Are You Really on Track for Partnership? Here’s How to Know.
Partnership can feel like a finish line—but what if the line keeps moving? For many NYC real estate attorneys, the path to partnership is more implied than defined. This post breaks down what real partnership tracks actually look like, the red flags that signal you’re being strung along, and what high-performing firms are doing differently to attract top talent. If you’re unclear where you stand, it’s time to ask better questions, and maybe explore smarter options.
For many NYC real estate attorneys, “partnership” is the prize that justifies years of long hours, late closings, and challenging clients. But too often, that prize turns out to be more vague than visible.
If you've been told you're on track but haven't seen a clear
plan, or worse, you're hearing different versions depending on the day, well
you are not alone. In my work advising attorneys and law firms across the city,
this is one of the most common pain points I hear.
So, let’s break it down.
What Real Partnership Tracks Look Like
Real partnership tracks aren’t ambiguous. They’re
structured. They include benchmarks, timeframes, and a paper trail. Attorneys
who are truly on track will often have:
- A
clear window (e.g., “You’re being considered for partner in Q1 next year”)
- A
conversation about compensation changes, not just a title bump
- A
sense of their role in firm strategy moving forward—business development,
mentoring, cross-selling, etc.
If none of these apply to you, you may not be on the path
you think you're on.
Red Flags You're Being Strung Along
Some firms keep high-performing associates in a holding
pattern, dangling the word “partner” as a retention tool rather than a true
commitment.
Here’s what that can sound like:
- “Let’s
revisit it next year.”
- “We
just want to see how you handle a few more matters first.”
- “Partnership
discussions happen behind closed doors—just keep doing what you're doing.”
If you've been hearing this for more than two cycles, it's
time to ask harder questions.
And if your firm can’t articulate what changes once you
become a partner—title, comp, voting rights, origination share—then it’s likely
a cosmetic promotion or a “counsel” trap.
What Top Firms Are Doing Differently
The best firms in NYC real estate law aren’t vague. They’re
proactive and offer:
- Day-one
partner titles for senior laterals
- Structured
origination credit plans (often 15–20%)
- Clear
bonus timelines and comp reviews tied to performance
- Cross-functional
support from litigation, tax, zoning, and transactional teams to help
partners grow their books
These firms don’t expect you to build in isolation. They
provide leverage, referrals, and operational support so that your business (and
income) grows faster.
If You’re in Limbo, Do This Next
You don’t need to quit your job tomorrow. But you do
need clarity.
Start by asking your firm:
- What
specific criteria are used for partnership decisions?
- What
is the typical timeframe between being “in consideration” and actually
making partner?
- What
changes—title, comp, governance—once I’m made partner?
And if those questions go unanswered, that is your
answer.
Closing Thought: The Market is Moving
I’ve seen more lateral partner moves in NYC real estate law
over the past 18 months than in the five years prior. Attorneys are waking up
to the reality that loyalty should be mutual, and that career growth doesn’t
always come from waiting.
If you're curious what your options are, or what the market
would pay someone with your experience, board work, or client base, I’m happy
to talk confidentially.
You might be further ahead than you think. Or you might just
need the right platform to get there.