would find out I was a "fraud." Looking back on it now, wiser and more experienced, I realized how detrimental feeling that way

like

So, I started working full-time at a retail store for clothing and accessories and after a brief dispute with my supervisor (my bike broke down which made me come in 20 minutes late to y shift) they told me that it seems like working is not my priority, so to make it easier on me I would only get 20 hours a week. Things are tight as it is, I can't start working half-time. Please someone share some advice or any job opportunities you've seen out there

like

What’s the most unprofessional thing you’ve seen in a deposition recently?

like

Larsen & Toubro Infotech Can anyone resign from l&t after 15 days of working without paying bond Larsen & Toubro Infotech L&T Technology Services

like

Mitch McConnell and Trump refuse to formally take up passed legislation from the House. We are reaching a point where the damage might be irreversible.

likefunny

Additional Posts in Law

Probably a foolish question: are bonuses based off of raw billable hours or billable hours modified by the partners?

like

What is a typical starting rate that young attorneys charge for per diem side work? First or second year lawyers should ask for what? Client is a big firm.

like

How often do temporary "might-become-permanent" type jobs (at small/mid size firms) actually become permanent?

like

I want to get out of ID so badly. I don’t mind the work but the hours are just killing me. I just started at a new firm less than 6 months ago and I am already desperate to get out. It is not the firm or the people. I just hate the high billables. I have been applying to other jobs but I think I may need a recruiter for help. Any recommendation for a great recruiter in NYC?

like

Mid-level associate at a mid-size regional insurance defense firm practicing coverage litigation. Salary is capped b/c my firm only does I.D./coverage and has no direct-hire comm clients. Second round of interviews with a comm lit boutique where I would be the only associate with 5 partners. Other than partner track, salary/benefits, and switching from coverage to general comm lit, what qualities of the move should I be thinking about as I weigh my options? I've never worked at another firm.

like

Has anyone taken  ACAMS Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS)? Any comments/ reviews? How has it enhanced your employability? Why did you take the CGSS?

like

Anyone know when Ch. 7 BKs must close by? Is this changed by when there are adversary proceedings (alleged fraudulent transfers made to a bank for CC payments)? Asking for my friend who is unfortunately involved bc of his parents, who are the debtors (he isn’t a defendant or a debtor in this, but the payments were made to a CC in his name—a CC he didnt know was opened in his name).

Its in Texas, and the initial BK filing was made about 23 months ago. TIA!

like

How do y’all deal with burnout? First year already billed 1900 since Jan. I feel like I’m tired and uninterested in work all the time now.

like

Any advice on how to deal with a partner/boss who is shifting all responsibility to me with zero guidance, no mentoring, and an unwillingness to discuss the issues? (Small firm, only associate under this partner and have been working at the firm for 2 years). There are an increasing number of passive aggressive comments from the partner who expects to be completely hands off once the case lands on my desk. Wants me to figure it all out despite cases being from different areas of law.

like

Anyone have any affordable case management software recommendations? I’m looking for something a bit non-traditional as I work for a small nonprofit. Ideally the software would involve document organization/access as well as like a running “log” for folks to post relevant events or work completed for the file.

like

I’m on the Board of entity A (volunteer basis) and I’ll have an interview for a legal counsel position at entity B. Entity A and B have a partnership such that me working for entity B will create conflict of interest. Should I disclose my relationship with entity A during the initial interview with entity B’s hiring manager? If so, what should I say? I don’t want my volunteer job at entity A potentially jeopardizes my full-time job at entity B.

like

How do you wind down after a rough day?

like

I'm a long time prosecutor getting into the ID game and billable hours. Are there any resources out there that can help me get more effective/efficient without spending months/years learning the hard way? Some days I'm at the office 10 hours, took virtually no breaks and yet only bill 7. 🤬

like

Is there an appropriate way to turn down an assignment because it is non-billable? Two of the partners I work for keep asking me to write client bulletins and articles with them, which is great, but now I’m starting to worry about meeting my billable hours requirement.

like

Advice on managing up / enduring toxic deal teams? I’m at the point where my stomach drops any time I see something come in from certain people. Everything is behind, client is unhappy, I’m exhausted and simultaneously being micromanaged without guidance on big-picture/substantive issues. I keep trying to tell myself at least this is consulting and the project will be over... eventually...

like

What is the most “do as I say, not as I do” thing you’ve been told or punished/reprimaded for as an associate?

like

Anyone at Pryor Cashman have intel on firm culture, work/life balance, and comp?

like

I found out a soon to be 2nd year associate got a 10k raise making his salary 110k now, while I, the soon to be 3rd year associate got a 2k raise making my salary 107k. So now the 2nd year male associate is making more money than me. How do I bring this up to the partners?

like

First year litigator still waiting for that summer slowdown everyone keeps talking about….at this point I could take 2 months off and still hit the billable target. I was told there would be “ebbs and flows” but this has just been a 9 month barrage with no end in sight

likehelpful

How does client secondment work from time mgmt perspective? Do you still have to bill even though you're essentially in-house?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal