Less Than a Third of Female Lawyers Now Aiming for Partnership

LONDON - Little over a third of lawyers now aspire to join the partnership at their firm, as new research suggests that the increasingly slim chance of making partner is hitting its motivational power.

Legal Week Intelligence's 2010 Employee Satisfaction Report found that only 38% of associates now regard making partner at their own firm as their key career aim. The number represents a significant decrease on previous figures of 45% in 2009 and 50% in 2008.

The lack of interest in partnership was particularly evident among female respondents, with just 29% stating they want to become partners at their own firm, compared to 48% of men.

Berwin Leighton Paisner managing partner Neville Eisenberg commented: "The global trend of young professionals being interested in career alternatives has been accelerated by the fact that partnership at top law firms is becoming harder to attain."

The research, based on responses from more than 3,800 associates, suggests that associates view partnership as becoming increasingly unobtainable and fewer are willing to make the sacrifice required. Just under a quarter (22%) claimed they want to leave private practice, most commonly by going in-house (11%) or changing careers (11%).

Shearman & Sterling London managing partner Anthony Ward said: "Partnership is a lot more difficult to achieve today than it was 10 years ago. The companies and banks that offer in-house careers provide a structure that is appealing to many."

Linklaters senior partner David Cheyne commented: "Career alternatives such as general counsel or other in-house roles are high-quality options and very well regarded. It is healthy to consider alternatives to partnership - the more options, the more attractive the profession."