Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

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

Amending the Law Firm Partnership Agreement

By Arthur J. Ciampi and Maria L. Ciampi
August 01, 2022

Ideally, all law firm partnerships should have written partnership agreements. Written partnership agreements, when well drafted, provide clarity as to the terms of the partnership relationship, avoid disputes, and provide stability.

Despite the beneficial effects of having a written partnership agreement and the training and sophistication of lawyers, many law firms do not have one. One court colorfully described such a firm whose matter was before the court: "Like the children of the legendary shoemaker who went without shoes, this firm of numerous sophisticated and talented lawyers is, and has at all times been, without a written partnership agreement." Baker v. Gordon Hurwitz, Butowsky Baker Weitzen & Shalov, Index No. 8235/94 (N.Y. Sup. July 14, 1993).

Unfortunately, having a written partnership agreement is not enough. Many law firms with a written agreement stick it in a drawer, rarely read it, and do not amend it. Failing to amend the agreement can cause harm to the firm and its partners. Indeed, as time progresses, the original written agreement may no longer fit the structure, culture, growth, and changing needs of the evolved firm.

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
Top 5 Strategies for Managing the End-of-Year Collections Frenzy Image

End of year collections are crucial for law firms because they allow them to maximize their revenue for the year, impacting profitability, partner distributions and bonus calculations by ensuring outstanding invoices are paid before the year closes, which is especially important for meeting financial targets and managing cash flow throughout the firm.

The Self-Service Buyer Is On the Rise Image

Law firms and companies in the professional services space must recognize that clients are conducting extensive online research before making contact. Prospective buyers are no longer waiting for meetings with partners or business development professionals to understand the firm's offerings. Instead, they are seeking out information on their own, and they want to do it quickly and efficiently.

Should Large Law Firms Penalize RTO Rebels or Explore Alternatives? Image

Through a balanced approach that combines incentives with accountability, firms can navigate the complexities of returning to the office while maintaining productivity and morale.

Sink or Swim: The Evolving State of Law Firm Administrative Support Image

The paradigm of legal administrative support within law firms has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade. But this begs the question: are the changes to administrative support successful, and do law firms feel they are sufficiently prepared to meet future business needs?

Tax Treatment of Judgments and Settlements Image

Counsel should include in its analysis of a case the taxability of the anticipated and sought after damages as the tax effect could be substantial.