BigLaw Partner Compensation in 2026: What to Expect

Dear Elena V.,

The Partnership Compensation Landscape

BigLaw partner compensation remains one of the industry's most closely guarded secrets, but market trends and publicly available data paint a clearer picture for 2026 projections. The fundamental reality is that partner earnings vary dramatically based on firm tier, practice area demand, and individual business generation.

Equity vs Non-Equity: The Critical Distinction

Understanding the partnership track you're targeting is essential. Non-equity partners at Am Law 100 firms typically earn substantial compensation, though exact figures vary significantly by firm tier and performance. These positions offer substantial compensation but lack the ownership stake that drives the highest earnings.

Equity partners represent the true wealth-building tier of BigLaw. At elite firms, equity partners can earn substantial compensation that varies widely based on performance and business generation. The portable book of business calculator can help you understand how client relationships translate to partnership economics.

Practice Area Premiums

Certain practice areas command significant premiums in today's market. M&A partners at top firms often earn substantial compensation, particularly those handling mega-deals for tech and financial services clients. Privacy and data security practices are commanding premiums as firms compete for talent in these growing areas.

Employment law presents interesting dynamics, especially in California, though practitioners should verify current PAGA requirements as laws continue to evolve. Bay Area employment partners focusing on tech layoff litigation and emerging AI employment law are seeing exceptional opportunities. Similarly, bankruptcy and restructuring practices create cyclical windows where the right expertise becomes extremely valuable.

Geographic Considerations

Location significantly impacts compensation expectations. New York and Silicon Valley represent the highest compensation markets, but markets like Charlotte are creating compelling value propositions. Charlotte BigLaw partners may earn less than NYC counterparts, though the cost of living differential can affect overall value and often results in superior quality of life and wealth building.

Seattle's tech-driven market offers another interesting dynamic, where IP and corporate partners serving Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta can approach coastal compensation levels while enjoying Pacific Northwest lifestyle benefits.

2026 Market Projections

Several factors will influence 2026 compensation levels. Many Am Law 100 firms have shown revenue growth in recent years according to industry reports, suggesting continued upward pressure on partner compensation. AI and technology transactions are driving expansion at nearly every major firm, creating opportunities for partners with relevant expertise.

However, the market is becoming increasingly performance-driven. Firms are more sophisticated about evaluating partner contributions, meaning compensation will increasingly correlate with business generation and practice leadership. Many firms are moving toward more performance-driven partnership models.

Building Toward Partnership

For first-year associates eyeing the partnership track, focus on developing both legal expertise and business development skills early. The most successful partners combine technical excellence with the ability to generate and service client relationships. Consider how your practice area aligns with long-term market trends—practice areas like ESG, healthcare regulatory, and white collar defense have shown sustained demand, though market conditions vary.

The Cravath scale calculator can help you understand current associate compensation trends, which provide insight into firm economics and partnership investment capabilities.

Strategic Career Planning

Rather than focusing solely on peak compensation numbers, consider the full partnership value proposition. Equity partnership at a well-managed Am Law 200 firm often provides better long-term wealth building than non-equity status at a more prestigious firm.

Industry observers note that firms often value portable business and expertise in lateral partner hiring decisions rather than traditional pedigree factors. This creates opportunities for attorneys who develop the right specializations and client relationships, regardless of their current platform.

Note: All compensation figures cited are approximate market estimates based on publicly available data and may vary significantly by firm, market, and individual circumstances. Verify current figures directly with firms or recruiters.