BigLaw partner compensation in 2026 will likely continue growing modestly, with equity partners at top-tier firms earning $2-15M+ annually. Non-equity partners typically earn $500K-2M, while practice area and portable business significantly impact earnings potential.
Seattle's employment law market is dominated by regional powerhouses like Perkins Coie, Davis Wright Tremaine, and Lane Powell, with unique opportunities in tech employment law driven by Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta. The market offers strong growth potential but requires understanding of Washington's distinctive employment regulations.
Non-equity partner compensation disputes often signal deeper firm culture issues that rarely improve. A lateral move to a growing market like Charlotte can provide both financial upside and career reset opportunities.
Technology-adjacent practices, employment law, and privacy/data security lead 2026 lateral demand, with significant regional variations. High-growth markets like Charlotte and Seattle offer unique opportunities beyond traditional BigLaw strongholds.
Moore & Van Allen is Charlotte's premier regional firm, particularly strong in banking, financial services, and corporate law due to its proximity to Bank of America and Wells Fargo headquarters. The firm dominates the local market in commercial real estate and maintains solid litigation capabilities.
Law firm partnership offers significant financial rewards through equity participation and profit sharing, plus professional autonomy, business development opportunities, and long-term wealth building potential. However, partners also assume substantial business risks and client responsibility.
Corporate associates handle M&A, securities, and general corporate work, with firms evaluating deal experience, drafting skills, and client management abilities. The current market strongly favors experienced corporate laterals, especially those with 3-7 years of experience.
The M&A associate lateral market remains competitive but active, with strong demand in tech-heavy markets and emerging practice areas. Success depends heavily on timing, deal experience quality, and target market selection.
Partner billable hours vary significantly by firm type and market, with Am Law 100 partners typically billing 2,000-2,400 hours annually. However, partners focus more on business development and client management than pure hour generation.
Evaluating an Am Law 100 lateral offer requires analyzing compensation against current Cravath scale benchmarks, assessing the firm's practice strength and culture, and weighing long-term career trajectory benefits against lifestyle trade-offs.
Non-equity partners receive fixed compensation and limited firm governance, while equity partners share in firm profits and have ownership stakes. The choice depends on your book of business, risk tolerance, and long-term career goals.
Employment law demand is surging in California (PAGA litigation), the Pacific Northwest (tech employment issues), and growing Southeast markets. Many attorneys find better work-life balance and competitive compensation outside traditional BigLaw centers.
The Bay Area offers excellent employment law opportunities across Big Law firms like Fenwick & West and Wilson Sonsini (tech-focused) and specialized boutiques. PAGA litigation and tech layoff cases are driving significant demand for new talent.
Silicon Valley litigation practices are experiencing strong demand, particularly in tech-adjacent disputes, employment litigation, and IP matters. Associates with 3-6 years of experience are well-positioned for moves to both elite tech boutiques and national firms with significant Bay Area presences.
Bankruptcy and restructuring associates handle a mix of transactional and litigation work, from due diligence and document drafting to court filings and creditor negotiations. The practice combines corporate finance skills with specialized bankruptcy law knowledge.