Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Linking Partner Pay to Strategic Firm Objectives

By J. Mark Santiago
February 01, 2020

Pay for performance is not a new concept in this country. The ideas and concepts underlying a graduated pay scale based on contribution and merit are deeply ingrained in our society and date back at least to Adam Smith and the Scottish Renaissance. And despite some recent, spectacular aberrations at the top of some of America's largest corporations pay for performance in the corporate setting has served this country well.

However, in general law firms have been slower to adopt pay for performance systems. There were many reasons for this. First and foremost, the law was thought of as "A Profession" not a job and partner compensation reflected not only the work that one did but a return on invested capital and the number of years an individual had been at the firm. It was not unusual for old law firm lock step pay systems to increase compensation as a partner aged (and presumably had additional financial responsibilities brought on by a family) peak in the mid-fifties and then decline (as the financial obligations of colleges and marriages decreased) through the partners later years.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.

Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office Image

A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.

Bit Parts Image

Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

How AI Has Affected PR Image

When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.