Partner
A Partner is a senior-level position in a law firm who has ownership stake in the firm and shares in its profits and losses. This is typically the highest position an attorney can achieve in a law firm. Partners are responsible for bringing in new business (often called "rainmaking"), managing major client relationships, supervising other attorneys, and making important decisions about the firm's direction. Some law firms have different types of partners, such as equity partners (who own a share of the firm) and non-equity partners (who are senior but don't have ownership). This role is similar to being a part-owner of a business, combined with being a senior practicing attorney.
Examples in Resumes
Promoted to Partner at Smith & Jones Law Firm, managing a team of 15 attorneys
Served as Managing Partner for the intellectual property practice group
Advanced from Associate to Junior Partner in six years, specializing in corporate law
Senior Partner responsible for firm's largest client relationships and $10M annual revenue
Typical job title: "Law Firm Partners"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Law Firm Partners
Professional Associations
Networking Platforms
Legal Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Partner Level Questions
Q: How do you approach business development and client retention?
Expected Answer: Should discuss strategies for bringing in new clients, maintaining relationships with existing clients, networking methods, and how they measure success in client development. Should mention specific examples of growing practice areas or client portfolios.
Q: What is your experience in managing and developing other attorneys?
Expected Answer: Should explain their approach to mentoring associates, delegation strategies, performance evaluation methods, and how they contribute to firm culture and attorney development.
Junior Partner Level Questions
Q: How do you balance practicing law with management responsibilities?
Expected Answer: Should discuss time management, prioritization skills, delegation strategies, and how they maintain both client work and internal firm responsibilities.
Q: What strategies have you used to build your book of business?
Expected Answer: Should explain their approach to networking, client relationship building, and specific methods they've used to attract and retain clients.
Associate-to-Partner Track Questions
Q: What are your plans for developing a client base?
Expected Answer: Should outline their networking strategy, understanding of business development, and plans for building relationships that could lead to future business.
Q: How do you contribute to the firm beyond billable hours?
Expected Answer: Should discuss involvement in firm committees, mentoring junior associates, writing articles, speaking at conferences, or other contributions to firm growth.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (7-9 years)
- Strong legal practice expertise
- Beginning to develop client relationships
- Some supervision of junior attorneys
- Contributing to business development
Mid (10-15 years)
- Established client base
- Team leadership experience
- Significant case management
- Consistent business generation
Senior (15+ years)
- Large client portfolio management
- Firm leadership responsibilities
- Strategic planning involvement
- Significant revenue generation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Limited experience in business development
- Poor track record of client retention
- Lack of leadership or management experience
- History of frequent firm changes
- No experience managing other attorneys
Related Terms
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