A Haven For Straight Talk: <b>Mystery Shopper</b>

At most firms, the transition to partnership requires that an attorney "buy into" the organization. The amount varies considerably, but it is often more than a year's salary. And partners almost always pay for their benefits out of pocket. And partners' draws are often wildly inconsistent from month to month. The eventual financial rewards of partnership can be huge, but the first couple years aren't easy. <br>And what do law firms do to prepare associates for partnership? If the three stories above are any indication, partners terrify associates, lead them to believe that marketing is a sign of corporate weakness and fail to educate them on the basics of firm finance. All that in preparation for the day when they'll be asked to "buy into" the partnership. If you're asking somebody to buy something, they're a customer. And firms should treat associates like customers from the day they begin interviewing until the day they make partner.

12 minute read July 01, 2004 at 10:25 AM
By
Andy Havens
A Haven For Straight Talk: <b>Mystery Shopper</b>

Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain …

Story 1: I was treated to lunch recently by a 4th-year associate at a large corporate law firm.

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