Skip to main content

American Juris Society

Biglaw’s $20 Million Partner Paydays Are Getting Out Of Control

Ed. note: Welcome to our daily feature, Quote of the Day.

The rules are just flying out the window.

 Naomi Kaplan, a Los Angeles-based recruiter, in comments given to Reuters, concerning the eye-popping compensation packages Biglaw firms are using to lure star partners. With some rainmakers now commanding guarantees of $20 million or more, firms are taking increasingly expensive gambles on lateral hires, despite research showing that many fail to meet financial expectations or remain at their new firms for the long haul.


Staci Zaretsky is the managing editor of Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.

The post Biglaw’s $20 Million Partner Paydays Are Getting Out Of Control appeared first on Above the Law.

We’re Building Something Worth Joining

The American Juris Society: we’re not just another paid listing or vanity award. We’re here because we believe attorneys deserve real benefits, real connections, and real recognition—without the gimmicks.

As an accepted member, you’ll get:

  • Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Connect with top legal professionals nationwide
  • Educational Resources & CLE Access: Stay ahead with valuable learning tools
  • Professional Recognition That Matters: Showcase your expertise with credibility
  • Client Referral & Growth Opportunities: Expand your reach and visibility
  • A Community Built on Integrity: We care about our members, and we prove it
Limited-Time Founding Offer: The first 100 members in each state receive an exclusive discount!