Curious how much partners earn in today’s legal market? Whether you’re eyeing a lateral move, considering starting your firm, or seeking data to benchmark your compensation plan, the new 2025 Law Firm Partner Compensation Report by BCG Attorney Search delivers the most detailed breakdown of partner pay across all firm sizes, regions, and practice areas.
This report is more than a snapshot—it’s a strategic tool for law firm partners, associates on the partner track, solo practitioners, and law firm leaders shaping their compensation models for growth and retention.
📊 Key Takeaways from the 2025 Report
- $1.3M – Median equity partner compensation at large firms (600+ attorneys)
- 58% of solo personal injury attorneys earn $500K+
- 34% of all solo practitioners earn $250K+
- $387K – Median equity partner compensation at small firms (≤100 attorneys)
Compensation by Firm Size: From Solo to Global Giants
The report reveals stark contrasts in compensation based on firm size:
| Firm Type | Equity Partner Median | Non-Equity Partner Median | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Practitioners | Varies widely | N/A | 100% profit retention, 100% business risk |
| Small Firms (≤100) | $387,000 | $205,000 | Regional focus, low overhead |
| Midsize Firms (101–600) | $633,000 | $275,000 | Multi-office, specialized services |
| Large Firms (600+) | $1,300,000 | $400,000 | International scope, complex transactions |
Solo Practice: High Rewards, High Risk
Solo practitioners have the greatest income variability. While some struggle, others earn well into the seven figures, especially in high-value contingency areas like personal injury.
🏆 High-Earning Solo Practice Areas
- Personal Injury: 58% earn $500K+
- Corporate Law: 45% earn $400K+
- IP Law: 42% earn $350K+
- Tax Law: 38% earn $300K+
⚠️ Lower-Earning Solo Practice Areas
- Trusts & Estates: Over 50% earn <$100K
- General Practice: Over 50% earn <$100K
- Family Law: 45% earn <$125K
- Criminal Defense: 40% earn <$150K
💡 Tip: Personal injury success is often driven by smart marketing, effective referral networks, and high-value case selection.
Small Firms: Entrepreneurial Upside with Limitations
Smaller firms offer diverse income opportunities, but profitability depends heavily on team structure and specialization. Here’s how partner pay breaks down based on firm size:
| Firm Size | Common Range | % of Partners Earning $250K+ | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–5 attorneys | $150K–$299K | 39% | Shared overhead, flexible collaboration |
| 6–10 | $150K–$250K | 24% | Mid-level specialization, moderate growth |
| 11–25 | $100K–$500K | 32% | Multi-practice offices, regional service models |
| 26–50 | $150K–$250K | 35% | Formal structure, wider client base |
Midsize Firms: The Compensation Sweet Spot?
Midsize firms—often 50–200 attorneys—bridge BigLaw sophistication with small-firm intimacy. The report finds a wide range of partner compensation with meaningful room for growth:
Equity Partner Compensation:
- Median: $633,000
- High Performers: $1M+
- Entry Level: $400K–$500K
Non-Equity Partner Compensation:
- Median: $275,000
- High Performers: $400K+
- Entry Level: $225K–$275K
These firms often attract lateral partners seeking greater autonomy, better lifestyle balance, and still-competitive pay.
Large Firms: High Risk, High Reward
Large firms offer top-dollar compensation—especially for equity partners—but expectations are steep. Business development targets, hours billed, and team management requirements tend to be significantly higher.
- Equity Partner Median: $1.3M
- Non-Equity Partner Median: $400K
- Top Tiers: $2M+ common in NYC, DC, and international markets
Regional & Practice Area Variations
BCG’s report also dives deep into:
- Regional Salary Differences: Big coastal markets still dominate, but some mid-market regions offer impressive upside with lower cost of living.
- Practice Area Trends: M&A, litigation, IP, and real estate remain lucrative, but PI and niche regulatory work offer high solo earning potential.
Why This Report Matters
Whether you’re:
- Planning a lateral partner move
- Launching a solo or boutique firm
- Leading a firm compensation committee
- Or just benchmarking your earning potential
The 2025 Partner Compensation Report is a must-read. It offers not only salary data—but also market insights, trends, and strategy guides to help attorneys navigate a rapidly evolving profession.
FAQs
📌 Who should read this report?
Partners, senior associates, law firm managers, solo attorneys, and legal recruiters.
💼 Does the report cover both equity and non-equity partners?
Yes, with detailed medians, ranges, and structural differences.
🗺️ Does geography matter?
Absolutely. Compensation varies significantly by city, region, and firm tier.
📚 Where can I read the full report?
👉 Click here to access the full 2025 BCG Partner Compensation Report
